Gully Stabilisation and Erosion Control
Solid Ground:
The steep granite and schist slopes of the Wicklow uplands are highly vulnerable to gully erosion, a process that can carve deep channels into peat soils, wash away vegetation, and discharge fine sediments into the headwaters of sensitive rivers like the Cloghoge and Avonmore.
Why it Matters
Gully erosion in Irish uplands is a legacy of prolonged overgrazing, unmanaged recreational access, and increased storm intensity due to climate change. The resulting loss of upland peat not only disrupts ecological stability, but also contributes to the degradation of high-status waterbodies—many of which fall under Ireland’s Blue Dot catchment designation, such as the Cloghoge River and upper Avonmore.
Moreover, soil is the planet’s largest terrestrial carbon store. The world’s soils contain over 1,500 billion tonnes of carbon in the form of organic matter. Increasing global soil carbon stocks by just 0.4% per year—through practices like restoring degraded uplands—could halt the annual rise in atmospheric CO₂. This would make a measurable contribution to climate targets, while improving soil fertility, hydrological stability, and long-term food and water security
Our Approach at Luggala
Rather than imposing rigid infrastructure, we work with the landscape to encourage its recovery. Our nature-based solutions aim to restore soil structure, rebuild hydrological function, and foster long-term ecological resilience.
Planting deep-rooted native trees—including downy birch (Betula pubescens), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)—directly into eroded gullies. Their roots bind soil and help rebuild organic matter over time.
Protecting young trees with metal mesh cages to guard against browsing by deer. These enclosures are robust, reusable, and essential for establishing early-stage vegetation on exposed slopes.
“Slow the flow” engineering, placing large woody debris, cut branches, and felled timber into gullies. This helps reduce the speed and volume of runoff, traps sediment, and creates conditions for plant recolonisation.
Blocking old drains and restoring peatlands, particularly in shallow blanket bogs and peaty mineral soils. This raises water tables and fosters the return of moisture-loving species like sphagnum mosses and bog cotton.
What Recovery Could Look Like
While recovery is gradual, our vision is clear. In time, these gullied slopes could support:
Stable, sponge-like soils rich in organic carbon and microbial life, resilient to erosion and drought.
A mosaic of upland habitats—wet heath, regenerating native woodland, and flushes of mosses—supporting grouse and a range of upland invertebrates.
Clearer, cooler rivers flowing through intact riparian zones, buffered from sediment input.
A landscape where carbon is sequestered, water is retained, and biodiversity is enhanced—not degraded—with every passing season.
Rising populations of soil invertebrates are vital indicators of soil health.
Localised improvements in water quality and reduced sedimentation downstream, supporting aquatic life in tributaries of the Avonmore River.
Looking Ahead
We see these early efforts as the foundation of a much longer journey—one that blends ecological science with a practical approach to farming, and land care in the Wicklow Uplands.
References:
PubMed: “Revegetation-induced changes in vegetation diversity improve soil properties…” (2023)