East Coast Nature Reserve
Purchased in 2003, this former farmland been restored to a natural state, and is now home to a huge range of plants and animals. It represents a wonderful resource for the people of the greater Dublin region, as well as for the country as a whole, and was opened to the publics by President McAleese in June 2009.
The East Coast Nature Reserve is an important refuge for wetland plants and birds. There are three main habitats on the reserve: calcareous fen, grassland and woodland. The fen is the most important habitat for rare flora, whilst the grasslands and pools provide crucial nesting and feeding areas for birds.
Wetlands in Ireland and throughout Europe are highly threatened, and only fragments remain of what in the past were extensive areas teeming with wildlife. The reserve is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas.
Widlife highlights:
Birds - The Little Egret is a recent colonist, and Grey herons, Linnets, Greenfinches, Bramblings, Skylarks, Kingfishers are often seen.
Whooper Swan and Greenland White-fronted Goose are winter visitors to the reserve, arriving in October and staying until March. Also in the winter, ducks and wading birds gather on the reserve, such as Wigeon and Curlew. Flocks of Teal, Ireland's smallest duck, take up residence and Short-eared owl, Hen Harrier or Peregrine falcon are more likely to be seen in winter when they move to the coast in search of food.
Dragondlies and butterflies - Dragonflies are copious on the reserve during summer. 16 species of butterfly have been recorded, including the rare Marsh Fritillary and more common species like Red Admiral, Peacock and Orange Tip.
Kerry Bog Ponies were originally bred in the 17th century to work on peat lands, moving cut turf to drying areas. They were also used for carrying seaweed from the shore to the farm. With the decline of working horses,
the breed almost became extinct, and by the 1990's just 20 ponies were left. There are now 130 animals in Ireland, and the future of the breed now seems assured. BirdWatch Ireland, in partnership with Genetic Heritage Ireland, is delighted to have been able to bring this breed to the East Coast Nature Reserve.
Access: There are to two hides near the main entrance which overlook pools and wet grassland which hold hundreds of duck in the winter and breeding waders in the spring and summer. In the summer it is possible to walk along the coastal fields through the woodland and fen.
Location: 2 km east of Newcastle, south of Greystones on the east coast of County Wicklow. Park at the coastal car park, (turn to the coast near the Castle Inn, Newcastle).
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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