Just under 100ac of land has been bought in Inchydoney, Co Cork, by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The 98.5ac land acquisition at White’s Marsh was announced by Minister of State for Nature Christopher O’Sullivan on Tuesday 23 September.

The Department of Housing, under whose remit the NPWS falls, said the site, also known as the Island Stand Intake, was purchased for its high nature value and for the protection of wetlands, grasslands and bird habitats.

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White’s Marsh is based within the Clonakilty Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Clonakilty Bay Special Protection Area (SPA).

The site is adjacent to Clogheen Marsh, owned by the NPWS, which was recently restored as a semi-natural habitat to increase its biodiversity.

Minister O’Sullivan said White’s Marsh is biodiversity rich, historically significant and deeply rooted in the culture and identity of Clonakilty.

“By securing this important place for nature and biodiversity, we are protecting its wetlands, grasslands and bird habitats.

“This purchase today will further strengthen the existing SPA and SAC in Clonakilty, and safeguard it for future generations, as well as making a valuable contribution to the wider area as a sustainable visitor destination,” he said.

Outlining plans for the site, Minister O’Sullivan said grasslands and wetlands will be restored and managed for nature.

“It also presents opportunities for education and awareness raising about the importance of these protected habitats,” he added.

Restoration

The habitat within White’s Marsh includes grassland, a lagoon and a small forestry plantation. The lagoon is an important bird foraging and roosting site within the SPA and is used by important birds including the Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Lapwing and other wintering water birds.

The Department of Housing said restoration of land within White’s Marsh to semi-natural habitats will enhance the habitat area available for foraging and roosting wintering waterbirds in the area.

It will involve expanding the area of terrestrial wetlands and creating habitats which are absent from the site at present, including freshwater pools and brackish scrapes, it added.