Tow River Wood ASSI

Tow River Wood is one of the best examples of a base-rich woodland in Antrim. It has a well developed, mature structure and is highly variable with a range of woodland plant communities and a rich assemblage of woodland species.

The wood lies in the secluded valley of the Tow River. In the lower half, the wood exhibits an unbroken transition from marshland and wet woodland on the valley floor, through a series of intermediate and flushed woodland types to mature, dry woodland on the upper slopes. This mature woodland consists of a high oak canopy with occasional ash and birch over a well developed understorey and a typically base-rich ground flora.

To the south-east of the site, the slopes above the woodland are wet, with species-rich, acidic marshy grassland.

The rare rough horsetail was recorded for the site.