Burrenbeo was started a locally based couple with skills in communications and HNV farming with the aim of connecting the people of the region with their place, and their role in its care. Initially, the idea was to highlight the importance of 'high nature value' (HNV) farming by affirming that the Burren was a ‘living landscape’ and not a heritage museum. This was done through a website and articles and images in local and national media. Its range of programmes (now over 40) and impact grown and in 2008 it was reconstituted as Charitable Membership Trust. Burrenbeo has developed a wide range of HNV farming -related learning experiences, including: - 'Eco-Beo': a 10-module programme in local schools offering local schoolchildren the opportunity to learn more about their heritage and their role in safeguarding it. Over 2,000 children have now graduated as 'local experts' in the Burren from this free course, enthusiastically taking ownership of their place and its care. - Monthly walks led by farmers who bring people across their land; - 'Tea Talks' where people come together in the local community hall to learn more about their place; - Burren Winterage Festival where the importance of HNV farming is celebrated through open farm events and a community cattle drive across the landscape. - Burren Winterage School on sustainable farming which is now a National forum to discuss and develop ideas on how to support HNV farming in Ireland (www.burrenwinterage.com). - A group of Conservation Volunteers whose monthly outings are usually on farmland and include works such as stone fence repair and scrub removal.

• Contribution to raising awareness, restoring pride and creating a culture of stewardship within the Burren and beyond. • Important improvement of the relationships between, and awareness among, key stakeholders – farmers, rural communities, NGOs, scientists, public authorities and the general public. • Improved social and economic opportunities for farmers.