Slieveanorra Forest facts for kids
Slieveanorra Forest is a huge forest found in the northern part of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It's close to the small villages of Corkey and Newtown Crommelin. This forest is mostly filled with tall, cone-bearing trees like pines and firs. From many spots in the forest, you can see amazing views all around, stretching far into the distance.
Right next to the forest is the Altnahinch Dam, which is a large wall built across a river to hold back water, creating a lake. Lots of people visit this area, especially in the summer, to enjoy nature. Many different kinds of animals and plants make their home here. The forest gets its name from a nearby mountain called Slieveanorra. This name comes from an old Irish phrase, Sliabh an Earra, which means 'mountain of the tail' or 'mountain of the ridge'. Long ago, a famous battle called the Battle of Aura even happened on a mountain nearby, called Slieve-na-Aura.
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A Look at Slieveanorra Forest
Slieveanorra Forest is a special place for nature lovers. It's known for its wide-open spaces and the peaceful feeling you get when you're there. The forest is managed to help both the trees grow and the wildlife thrive.
What You Can See and Do
When you visit Slieveanorra Forest, you can enjoy walking or hiking along its many paths. The tall trees provide shade, and the air is fresh. The views from higher points are truly breathtaking, letting you see for miles across the countryside. It's a great spot for photography or just enjoying the quiet beauty of nature.
Animals and Plants
The forest is home to many different creatures. You might spot various birds, small mammals, and insects living among the trees. The plant life is also diverse, with different types of trees, ferns, and wildflowers growing throughout the year. It's a living ecosystem where everything is connected.
The 1942 Airplane Crash
In October 1942, during World War II, a large American airplane crashed near Slieveanorra Forest. This plane was a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, which was a type of bomber used by the United States Air Force. It crashed into a mountain right next to the forest.
Sadly, eight out of the ten people on board the plane did not survive the crash. It was a very tragic event. Today, there is a special memorial in the area to remember the brave American servicemen who lost their lives in this accident. It stands as a reminder of the history connected to this quiet forest.
