East Coast Nature Reserve

Opened to the public in June 2009, the East Coast Nature Reserve is located just south of Greystones and is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. It acts as an important refuge to a huge variety of wetland plants and birds. The fens have been occupied by many species of flora, while the grasslands and pools at this wetland reserve provide essential foraging and nesting ground for the birds.

Common bird visitors to the East Coast Nature Reserve include the Little Egret, which is present all year round, Grey Heron, linnet, greenfinch, skylark and kingfisher. During the wintertime, new species of waterfowl arrive – Whooper swan, Greenland White-fronted Goose, wigeon, and curlew. The Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier and Peregrine Falcon are also more commonly spotted during the winter months as they travel to the coast in search of food. There have also been sixteen species of butterflies recorded at the reserve, such as the Marsh Fritillary, Red Admiral and Peacock.