President Mcaleese opens Birdwatch Ireland’s East Coast Nature Reserve to the public

14/06/2009 07:43:21 June 2009. The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, has opened BirdWatch Ireland's, flagship 220 acre East Coast Nature Reserve at Newcastle, Co. Wicklow to the public. Purchased in 2003, this former farmland been restored to a natural state, and is now home to a huge range of plants and animals.

The reserve opening coincided with BirdWatch Ireland's 40th anniversary celebrations, and, with a backing of Skylark song, President McAleese warmly congratulated the charity's volunteers and staff on reaching this historic milestone.

Kieran Grace of BirdWatch Ireland said "The creation of a flagship reserve has been a long-term goal of BirdWatch Ireland for many years, and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved here. From today, the East Coast Nature Reserve is ready both for community and educational use, and we look forward to reaching out to schools and community groups to visit our reserve and offering them a fascinating insight into a unique habitat."

Following a tree planting ceremony, President McAleese walked to the reserve's new wildlife observation hide to meet the BirdWatch Ireland volunteers and supporters who have played such a vital role in the creation of the reserve.