The East Coast Nature Reserve
BirdWatch Ireland is currently restoring a wetland nature reserve in Co. Wicklow as part of a four year project to protect rare waterbirds and fen habitat and to provide access to the visiting public.
Please click here for directions to the East Coast Nature Reserve at Blackditch.
Here you will find the beautiful Little Egret, an all white heron, and if you are lucky the brilliant flash of turquoise of the Kingfisher, as well as wintering geese and swans, some migrating all the way from Greenland. At the heart of the reserve lies the fen - reeds, willow and huge tussocks of sedge – which enclose the visitor giving the feeling of a primeval world. Please click here for a summary of what can be seen at Blackditch throughout the year.
EU Life Funding of wetland Restoration Work
Funding through the LIFE- Nature financial instrument of the European Union has allowed the wetland restoration work at Blackditch. The reserve forms part of the largest wetland complex on the east coast of Ireland- the Murrough Wetlands.
East Coast Nature Reserve Access
Access to the reserve is limited to supervised open days and school visits at the moment but in the future the public will have access to a number of hides and paths.
East Coast Nature Reserve Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers to help out. Please click here for more information, or contact Jerry Wray.
East Coast Nature Reserve Annual Updates
2009 annual update
2008 annual update
2007 annual update
2006 annual update