Brookend Old Dam has been declared as an ASSI because of its breeding colony of grey heron.
Heronries are usually located in areas of undisturbed mature woodland close to wetlands which provide a reliable supply of their preferred food: fish and frogs. Once a heronry has been established, nest sites can be reused for many years. Nests are built in the highest trees with alder and scots pine usually preferred.
The mixed deciduous woodland is dominated by mature ash and beech and includes significant amounts of sycamore. Mature trees within the woodland provide suitable nest sites for grey heron.
This site is one of the most important heronries in Northern Ireland. Correct management is essential for special places like Brookend Old Dam since nesting grey heron are very sensitive to disturbance. Sensitive management of the woodland will safeguard the survival of the heronry at Brookend Old Dam.
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