Pollnaknockaun Wood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pollnaknockaun Wood |
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| Type | National |
| Location | near Woodford, County Galway |
| Area | 96 acres (38.85 ha) |
| Operated by | National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) |
| Status | Open all year |
Pollnaknockaun Wood is a special place in County Galway, Ireland. It's a national nature reserve, which means it's protected by the government. This beautiful woodland is near a town called Woodford. The Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service takes care of it. It covers about 96 acres, which is like 70 football fields!
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Discovering Pollnaknockaun Wood
Pollnaknockaun Wood became a protected national nature reserve in 1983. This means the Irish government decided it was very important to keep this area safe. It is also known as a Special Area of Conservation. This special title is given to places that protect important habitats and species.
What Makes It Special?
Pollnaknockaun Wood is special because it has very old sessile oak trees. These trees are a type of oak that grows well in Ireland. The woodland here is called "semi-natural." This means it has grown mostly on its own, but people have also helped manage it over time.
This wood, along with Derrycrag Wood and Rosturra Wood, are like small pieces of a much bigger forest. Hundreds of years ago, huge forests of oak and ash trees covered this area. Pollnaknockaun Wood helps us see what those old forests were like.
The Land and Its Trees
The ground in Pollnaknockaun Wood is made of a type of rock called old red sandstone. This rock gives the soil its special qualities.
Long ago, in the 1930s and 1940s, some parts of the wood were cut down. New trees, called conifers, were planted there. Conifers are trees like pine or fir, often grown for wood. But now, most of these planted conifers have been removed. This allows the original, old woodland to grow back naturally.
Animals You Might See
Pollnaknockaun Wood is home to many different animals. If you visit quietly, you might spot some of them.
- Jays: These are colorful birds known for their bright blue feathers and loud calls. They often hide acorns in the ground, helping new oak trees to grow.
- Fallow Deer: These deer are common in Ireland. They have beautiful spotted coats in summer and can be seen grazing in the woodland.
