'The Grove', Morehampton Road Wildlife Sanctuary, Co. Dublin Click on an image to view a larger version.
		Title:				Freehold
		Date Acquired:				6th October, 1979
		From Whom Acquired:				Miss Kathleen Goodfellow
		Designations:				Zoned as residential conservation.
		Management:				Care-taking 'agreement' with Upper Leeson Street Area Residents' Association (ULSARA). ULSARA has paid for some maintenance work on site. Conservation Volunteers Ireland organise work parties. Birdwatch Ireland.
		Management Contacts:				An Taisce Head Office / Dublin City Association

ADDRESS / GRID REFERENCE

• Back Lane, Dublin 8.
• N 53' 24'' W 06' 16''

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

• 'little Jewel in a busy urban landscape'
• Provides example of conservation management in urban setting.
• Potential for environmental education as a demonstration of an urban wildlife garden.

HISTORY / DESCRIPTION
0.5 acres, covered in mature trees and saplings.

HOW ACQUIRED
Donated : "To preserve and maintain the same as a green area to be a nesting place and sanctuary for birds and an amenity for the citizens of Dublin".

Never built on because of Swan River which runs underground nearby.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND FUTURE PLAN

• Sewage pipes laid across property in 1992 to facilitate developers of adjacent Morehampton Mews.
• Major conservation work carried out in 2000-1 as property was in bad shape and local residents concerned. Plan drawn up by Maurice Bryan of Birdwatch Ireland. Aim was to keep sanctuary as a wild garden, to retain the ecological balance and provide for minimal intervention. Central focus is a shallow pool to attract wildlife and a pathway was added for possible public and school viewing in the future. Bird nesting boxes installed, new trees and wild flowers planted. On going feeding and management takes place during the winter months.
• Services of tree surgeons required from time to time.
• Birdwatch Ireland has noticed increase in bird activity since conservation work.