The approach is centred on a community based, ecologically sustainable, circular farming system, that reduces environmental degradation, while creating long-term economic benefits. Delivery will take place across eight different work packages. Work will include the development of a biochar facility on the Loop Head peninsula, the development of biochar production and the formulation of fertilizer. It will include laboratory trials, and field trials, to fully analyse the interactions of biochar, field crops, and fungi. Field testing, of optimised inputs, will take place on the land of participating local farmers. The approach will focus on the mitigation of runoff, and undertake local catchment assessment work to monitor and quantify environmental impacts. The approach will also assess the economic and financial outcome of the work, and undertake comprehensive stakeholder engagement and training.

Operational Area: The EIP operational area is the Loop Head peninsula in West Clare. This area is also the designated decarbonizing zone in the recently adopted Climate Action Plan for County Clare. Selection was based on the socio-economic, physical, and environmental characteristics of the Loop Head peninsula. It is considered an appropriate demonstration area for rural decarbonisation measures to be adopted, and a demonstration area to highlight the potential for scaling up adoption across County Clare. The EIP will therefore, have wider relevance across County Clare and Ireland, and most especially in the coastal farming areas. The SCEENE EIP aims to address the environmental and agricultural sustainability challenges faced in such farming communities. Project delivery will ensure the work of the EIP, will be relevant across different farming systems.