Meadows are the centrepiece in this restored 18th century landscape. Flowering from March to September, each month provides a feast for our pollinating insects.
We have managed our meadows for almost 20 years now, cutting in September and removing the biomass, and so reducing the soil fertility and allowing a higher diversity of species to flourish. During that time we have witnessed an amazing transformation. 16 ha are now considered to be the rare habitat type ‘Lowland Hay Meadows’ (listed for protection on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive), and a further 8 ha are almost at that level.
Majestic Oaks and Lime trees, dotted through the meadows, enhance the views of the Dublin mountains in the distance. Pathways through the meadows enable visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of these species-rich and threatened habitats.
