The State has purchased private land adjacent to the Glen of the Downs in Co Wicklow which could lead to the expansion of a large nature reserve in the area. The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) has welcomed the purchase of 100 acres of forestry land by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS). “It is very encouraging to learn of public funds being used to purchase land for nature restoration,” IWT chief executive Kieran Flood said. The Glen of the Downs is a national nature reserve protecting rare native oak woodland. “Nature restoration protects our natural heritage, restores ecosystems and their wildlife and helps fight climate change.
