Senus, formerly known as FARMEYE, a leading innovator in natural capital software, is proud to announce the official launch of Purlieu, a project creating tools to quantify regenerative agriculture in Ireland and beyond. Supported by funding from the European Space Agency (ESA), Purlieu sets out to revolutionise the conservation and management of hedgerows, vital elements of Ireland’s agricultural landscape and fundamental for sustainable agriculture practices.
Hedgerows, emblematic of Ireland’s rural scenery, play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, mitigating soil erosion, sheltering livestock and enhancing agricultural resilience. In 2019, the BRIAR project conducted by Teagasc estimated that there are about 689,000 km, or 186,000 hectares, of hedgerows in the Republic of Ireland, covering about 4% of the national land area. Recognising the significance of these green corridors, Senus’s Purlieu project leverages cutting-edge technology to provide farmers and stakeholders with a comprehensive solution to measure hedgerow biodiversity, biomass and carbon stock.
Purlieu combines ground-based data capture with satellite imagery and advanced modelling techniques to deliver precise insights into hedgerow measurement and composition. By harnessing GNSS and LiDAR technology, the project offers farmers and land managers a reliable and cost-effective method for assessing hedgerow health and carbon sequestration potential.
Co-founder and CEO of Senus, Dr Eoghan Finneran, said:
“Senus gives farmers actionable insights to promote environmental stewardship and agricultural sustainability. Purlieu demonstrates our commitment to innovating cutting-edge technology for the greater good, giving valuable metrics to stakeholders while preserving our natural heritage.”
R&D Project Manager at Senus, Jessica Hicks, said:
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with the ESA on this exciting and impactful project. The continued commitment from ESA to Purlieu, adds to the growing recognition of Senus as a European leader in Natural Capital measurement technologies.”
The Purlieu project, spanning 22 months, commenced on January 17th, 2024, marking a significant step towards safeguarding Ireland’s hedgerow ecosystems. As the project progresses, Senus remains dedicated to driving positive change in the agricultural sector, promoting biodiversity conservation, and enhancing the resilience of natural assets in the rural landscape.
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