Mayo

Knockmoyle Sheskin Nature Reserve

Location:
Situated north of Bord na Móna works at Bellacorick between Oweniny River on the eastern side and Sheskin Lodge and the ruined settlement of Sheskin on the western side.
GPS:
Latitude: 54.18
Longitude: -9.551
Area (ha.):
1,198

An extensive area of lowland blanket bog densely pool-studded and containing interesting flushes. 

Established:
Ownership:
State-owned

Oldhead Wood Nature Reserve

Location:
3 km. north-east of Louisburg. This small reserve lies on the east side of two knolls which form a promontory on the southern shore of Clew Bay.
GPS:
Latitude: 53.776
Longitude: -9.778
Area (ha.):
17

Old Head is also the name of the townland and so may be an anglicised version of the original placename (possible Irish name Seán). The reserve is largely comprised of deciduous trees but has been modified by human usage over the years. Due to its scenic location on the southern shores of Clew Bay it enjoys a very humid climate and this has resulted in a rich bryophyte flora. At the moment the Western Region of NPWS are drawing up a 10 year management plan for the Reserve which will hopefully enrich the old oak woodland status of the reserve.

Old Head Wood nature reserve

Animals and plants of interest:
This is an example of semi-natural woodland, oak being the dominant species, with birch, rowan, willow and some introduced beech and sycamore. Due to its scenic location on the southern shores of Clew Bay it enjoys a very humid climate and this has resulted in a rich bryophyte flora. At the moment the Western Region of NPWS are drawing up a 10 year management plan for the Reserve which will hopefully enrich the old oak woodland status of the reserve.
Established:
1984
Ownership:
State-owned

Owenboy Nature Reserve

Location:
Situated 10 km. west of Crossmolina and l0 km. east of Bellacorrick on the south side of the Ballina/Belmullet Road at Eskeragh Bridge
GPS:
Latitude: 54.093
Longitude: -9.46
Area (ha.):
397.1

An extensive bog of intermediate type lying in a broad basin. It contains a number of low domes resembling raised bogs and numerous flushes.

Animals and plants of interest:
Utilised by Greenland White-fronted Geeseand housing a rare species of moss.
Established:
Ownership:
State-owned