Rostrevor Forest

About

Rostrevor Oakwood National Nature Reserve is a mature oak woodland covering 41 acres on a steep west-facing slope overlooking Carlingford Lough. Such woodlands are rare in Northern Ireland and at Rostrevor the wood, though natural in form, is possibly the product of regeneration after extensive felling during the late 1730s.

Beneath a closed canopy of mature oaks, other species such as ash, hazel, holly and wild cherry form an understory while the ground vegetation consists mostly of woodrush, wild garlic and bluebells. In turn, insects and other animals rely on the trees and plant life and together form a living community.

A casual visit between April and September is a good time to discover some of the woodland's birds and other wildlife. The distinctive songs of blackcaps, willow warblers and chiffchaffs can all be heard. You may also see jays and buzzards regularly soaring above and if you are really lucky, a red squirrel or a beautifully patterned silver-washed fritillary butterfly may also cross your path.

Getting There: 

From Rostrevor, follow the signs to Rostrevor Forest and Kilbroney Park. Once inside the forest, follow the tarmac road uphill via the one-way system to the second car park, located 230 metres above sea level.

The first car park passed is at Kilbroney Park and offers visitor facilities including toilets and a café. It is also the starting point for a number of popular walking and cycling routes, including the scenic Fallows Trail, which winds through woodland and offers stunning views across Carlingford Lough and the surrounding landscape.