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Woodland & Forest

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The Borough is one of the most forested in Northern Ireland, with commercial forestry very much prevalent in the uplands of the Borough.  Much of this forest is also well used for walking, mountain biking and motorsports, especially at Binevenagh, Springwell and Cam.  Key sites of older woodland exist at Aghanloo, Ballykelly and Banagher.

Banagher Forest

This is a large remote, mostly coniferous forest with Sitka spruce planted on the peat covered slopes and hardwoods and larch planted in the richer alluvium in the valleys.  Not to be confused with Banagher Glen.

Binevenagh Forest

Visit  Binevenagh Forest in County Londonderry and observe the soaring birds, and gliders from the local gliding club, making use of the up draughts caused by the impressive cliffs. These cliffs have been classified as an Area of Special Scientific Interest due to their geological & geomorphological features, and the corresponding vegetation. 

Cam Forest

Cam Forest covers a total of just over 1 300 hectares about 9km east of Limavady, straddling the North Sperrins ridge. It consists mainly of conifer species such as Sitka & Norway spruce, larch and Lodgepole pine. It is further highlighted by being the forest surrounding the large Rigged Hill windfarm managed by B9. 

Ancient Places

Banagher Glen

Banagher Glen is one of the largest and least disturbed stretches of old semi-natural woodland in Northern Ireland. Twisted oaks cling precariously to the steep cliffs above the Glenedra and Altnaheglish river. Because of the size and age of the wood, it supports a wide variety of wildlife, including the native red squirrel. There is a relatively easy walk up the glen through the wood, following the surfaced road that leads to a reservoir.

The Glen is a Special Area of Conservation and is one of the largest and least disturbed examples of old sessile oak woods in Northern Ireland. The site has a long history of continuous woodland cover, and is a special place recognised by conservation organisations throughout the region.  You can read more about the Glen here. A panoramic picture of the Glen can be viewed here.

Aghanloo Wood

Aghanloo is important because it is one of the largest continuous blocks of ancient woodland in Northern Ieland and boasts an extremely wide range of plant species. Although the canopy is relatively low there is a long history of woodland cover in the area; this is indicated by the presence of such rare plants as the birds nest orchid.