Gun club to transform woodland into reserve

A gun club has been granted planning permission to transform six acres of woodland into a nature reserve which, when completed, will be accessible to the public.

Rathcormac Game and Wildlife Club purchased the land near Corrin Cross, Fermoy, Co Cork, from Coillte after raising money through a habitat appeal.

Club spokesman John Howard said that, in the long term, the development will benefit wildlife and endangered species in particular.

The club says the development will consist of putting in 700m of walkways, tables, seating, observation decks, a natural stream, protected island, and partridge enclosure. The estimated cost is €80,000.

The club is holding a special fundraiser to make up a €20,000 shortfall which remains after it received funding from the National Association of Rifle and Gun Clubs, the Federation of County Cork Gun Clubs, and the Rathcormac Parish Development Fund.

Mr Howard said it was planned to plant native hardwood trees on the reserve. “We will plant a tree in honour of any donation of over €100 paid towards this development. It would be €1 per year for the life of the tree but paid up front,” he said.

“The donors and their families will have the right to come and inspect this tree at any time and monitor its growth over the next 100 years.”

He said the club will encourage schools in particular to visit the site and see first hand the conservation work that gun clubs are doing all over the country.

* Donations to the club can be made to AIB, Fermoy: Sort code 936081, account Number 13135121.