Banagher Glen ASSI

Banagher Glen is the largest intact block of semi-natural woodland in Northern Ireland, as well as being the finest example of calcifuge oak woodland. The site has a history of continuous woodland cover, with the present woodland being over 200 years old; having being extensively cleared in the 1770s.

A complex underlying geology has resulted in a notable diversity of plant community types that form this wood. The woodland communities range from strongly calcifuge types characterised by sessile oak canopy and a ground flora of bryophytes and grasses; through to flushed or calcicolous types dominated by ash and a lush ground cover of wood anemone, opposite leaved golden saxifrage, lesser celandine and bluebell.
The woodland also supports some faunal interest with notable breeding birds such as peregrine falcon, wood warbler and redstart as well as badgers and red squirrels.