Between The Fens And The Sea

This scene at Birdwatch Ireland's East Coast Nature Reserve at Blackditch near Newcastle is brought about by controlled shallow flooding of coastal grassland fields during the winter months and is a magnet to wading birds.  Low intensity cattle grazing in the summer months keep the grassland in suitable condition for wintering geese and swans.

Fen Life

Today we're again at misty Five Mile Point, near Newcastle, Co Wicklow, the southern end of Birdwatch Ireland's East Coast Nature Reserve as we observe this Mute Swan in the distance.

The East Coast Nature Reserve at Blackditch Wood, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow is an important refuge for wetland plants and birds. There are three main habitats on the reserve: calcareous fen (a rare type of bog), grassland and woodland. The fen, located at Five Mile Point, is the most important habitat for rare flora, whilst the grasslands and pools provide crucial nesting and feeding areas for birds.

Mist On The Fens

This is an area of fen at Five Mile Point, near Newcastle, Co Wicklow, part of the Murrough Wetlands and today a mist descends adding to the magic of the scene.

Train Approaching

The Arklow train approaches from Kilcoole and passes Newcastle Aerodrome en route to the next stop in Wicklow Town.

The Aerodrome

Saturday morning last and this is Newcastle Aerodrome located in the idyllic, scenic area of Six Mile Point with it's runway lying parallel to the railway track, and not a plane or a train in sight.

A Wetlands Ruin

A ruin lying between the railway line and the Murrough Wetlands at Six Mile Point near Newcastle, Co Wicklow.  This part of The Wetlands, between Six Mile Point and Five Mile Point, a little further south, is the site of BirdWatch Ireland's East Course Nature Reserve at Blackditch Wood.

Next Stop Wales

Spotted this commemorative stone on the boulder lined beach at Six Mile Point, near Newcastle, Co Wicklow reminding us of the laying of telegraph cables from here to Nevin, North Wales more than a century ago.

The Wetlands

Today, we're at Six Mile Point, Newcastle, Co Wicklow, part of the seasonally flooded area known as the Murrough Wetlands Complex which attracts a wide range of birdlife and is visited by thousands of seasonal migrants.

Full Steam Ahead V

This is the last post from our little trip on the Rail Preservation Society of Ireland's steam train from Greystones to Wicklow Town and back so, it's all aboard for the return, sit back and enjoy the views.

 I really shouldn't stick my head out the window but just had to have a peek!


















Below, we flash past, sorry, steam past Newcastle Aerodrome. 

 I like this view of the marshland between Newcastle and Kilcoole:

 Well that's it - for those with an interest in railways check out the RPSI's great website by clicking here.

High Summer - Newcastle Beach

Dull at times, but a not unpleasant day and still the beach is deserted.

A sleepy backwater, the Sea Road from Newcastle Village is an impressive and secluded residential and farming area leading to the beach which lies within The Murrough, a coastal wetland system that stretches for 15km north of the New Pier at Wicklow Harbour and which is a special area of conservation.

The railway divides the wetlands and the beach.





Below, the old station house: