Development of a genetic resources showcase park
at the Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Co Dublin
Fingal County Council intends to use the Turvey Nature Reserve in Donabate
as a showcase park for the use and conservation of native Irish breeds of
cattle, cereals and vegetables.
NATIVE IRISH CATTLE BREEDS
The County Council has a herd of Kerry Cattle at the farm in Newbridge
Demesne and was keen to expand this with Dexter and Irish Moiled cattle.
The Council purchased 4 purebred Dexter heifers each with calf at foot and 2
purebred Moiled heifers. The three cattle breeds are grazing the grasslands in
the Turvey Nature Reserve.
DEMONSTRATION ALLOTMENT FOR NATIVE IRISH VEGETABLES
A demonstration plot for native Irish vegetables has been developed in the
Turvey allotment scheme. A 20m x 10m plot has been set aside by Fingal Co.
Co. that will act as a training plot and demonstration plot. Volunteers from the
Conservation Volunteers Dublin build the demonstration allotment and the
Irish Seed Savers Association provided the seed and planting material.
NATIVE IRISH CEREALS
A 1.5 acre area was sown with Ardri Oats. Michael Miklis provided the seed
and a contractor sowed the Oats. Three-quarters of a ton of oat seed was
collected in August for sowing next year.
Project Coordinator: Mr Hans Visser