Yes! Thanks to Pat and Diarmuid for sharing this important appeal.
We need your support!
Our unique Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve is under threat! Permission for a large scale development near this delicate biodiversity hotspot has recently been granted and there is concern by environmental experts and local residents that irreparable damage will be caused.
We are appealing this permission granted by An Bord PleanΓ‘la and we need to raise β¬50,000 to cover legal costs, β¬25,000 of this needs to be raised by ππ¬π πππππ¦πππ«!!! So we urgently need your help! Please consider donating via our GoFundMe and help us protect the special habitat!
Why is Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve so special?
Itβs not just the beauty that makes Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve unique, the site was awarded Special Area of Conservation status, SAC, from the EU in 2019. Knocksink is exceptional in that it has 3 qualifying interests and two of them are rare habitats of high ecological value throughout the EU. These include unique petrifying springs with tufa formation, which are lime-rich water sources that deposit tufa, a porous calcareous rock. They constitute a highly specialised habitat with distinctive flora and fragile biodiversity.
Their vulnerability are recognised by their designation as a priority habitat in Annex I of the European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). Member states are obliged to monitor and report on the conservation status of such annexed habitats.
These springs in combination with Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve have two other interests – Sessile Oaks and Alluvial forests (forests that can grow in and thrive in flood zones and are also designated priority status due to their vulnerability), make Knocksink Woods Nature Reserve unique in the amount of biodiversity it supports.
If this development goes ahead, the key dangers are –
Any alteration to the intricate groundwater systems that feed the petrifying springs which are very sensitive to any disturbances in the land will result in loss, as the development lies just above their ‘zone of contribution’. The tufa spring habitat is a dynamic one and most likely be significantly impacted by any reduction in water supply. The Alluvial Forests are also water dependent.
It will make Knocksink extremely vulnerable to habitat and biodiversity loss from the pressures caused by increased human activities, such as people using undesignated pathways from the new housing development into Knocksink, and littering.
It could lead to the introduction of invasive species through fly tipping of garden waste from the housing development which will upset the delicate balance of the woods unique biodiversity.
Any development will be highly dependent on sustainable drainage systems and numerous soakaways to avoid contaminants entering the complex hydrological pathways that support the community of springs near the nature reserve. The soakaway design is not suitable and the maintenance regime required by residents and the local authority cannot be delivered.
Whatβs being done by the community
To date our community have given huge support to opposing the numerous development applications that impact Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve. Since 2019, five planning applications have been made for the zoned development site close to Knocksink. The community have dug deep both in time and funding to inform the An Bord PleanΓ‘la and Wicklow County Council with expert reports, using science and facts to explain why the development is inappropriate.
Now, as a community and the custodians of this precious and fragile Nature Reserve, we are called to action once more. Following a packed public meeting, we are embarking on a huge information and funding campaign in order to raise the needed legal fees to fight for Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve via a Judicial Review in the high court.
We need to raise β¬50,000 to cover legal costs, β¬25,000 of this needs to be raised by ππ¬π πππππ¦πππ«
How you can help.
Please donate to our GoFundMe or direct to our legal fund.
Fred Logue Client A/C: IBAN: IE32 AIBK 9310 1273 1321 20
BIC: AIBKIE2D Reference 3025
To keep up to date with our campaign, you can follow us on Instagram and join us on Facebook
General Enquiries to Tina Roche 0868598196; Press Enq.: Caroline Leonard 868319058 & Anita Tuesley 0863753756; Donation Enqs.: Paula Cantillon 0866681269
P.S. Don’t forget to forward this email to someone you know. We need to spread our alarm, concern and collective desire for action!
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Our mailing address is:
Friends of Knocksink
c/o Willow Cottage
Cloon, Enniskerry
Wicklow, Co. Wicklow A98 XY17
Ireland
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