Knocksink Wood

Knocksink Wood (Irish: Coill Chnoc Sinche, meaning 'Sinneach's Hill 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 129 acres (0.52 km2), it is managed by the Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service.

Knocksink Wood
Coill Chnoc Sinche
Map showing the location of Knocksink Wood
Map showing the location of Knocksink Wood
Location in Ireland
LocationCounty Wicklow, Ireland
Coordinates53°12′14″N 6°11′31″W
Area129 acres (52 ha)
DesignationSAC
Nature Reserve
Governing bodyNational Parks and 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.[1]

Status and facilities

Knocksink Wood was legally protected as a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1994.[2] The wood is also listed as a Special Area of Conservation.[3] The reserve had an educational centre,[1] 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]

References
  1. "Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve". National Parks & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  2. "S.I. No. 58/1994 - Nature Reserve (Knocksink Wood) Establishment Order, 1994". electronic Irish Statute Book. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  3. "Knocksink Wood SAC". National Parks & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  4. "Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve". National Parks and Wildlife Service. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Retrieved 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. Lee, George (20 February 2019). "'Nature has more or less collapsed in Ireland'". RTÉ News. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
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