Derrycrag Wood Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve and Special Area of Conservation of approximately 273 acres (1.10 km2) located near Woodford, County Galway, Ireland. It is managed by the Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service.
| Derrycrag Wood Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
  Derrycrag Wood Location of Derrycrag Wood in Ireland | |
| Type | National |
| Location | near Woodford, County Galway |
| Coordinates | 53°02′38″N 8°23′02″W / 53.044°N 8.384°W |
| Area | 273 acres (110.48 ha) |
| Operated by | National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) |
| Status | Open all year |
Features edit
Derrycrag Wood Nature Reserve was legally protected as a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1983.[1] It is also a Special Area of Conservation for its old sessile oak woodland.[2]
Derrycrag Wood, with Pollnaknockaun and Rosturra Wood, represent fragments of the previously extensive oak and ash forests which dominated the local landscape for hundreds of years.[3] There is also an under planting of hazel, holly, and other woodland flora.[4] Animals including red squirrels, foxes, badgers, pine martens, bats, sparrowhawks, jays, and kestrels live on the reserve.[5] The rare shrub, bird cherry, grows in the wood along the banks of the Woodford River. There are two trails within the reserve.[3]
References edit
- ^ "S.I. No. 376/1983 - Nature Reserve (Derrycrag Wood) Establishment Order, 1983". electronic Irish Statute Book. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
- ^ "Derrycrag Wood Nature Reserve SAC". National Parks & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
- ^ a b Lough Derg Nature Trail (PDF). Tipperary County Council. pp. 42–43. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
- ^ "Derrycrag Wood Nature Reserve". National Parks & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
- ^ "Derrycrag Wood Nature Reserve". Woodford Nature Reserve Galway. Retrieved 25 August 2020.