Oldhead Wood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oldhead Wood |
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| Type | National |
| Location | near Louisburgh, County Mayo |
| Area | 42 acres (17.00 ha) |
| Operated by | National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) |
| Status | Open all year |
Oldhead Wood is a special natural area in County Mayo, Ireland. It is a national nature reserve, which means it is protected by law. This beautiful woodland covers about 42 acres (17 hectares). You can find it right on the edge of Clew Bay, close to the town of Louisburgh.
The Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service looks after Oldhead Wood. This group is part of the Irish government and helps protect important natural places.
What Makes Oldhead Wood Special?
Oldhead Wood became a national nature reserve in 1984. This means the Irish government officially protected it. It is also a Special Area of Conservation. This is a special title given under European Union rules to protect important habitats and species.
The name "Oldhead" also refers to the local area, or "townland," where the wood is located. It's a place with a long history.
Trees and Plants You'll Find
Oldhead Wood is a woodland filled with deciduous trees. These are trees that lose their leaves in autumn, like oak trees. Over time, people have used and changed parts of the wood.
Because Oldhead Wood is right next to Clew Bay, it has a humid climate. This means the air is often damp and moist. This climate is perfect for many different types of bryophytes. Bryophytes are tiny, simple plants like mosses and liverworts. They love to grow in damp places.
The most common tree in Oldhead Wood is the oak. You will also see other native trees like willow, birch, and rowan. Some trees, like beech and sycamore, were brought to the area by people.
