02-05-2025
Birdwatching outing to Wicklow's East Coast Nature Reserve
Officially opened in 2009, the East Coast Nature Reserve covers 92ha and forms part of the extensive Murrough Wetlands, an important coastal wetland complex which is designated as a Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation.
Following management through an EU LIFE project between 2003 and 2007, the reserve offers a variety of habitats, from rare fen to wet grasslands to birch woodland, which can all be explored on foot through marked walking trails and observation hides.
The outing takes place on Sunday, May 11, at 7am and will see the Wicklow Brach team up with National Parks and Wildlife staff for an early morning stroll around the East Coast Nature Reserve. The walk will be slow with many stops to listen to the birds ad will run for an hour to an hour and a half. Participants are asked to dress for the weather and to wear waterproof shoes as the route surfaces are a mix of grass and board walk. It should be noted that dogs are not permitted.
Potential attendees are also advised that there is very limited parking available at the East Coast Nature Reserve, so car pooling, where possible, is recommended. Parking is also available in Newcastle village, which is a 1.5k walk, or at the sea end of Sea Road, which involves a 0.5k walk.
The meeting point for the event is at the entrance to the East Coast Nature Reserve for 7am.
