the living lough

The great wetland habitats of Lough Neagh and Lough Beg constitute one of the most important bird sites in North- West Europe. Shallow waters and sheltered shores, wet grasslands and bluebell woods each harbour a wealth of resident and migratory birds, including 100,000 waterfowl. Numbers of wildfowl peak in mid-winter when there can be more pocard, scaup and goldeneye than on all the other lakes of the British Isles put together. Internationally important numbers of wild swans come from Iceland and Siberia to winter in the fields and sheltered bays around the lough. The surrounding countryside is equally rich in wildlife with good populations of foxes, badgers and otters, a profusion of wildflowers and many species of butterfly. Guided walks are organised by the staff at countryparks and nature reserves throughout the year. Miles of country lanes, river banks and forest nature trails such as at Drum Manor and Parkanaur offer leisurely exploration. By early spring the departure of wintering wildfowl is well under way and an influx of passage migrants and summer visitors enliven the birdwatching scene. With the new breeding season comes the beautiful and spectacular display of 750 pairs of Great Crested Grebes , best observed from a network of hides at Oxford Island National Nature reserve, Randalstown Forest And Shane's Castle.