Knocksink Wood, Nature Reserve and Special Area of Conservation in County Dublin and County Wicklow, Ireland
Knocksink Wood is a protected forest in County Wicklow covering around 52 hectares, marked by densely growing sessile oak on the slopes and a mix of tree species throughout. Springs and small streams flow across the terrain, creating wet areas that define the forest's character.
The forest was designated as a national nature reserve in 1994 and later recognized as a Special Area of Conservation under European protection directives. This status ensures ongoing protection of the woodland and its rare habitats, particularly the petrifying springs.
Knocksink Wood gets its name from the springs and water seepages that shape the landscape. Today, visitors experience it as a quiet place to walk among densely growing trees and listen to streams flowing through the forest.
The site has easy access with walking paths at varying difficulty levels throughout the woodland. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as the ground can be slippery especially in the wetter sections near streams.
The forest holds Ireland's most diverse collection of woodland insects, with rare species found nowhere else in the country. Particularly notable are the petrifying springs, unique habitats protected under European directives.
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