Cabragh Wetlands is an absolute gem that should be treasured

Twice in as many seasons I found myself sitting in the meeting room of the Cabragh Wetlands centre listening to the wise words of Michael Long and once again, I find myself the better for it.

Just beyond the bounds of Thurles town, lies a hidden gem that has been quietly flourishing for over 30 years - the Cabragh Wetlands.

This sanctuary, with its rich history and diverse ecosystem, stands as a testament of post industrial transition, community, and what can be done by letting nature take lead.

Cabragh Wetlands’ unlikely story begins in 1989 with the close of the sugar beet factory and the foresight of the local gun club.

At the time, part of the land around Cabragh was used to process and rinse the sugar beet, a valuable crop to the sugar factory in Thurles. The area was a natural wetland and could handle the excess water.

Settling pools had been created to capture the sediment from the factory and the pools began to attract all sort of wild birds who feasted on the pools bounty. The closure of the sugar beet factory raised a critical question: What should become of the vacant land?

In a twist of fate, an alternative purpose emerged. Initially, there was a suggestion to convert it into the town dump for Thurles. However, eagle eyed members of the local gun club saw a different potential, one that could benefit not only the community but also the environment.

Recognizing the land’s suitability for bird habitat, they took the initiative to establish a trust dedicated to the preservation of the area for bird species.

Environmentalists took interest in the site also and Michael Long, in telling the tale of the Wetlands trust origins referred to Margaret Mead’s wisdom that “it only takes a few people to change the world.”

The Cabragh wetlands trust in its current form was thanks to the efforts of the local gun clubs, who were instrumental in securing the future of Cabragh Wetlands.

These clubs agreed and acknowledged the land’s value for conservation. As the years went by, more people became involved in the restoration and preservation of Cabragh Wetlands.

Environmental awareness began to grow, and the wetlands evolved into a symbol of reconnection with nature. The wetlands became a centre for environmental education and a hub for the local community, hosting all sorts of events. During my own visits, I have encountered seminars, educational talks, fundraisers and even a wedding reception!

The story of Cabra Wetlands encapsulates the importance of bridging the gap between human and nature, highlighting that our well-being is inherently tied to the well-being of the planet. This harmony between people and nature is at the core of Cabragh’s mission - the belief that it only works when it all works together.

One of the most striking features of Cabragh Wetlands is its diverse ecosystem, teeming with wildlife. As we walked around the gravel pathways between swathes of reed covered marsh, the chatter and flapping of birds in flight dominated the landscape of our environs.

The wetlands are a vital habitat for a wide array of species, including birds, bats, and insects. Cabragh’s biodiverse haven showcases the links between species and the importance of each creature’s unique contribution, as Michael explained to us on our stroll.

Bats, for example, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance. A single bat can consume thousands of insects in a night. Their presence helps control insect populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This shows how different species work together to support the whole ecosystem, known as integrated ecology.

The wetlands also offer valuable insights for people in our area of the environment. They remind us that every species brings unique gifts to the table.

We may not have the largest or most exotic wildlife on these shores but what we do have is our responsibility to protect. While it’s essential to be aware, what we do with that awareness is equally important.

The story of Cabragh Wetlands from an industrial waste site into its current iteration shows that environmental awareness can translate into meaningful action to protect and preserve the natural world when the opportunity arises.

Cabragh Wetlands isn’t merely a conservation area. It’s a story of human dedication, a rekindled connection with nature, and the extraordinary impact a handful of individuals can have on their community and the environment.

The story of Cabragh Wetlands is proof that we can all make a difference.

Katie Gleeson is an online content creator who documents family life on a dairy farm in rural Tipperary via her Instagram account @katieinthecountry.