New nature reserve for popular walking spot at Rogerstown Estuary

A popular local walking spot located beside Beaverstown Golf Course is set to become a nature reserve, Fingal County Council has revealed.

Fianna Fail councillor for the area Adrian Henchy says he was contacted by local residents inquiring about why the walkway was blocked off.

“With the Covid-19 pandemic and Social restrictions this area had become increasingly popular with walkers most of whom of course live along the Beaverstown Road,” he said.

“On behalf of local residents, I did write to the council’s biodiversity officer for an update.”

In reply to Henchy, a biodiversity officer said the “council is developing a new nature reserve at the end of Beaverstown lane.

“Due to the increase in population in Donabate and Rush, migratory birds have been coming under increasing disturbance pressure from walkers and dogs at key roosting and feeding sites at the Rogerstown Estuary.”

The officer said that the reserve will provide a sanctuary for migrating birds.

“The purpose of this new reserve is to create a new undisturbed feeding and roosting area for migratory birds and reduce the disturbance to estuarine birds at the end of Raheen point,” he said.

“Since the start of the Covid pandemic a lot of local residents were using these lands and the foreshore of the estuary to exercise and walk their dogs.

“Due to the ecological sensitivity of these lands this was not considered appropriate and a new alternative walking route has been provided towards McAllisters Mill.”

The biodiversity officer said that livestock will be brought to the lands later this year to graze.

“Fencing off the area was important, not only to keep people and dogs of out the area, but also to contain the livestock that will be introduced in these fields later this winter.

“The area will also be managed for declining ground nesting birds such as Skylark and meadow pipit. A newly created wetland will also treat the surface water from the Kingsland housing estate, before it is discharged into the estuary.”