Submission by PACG on the Gowran Grange estate as important green infrastucture / a high nature value location within Kildare - Report attached.
Gowran Grange at present represents a large landholding of 370 acres and is generally considered to be a 'high nature value' body of land. It warrants inclusion on the green infrastructure network map of Kildare which identifies locations of important green infrastructure on all types of land.
An ecological report has been prepared for the Punchestown Area Community Group by Dr Mary O'Connor, an ecologist with more than 25 years experience. Dr O'Connor prepared the report in order to set out the existing ecology at the Gowran Grange estate. Dr O'Connor's full ecology report is attached in order to provide more information on the many red listed and amber listed birds that currently frequent the Gowran Grange estate. Dr Mary's report also sets out protected mammals and habitats present within the estate. It is respectfull submitted that this report supports the inclusion of the Gowran Grange estate as a stepping stone within the Green Infrastructure Network and is a prudent step in order to ensure the protection of high value biodiversity areas such as the Gowran Grange estate.