woods and forests around north antrim

Perched high above Straidkilly point is one of the largest, semi-natural woods in County Antrim. Hazel thickets on the lower slopes give way to mixed woodland of ash, birch, hawthorn and rowan. Before the tree canopy closes overhead in early summer, the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells and the delicate white flowers of wood anemones, while the pungent smell of wild garlic fills the air. Sunny glades within the woodland provide sheltered areas for insects, and butterflies in particula...

At one time, oakwoods covered much of north-east Antrim. Gradually the trees were felled for timber and the land cleared for farming. Today, Breen Oakwood is one the last fragments of these once extensive woodlands. The mature oaks form a dense canopy overhead, with birch on the higher ridges. Rowan, hawthorn, holly and hazel grow beneath to form an understorey, with alder and willow in the damper areas beside streams. Ferns and mosses thrive in the damp, shady conditions, while dragonflies...

High on the slopes of Slieveanorra Mountain are four plots of peat bog which show different stages in the formation and erosion of peat. The owennaglush plot is a rare example of a raised bog in which the peat is actively growing, while the Orra Bog and Slieveanorra plots show what happens when shallow blanket peat is eroded. The plant life varies from heather and deer grass in drier areas, to damp patches where sphagnum moss, sedges and cotton gras grow. Bog asphodel, bog-bean and insect-eat...

Cascading down from the Antrim Plateau to the sea, the Glenariff River has cut a narrow gorge through the hard basalt rock. Spectacular waterfalls within the gorge throw up fine spray which catches shafts of sunlight in a rainbow of colours. About 100 years ago, trees were planted to enhance the native woodland of oak, hazel, ash and willow, and to make the area more attractive to visitors. Catwalks, paths and footbridges were built throughout the gorge to make the waterfalls easier to reach....

Miced conifer forest on slopes of Knocklayd Mountain. Magnificent views over town to Rathlin Island and Scotland....

Mixed conifer forest with broadleaves on banks of Glenarm River...

Glenariff Forest Park covers an area of 1185 hectares of which about 250 hectares have been left open for recreation, landscaping and conservation. In the park are two small rivers containing spectacular waterfalls, tranquil pools and stretches of fast flowing water tumbling through rocky gorges.
There's a café, toilets, and an exhibition centre. Four way-marked trails of varying length (1-9 km) wind through the forest leading you into some of the park's most beautiful wooded areas....

Peatland forest of mixed conifers. Five mile forest drive offering views of Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. Irish Bridge. Archaeological site. Beautifully situated Forest Park with many viewpoints, walks, caravan site, picnic area, a scenic drive and pony trekking. Forest Trails and Archaeogical site....