Knocksink Wood Explained

Knocksink Wood
Alt Name:Coill Chnoc Sinche
Map:Ireland
Relief:1
Location:County Wicklow, Ireland
Coordinates:53.204°N -6.192°W
Area Acre:129
Designation:SAC
Nature Reserve
Governing Body:National Parks and Wildlife Service

Knocksink Wood is a national nature reserve located in the valley of the Glencullen River in County Wicklow, Ireland, near the village of Enniskerry. With an area of approximately 129acres, it is managed by the Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service.

Features

The reserve is located in a valley, with the slopes predominantly sessile oak. Other areas have more mixed woodland. Within the reserve there are numerous springs and areas with water seepage, with the petrifying springs being one of the most important habitats listed in the EU Habitats Directive. Knocksink Wood has the most diverse woodland invertebrate fauna recorded in Ireland, with a number of animals specific to wet woodland that are of threatened status in the EU.

Status and facilities

Knocksink Wood was legally protected as a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1994.[1] The wood is also listed as a Special Area of Conservation.[2] The reserve had an educational centre,[3] which used to host tours of the wood, and provide information to the public. Although still listed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as of 2021,[4] the office had permanently closed by 2019.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: S.I. No. 58/1994 - Nature Reserve (Knocksink Wood) Establishment Order, 1994 . electronic Irish Statute Book . 19 August 2020 . en.
  2. Web site: Knocksink Wood SAC . National Parks & Wildlife Service . 19 August 2020.
  3. Web site: Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve . National Parks & Wildlife Service . 19 August 2020.
  4. Web site: Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve . National Parks and Wildlife Service . Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage . 8 November 2021 . The site has one of the most diverse woodland invertebrate faunas in Ireland, incorporating wet woodland organisms threatened internationally within the EU. There is an educational centre within the site..
  5. News: Lee . George . 'Nature has more or less collapsed in Ireland' . 19 August 2020 . RTÉ News . 20 February 2019 . en.