Cuskinny Nature Reserve, near Cobh, County Cork, Ireland is managed by Birdwatch Ireland (BWI). The land is owned by the Bird and Ronan families and comprises about 12 ha of land located along the lower reaches of the Ballyleary Stream on the Great Island in Cork Harbour.
All the lands on the reserve are private property and therefore the wildlife should be viewed only from the road that borders the west and south side of the reserve. Camping, Horse Riding, Canoeing and any activity that might disturb the wildlife or damage the reserve is not permitted on the reserve and fishing, swimming and boating of any description is not allowed on the lake. The area is so small that these activities would seriously disturb the wild life.
When visiting the reserve enjoy your stay and please keep to the roadway, parking area or the beach where it is possible to get good views of the wildlife of the reserve.
The welfare of the wildlife of the reserve is your first consideration. The reserve includes a mixture of lake, swamp, grassland and woodland habitats and is of local nature conservation importance.It is also an important local amenity and is used by local schools for educational purposes.
Thanks to: Wanda Ronan and Andrew, Heather and David Bird, without whose generosity as landowners the reserve would not exist. Birgit O’Driscoll, Eddie Ronayne and Anna Ahern for their help and advice, Cobh Town Council, Cork County Council and SECAD for their assistance. Thanks also to the teachers and pupils of Scoil Iosaef Naofa and those too numerous to mention who have been giving their time, help and advice since the reserve was established in 1990.