A need to connect to mother nature is present in all of us and the sooner we take advantage of her in all her glory, the better we will be for it.
Whatever your reason, watching wildlife can be good for you in so many ways, especially if you have an abundance of what the natural world has to offer in your local areas.
Here are 9 destinations across Northern Ireland where you can go to watch or be near wildlife without needing to travel too far:
5. Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim
Close to another slice of the awesome Northern Irish coastline sits the Queen of the Glens, Glenariff, one of nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland. The vast planted woodland, lakes and outdoor recreation spaces, covering over 1000 hectares, are home to many animals of conservation concern and the various walking trails through the forest will reward you with the likes of red squirrels, hen harriers and Irish hare. The river running through it creates a rich diversity of trees and plants supported by the rocky gorges designating the area as a Natural Nature Reserve. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/glenariff-forest-park-p675061 Photo: Discover NI
6. Baronscourt Estate, County Tyrone
Tucked away in the Sperrin mountains, Baronscourt Estate has been home to the Duke of Abercorn’s family since 1612, making this tranquil site one steeped in history as well as opportunities to view wildlife across the landscape. Home to a wild herd of Japanese Silka deer, these majestic animals can be spotted amongst beautiful bluebells, azaleas and other fantastic flora. Alongside the private estate is an impressive working farm which produces award-winning venison and game, all of which is available to be sampled at home after being purchased on-site. For more information, go to barons-court.com Photo: Baronscourt website
7. Lower Lough Erne Islands Nature Reserve, County Fermanagh
Located on the south side of County Fermanagh and being the UK’s most westerly RSPB nature reserve, this spot boasts more than 40 islands on a stunning freshwater lake. Known for sighting Lapwings, Curlews and Snipe, Lower Lough Erne Islands Nature Reserve even includes its own unique island colony of breeding Sandwich Terns. Best to visit in summer, two of the islands, Lusty More and North Island, are open to visitors, increasing your chances, but for any impatient locals or tourists, there remains a variety of different species and breeds around in Autumn and Winter. For more information, go to rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/lower-lough-erne-islands Photo: Pexels
8. Portmore Lough Reserve, County Armagh
The RSPB’s Portmore Lough Reserve is a bustling base for so many of the wildlife variations you would expect to see in Northern Ireland this time of year, all of which nestle up in one compact County Armagh space. Blending together a mixture of wetland habitats, there are various different examples of Northern Irish wildlife to be found all year round, with different species calling the site home throughout each season. For more information, go to group.rspb.org.uk/belfast/local-wild-places/rspb-portmore-lough-nature-reserve Photo: Discover NI