Nature Diary: From the Wexford sloblands to the Shannon

In this, the last of four nature diaries looking at off-the-beaten-track nature reserves, this week we focus on nature reserves in the midlands, along the River Shannon and in the southeast.

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, which is jointly run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Birdwatch Ireland, is situated on 940 hectares of land known as sloblands.

An internationally important wetland site, it is one of Ireland’s finest bird sites, particularly in the winter months.  You can follow walking trails from 9am to 5pm and visit the observation tower which overlooks the sloblands.

Bullock Island near Banagher, Co Offaly and Bishop’s Island on the west side of the River Shannon are other interesting sites to visit.

Dara McAnulty: I savour the last of the blackbird song with every rising and falling sun

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Why Irish rivers urgently require more swimmers in them

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Family nature walks can be made more fun with observation

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And whinchat, sedge and grasshopper warblers, lapwing, redshank and curlews are among the birds that can be spotted at the Shannon Callows Reserve (car park in Shannon Harbour) during the summer months.