Meenadoan 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.
Location
Meenadoan Nature Reserve is situated approximately 12 miles west of Omagh, County Tyrone and is adjacent to the minor country Drumquin to Drumskinny road. This reserve is a small bog which has not been interfered with by cutting, draining or burning.
Sights and sounds
Due to the analysis of pollen which was found conserved in the bog, this provides us with evidence that Meenadoan has grown from a small lake which existed at the end of the last ice age around 13,000 years ago.
As the bog is fed by rain, this demonstrates that the surface is still actively growing. Sphagnum mosses are the main vegetation, often forming hummocks which are raised half a metre above the main surface. Other light green sphagna thrive in pools of water between the hummocks. This mixture of pool and hummock is typical of many raised bogs and here the whole central area has a well developed pool-hummock complex with long narrow pools.
In addition to the sphagna, other plants can be seen aplenty and have been adapted to these conditions which include cranberry, mud sedge and the insect-eating sundews. All of these plants are soft which means they cannot withstand trampling by feet.
As there are no facilities, we do advise that visitors admire this site from the road. If you would like to take a closer look at peat bogs please visit Peatlands Park in Dungannon.
Further information
Phone number - 02838399195