This project aims to further develop the concept of and framework for, the establishment of a landscape-scale complex of wetlands and associated natural habitats in the Mid-Shannon region of Longford/Roscommon. This "wetland wilderness park" would aim to support and increase wetland wildlife and enable a sustainable infrastructure to enable people to visit to experience a large scale wetland and view the wildlife spectacle which it holds while cycling or walking. The wetland may perform other functions such as helping manage water quality and flooding and the potential to support other activities at a sustainable level such as angling or sustainable harvest of reed or similar small scale activities where this might be compatible with conservation management.
This concept development project runs until November 2016 and is being lead by Alan Lauder of the Golden Eagle Trust and in partnership with Longford and Roscommon County Councils and Bord na Mona with funding support from the Heritage Council
The map below gives an approximate search area for the project. The site search will examine existing wetlands, opportunities for wetland restoration or creation and opportunities for pedestrian and cycleway access development to link sites with other visitor attractions and businesses. The line is not hard and fast but guides initial search and feasibility assessments.
