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St Mary’s Priory Rewilding Project

The St Mary’s Priory Rewilding Project is a community initiative led by the Dodder Action group to transform areas of intensively managed lawn within the historic Priory grounds in Tallaght into a thriving landscape for nature, people and climate resilience. The project will enhance biodiversity, improve rainwater management, create educational opportunities and provide a peaceful natural space for visitors while respecting the site’s rich cultural and historical heritage. This is one of the most ambitious habitat restoration projects ever undertaken in Dublin.

Project Objectives

  • Increase native biodiversity by creating a network of diverse habitats.
  • Improve climate resilience through sustainable rainwater management.
  • Support pollinators, birds, amphibians and other native wildlife.
  • Create opportunities for environmental education, volunteering and community participation.
  • Demonstrate best practice in urban rewilding using locally sourced materials and native Irish species.

Project Features

The project will include:

  • Wildlife ponds to provide habitat for amphibians, aquatic insects and birds.
  • Rain gardens to capture and naturally filter surface water while reducing runoff.
  • A rainwater harvesting system to collect roof water for irrigation and pond maintenance.
  • Areas of native wildflower meadow to support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
  • Native tree and shrub planting to strengthen habitat connectivity and increase carbon storage.
  • Log piles, deadwood habitat and bug hotels for insects, fungi and small mammals.
  • Bird and bat boxes to encourage nesting and roosting opportunities.
  • Interpretive signage explaining the biodiversity, heritage and sustainability benefits of the project.
  • Community planting days, educational workshops and volunteer events to encourage local stewardship.

Together, these features will create a resilient, wildlife-rich landscape that demonstrates how historic urban sites can play a vital role in addressing biodiversity loss, climate change and community wellbeing.

This Priory Rewilding project will provide lots of volunteering opportuinities for inviduals and businesses. Please email prioryrewilding@gmail.com or sign up for our newsletter.