The Raven Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Raven Nature Reserve |
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Aerial shot of The Raven in 2015
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| Type | National |
| Location | County Wexford |
| Area | 1,455.5 acres (589.02 ha) |
| Operated by | National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) |
| Status | Open all year |
| Official name: The Raven | |
| Designated: | 31 July 1986 |
| Reference #: | 333 |
The Raven Nature Reserve is a really special place in County Wexford, Ireland. It's a protected area that covers about 1,455 acres (which is over 5 square kilometers!). This amazing spot is looked after by the Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service. It's known as a Ramsar site, which means it's an important wetland for birds and other wildlife around the world.
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Discover The Raven Nature Reserve
The Raven Nature Reserve became a protected area in 1983. This was done by the Irish government to keep its unique nature safe. Later, in 1986, it was also named a Ramsar site. This is a big international award for wetlands that are important for wildlife.
What Makes The Raven Special?
The Raven is part of a bigger system of sand dunes. It also has lagoons and a sand bar at its southern end. Long ago, this area was a narrow strip of sand. This sand strip helped protect the entrance to Wexford Harbour.
The name "Raven" comes from an Irish word, Rabhainn. This word means "spade-shaped piece of land." It describes how the sand strip used to look. When the North Slob was built in the 1800s, The Raven became connected to the land on its western side.
Amazing Animals and Plants
The Raven Nature Reserve is a vital home for many animals. It's especially important for birds.
A Winter Home for Geese
Along with the North Slob, The Raven is a winter home for a huge number of Greenland and White-fronted Geese. About 35% of all these geese in the world spend their winters here! During the day, they eat at the North Slob. At night, they fly to The Raven's sand bar to rest safely.
Other Feathered Friends
Many other wading birds live here all year round. You might also spot crossbills and little terns. These birds add to the amazing variety of wildlife.
Unique Plants and Butterflies
The reserve also has a rich collection of plants. One very rare plant found here is the round-leaved wintergreen. This plant doesn't grow anywhere else in Ireland! If you visit, you can also see many different kinds of butterflies flying around.
The Forest and Its Inhabitants
Most of the trees at The Raven are conifers, like Corsican Pine. It's believed that a family named the Tooles, who owned the land in the 1800s, started planting these trees.
Red Squirrels and Pine Martens
These pine trees are very important for the red squirrels that live here. The squirrels love to eat the pine cones! Interestingly, you won't find grey squirrels here. This is because pine martens also live in the reserve. Pine martens are natural predators of grey squirrels, which helps the red squirrel population thrive.
