Binevenagh Nature Reserve
Nature reserves are chosen from among the very best examples of our wildlife, habitats and geology. They contain a wide range of species, communities and geology and their designation is a public recognition by Government of their importance.
Designation
Grid Reference: C 685309
Description
Binevenagh is part of the northernmost outcropping of the Antrim Plateau formed when, around 60 million years ago, molten lavas poured out over the surface. The basalt crags towering above the flat coastal plain of Magilligan are an impressive sight. From the top, magnificent views of Lough Foyle and Donegal can be obtained on a clear day.
Landscape features such as block slumping and scree are prominent. Most available nooks and crannies in the windswept cliffs are occupied by some hardy plants.Two of the species at Binevenagh, moss campion and purple saxifrage, are rare in Northern Ireland.
Mosses and ferns hug the more sheltered parts of the cliff face, especially the damp sides of crevices where water trickles down from above.
In early summer, the grassy slopes below show a variety of colours as harebells, thyme, kidney vetch, bird's-foot trefoil and many more take their turn to flower. Overhead you're likely to see kittiwakes, fulmars, buzzards and even a raven or peregrine falcon.
Binevenagh Nature Reserve has rough terrain with grazing animals including a bull, cows with calves at foot, ponies & sheep for essential habitat management and has no formal paths.
As the site habitats are sensitive and grazing animals present, visitors are advised that access to the Nature Reserve can be dangerous and are asked not to bring dogs on to the site and guard against anything that may cause fire.
Facilities
No Car Parking or formal paths. Grassland is steep and uneven.
For further details contact Roe Valley Country Park Tel. 028 7772 1925.
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