In April 2017, Fingal County Council appointed Roughan & O'Donovan to undertake an ecological study of Kenure Woods and Drumanagh Headland in Rush, Co. Dublin.
The study will guide the future management of both sites by identifying measures to improve their biodiversity and amenity value.
Kenure Woods is a 3.3 ha mixed broadleaved woodland, which once formed part of a much larger woodland within the Kenure Park Estate, and now serves as an amenity area for the local community.
Drumanagh Headland is one of the principal archaeological sites in the county.
Roughan & O'Donovan's ecologists carried out a suite of surveys, including botanical, mammal, bird and non-native species surveys, to characterise both sites.
They recommended a number of management measures aimed at protecting and restoring their biodiversity, including:
- Removing non-native plants in Kenure Woods to create additional habitat for native species
- Providing bird boxes and bat boxes within Kenure Woods to enhance nesting and roosting opportunities
- Establishing a mowing regime in Drumanagh Headland to increase species diversity whilst protecting habitat for ground-nesting birds
In commenting on the project, Kate Moore, ecologist with Roughan & O'Donovan, said:
In a city that is growing fast, protecting and restoring biodiversity goes hand-in-hand with creating an environment where people want to live and spend time.
