Designation
Grid Reference: H 075545
Description
A short nature trail starting opposite the Falls Bridge car park journeys through the damp, shady woodland and continues up onto heath to a seat overlooking the reserve. From here, there are striking views down to Carrick Lough and of neighbouring hills.
The woodland panorama is native and varied. Underneath birch, oak, ash and holly trees, the damp conditions are favoured by bilberry, mosses and ferns. Filmy fern grows along the banks of the Sillees River as it runs through Correl Glen.
The woodland extends in three fingers across the reserve. The heathland in between is formed of mosses, heathers and the aromatic bog myrtle. Lichens grow well amongst the heath and indicate that the air is clean, with 131 different varieties having been recorded so far.
Correl Glen and the neighbouring Monawilkin are host to many species of butterfly and dragonfly. The Silver-washed Fritillary is the largest butterfly in Ireland and prefers shady clearings. The holly blue butterfly flies in May whilst speckled wood butterflies are common throughout the summer.
Also important to the reserve are the nesting curlews and meadow pipits which nest amongst tussocks or on moss hummocks from mid April to late June and July.
Directions
From Derrygonnelly take the Tonnagh Road going north west. At the end of the road go left onto Glenasheevar Road and continue until you reach Lough Navar Forest Drive in the carpark at the roadside. The nature reserve is across the road and across the bridge.