Brackagh 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: J 019507                                        

Description

Originally a raised bog, over 300 years of turf cutting, have left Brackagh Moss a maze of pools, drainage channels and peat ramparts. Most of the reddish acid bog peat was removed, exposing older, black, base-rich fen peat underneath. This variety in soils has resulted in an extremely varied flora.

Dense alder and willow carr woodlands open on to luxuriant species-rich fens and shallow pools, while in a few areas acidic bog mosses survive, bedecked with insect-eating sundew plants. In summer, pond edges and glades teem with the frenetic buzz of a myriad of insects.

The rare marsh fritillary and delicate green hairstreak butterflies vie with 17 other species for a place in the sun. The range of dragonfly species, which includes the rare Irish damselfly, is one of the best in Northern Ireland. Surprisingly, pike survive in many of the small pools where hunting mink or even an occasional otter may be spotted.

Winter rains regularly inundate large tracts of the site for weeks on end and the flocks of duck that often accompany the floods are ever watchful for wandering birds of prey.

Facilities

There are two laybys along the Brackagh Moss road with an information panel and a path system north of the road.

Access

The reserve is situated just off the A27, 2 miles South East of Portadown.

Due to hazardous conditions, permission to visit the reserve south of the road must be obtained from the Site manager. Tel: 028 3885 3950 

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