Treat yourself to a walk at Burntollet Wood

Owners the Woodland Trust are inviting visitors to take part in a guided woodland walk on Saturday 28 August at 11am.

Burntollet Wood sits in the picturesque Faughan Valley, just south-east of the city of Londonderry. The young wood is in a wonderful location, right next door to Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Ness Country Park – an Area of Special Scientific Interest containing fragments of rare ancient woodland. The ancient woods, together with the nearby Burntollet River, are home to some special wild inhabitants, including the endangered red squirrel.

Vibrant displays of meadow buttercup, yellow rattle, birdsfoot trefoil, red campion, ox-eye daisy and ragged robin await summertime visitors. The flowers, interspersed with clover, barley and oats, provide a valuable habitat for numerous species of insects and birds.

Gregor Fulton, project manager with the Woodland Trust, explained: “We want to give local people and visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of Burntollet Wood. We’ve carried out a range of works, including the planting of almost 40,000 native trees. As the young trees grow they will buffer the nearby precious ancient woods which dot the banks of the Burntollet River.

“And with August’s colourful display of wildflowers, now is the perfect time to see the wood in all its glory.”

Kissing-gates, wooden seats, and several quaint stone bridges have been installed, while a new pathway now links Burntollet to the Country Park, giving visitors access to almost 9 kilometres of woodland and riverside walks.

The wood’s purchase and works were made possible thanks to funding from Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Forest Service. Support was also received from members of the public, including an amazing boost of 150,000 from an anonymous Canadian tree enthusiast.

Walkers should meet at Ervey Wood car park for an 11am start on Saturday 28 August. Ervey Wood car park is clearly signposted from the Glenshane Road, not far from Ness Nurseries. The walk is free of charge; stout footwear is required; and anyone wishing to attend should telephone the Woodland Trust in advance on 028 9127 5787.