The River Vartry runs from the Wicklow Mountains at Sally Gap to the BroadLough Bird Sanctuary at the Irish Sea. It is a rare and beautiful river with a fine history that is a part of all of us that live around it and needs our collective help to protect it. There are constant threats to the sensitive Ecosystem created by the river as it passes through Wicklow and it takes the collective care of many concerned people to keep it safe.
The Cabragh Wetlands Trust was registered in 1993 in an effort to save a vast area of wetland habitats from destruction after the filling-in of the settling pools by the Thurles Sugar Factory during its closure. These lagoons used to be an oasis of wildlife, particularly birds. The Trust was formed and acquired the land adjacent to the filled-in lagoons to ensure the continuation of this resting place for migratory birds.
The Port Phillip and Western Port region is home to over 4.5 million people and boasts some of Victoria’s most productive farming lands, spectacular parks, picturesque landscapes and diverse natural ecosystems. The activities and lifestyles of the region’s urban and rural residents and its thriving tourism industry are underpinned by the diversity and health of its natural resources.