Local volunteers working to preserve natural riches

Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary works to protect biodiversity, rewilding, restoring an ancient oak forest and helps children reconnect with nature

Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary was recently announced as the National Lottery Good Cause Heritage category winner. Lough Grainey is a not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to creating and maintaining a Nature Sanctuary in the Lough Grainey Valley in Co. Clare

An encouraging trend in recent years has been the emergence of voluntary groups to protect and develop wilderness areas in their localities.

One such group in east Clare, formed just three years ago, was a recent winner of a National Lottery heritage award. Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the natural riches of the Lough Grainey Valley, rewilding and restoring its ancient oak forests.