Aghanloo Wood ASSI

Aghanloo Wood is important because it is one of the largest continuous blocks of ancient woodland in Northern Ireland 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.

Woods take a very long time to develop into mature systems because they have a complex structure and many of the plants are slow to grow and spread. It is therefore vitally important that all remaining areas of woodland are retained and are new areas are encouraged to regenerate.