BirdWatch Ireland Reserves

BirdWatch Ireland maintains a growing network of bird reserves around the country, all located in areas of conservation importance to birds.

We own or have long term leasehold on over 475 hectares of land covering a variety of habitats from rocky islands to saltmarshes and lakes through to woods and semi-improved grasslands. Details of these can be found by following the Reserves link. In addition, our reserve holdings are boosted through management agreements with land owners on a further 175 hectares of land.

A number of conservation projects are also undertaken by BirdWatch Ireland, funded through the EU LIFE-Nature programme, a European Community initiative which was created to support the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives with particular emphasis on the establishment and management of the Natura 2000 network of designated and protected sites. Please click here for further information on our EU LIFE projects.

Our reserves serve a dual role in ensuring that land is managed exclusively in the interest of birds and that these play a significant role in our campaign to foster public awareness of Ireland's wild bird heritage.

Many of our reserves are incorporated into an events programme organised though our branches network. These introduce new members and the general public to the pleasures of birdwatching through guided walks and such events as dawn chorus walks. They also inform on the workings of natural habitats and the need to incorporate conservation principles into land use and development activities. For more information on these events, contact BirdWatch Ireland or see our Branch events section.

Disclaimer

Please note that BirdWatch Ireland accepts no liability whatsoever for any accident, injury, loss or damage suffered by any person who visits any of its reserves, howsoever caused.  Any person choosing to visit a BirdWatch Ireland reserve does so entirely at his or her own risk.

Please note also that all visitors to any of BirdWatch Ireland’s reserves must comply with all relevant access and permission conditions stipulated by BirdWatch Ireland in relation to each reserve, both contained on this website and on any signs or notices that may be posted at the reserves.  Visitors also agree to comply with any restrictions or conditions communicated to them by BirdWatch Ireland, its staff or its authorised volunteers or agents.  Any person present on any BirdWatch Ireland reserve who is not in compliance with these conditions will be deemed to be trespassing.

Reserve access arrangements and conditions are liable to change from time to time.  Please check this website or contact BirdWatch Ireland to ascertain the arrangements and conditions in force at any given time.