Killynether Wood
Near Newtownards - owned by National Trust and managed by Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The Trust manages a small area of hazel woodland by coppicing the trees, a traditional countryside skill which is rapidly disappearing. There is a car park and network of paths, muddy in places and some steep sections.
Look out for
• Breath-taking views of Strangford Lough
• A wonderful array of woodland flowers in the spring.
Reagh Island
4 miles (6 km) east of Lisbane - small car park and 0.3 miles (0.5 km) trail through woodland along the shores of Strangford Lough, which can be muddy at times.
Look out for
• The colourful jay and the majestic crack willow.
The vast majority of the foreshore from Reagh Island to Gibb’s Island
Managed by the Trust under lease from the Crown Estate. There are good access points at Whiterock and Killyleagh. The latter has a good array of local shops, places for refreshments, public toilets and accommodation.
Look out for
• Birds such as grey heron, redshank, and curlew. You may even spot a little egret, a recent colonist which appears to be benefiting from milder winters.
The Trust owns a number of islands off the west shore of the Lough
Including; Innisharoan and Darragh Island off Whiterock; Island Taggart to the north of Killyleagh; and Green Island, Salt Island, and Launches Long and Little to the south of Killyleagh. Most of these islands are grazed by cattle and sheep and the Trust has its own barge for transporting stock to and from the islands. In order to protect sensitive habitats for wildlife, visiting is restricted.
Look out for
• Birds such as short-eared owls in winter and breeding black guillemots.
Salt Island
Accessible to the general public by boat and bothy style accommodation is available to rent. For further details and to book the bothy, please contact Mount Stewart on (028) 4278 7801. Salt Island is part of the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail and the nearest access points are at Killyleagh and Delamont Country Park.
Look out for
• Otters
• Yellow flag iris beds.
Gibb’s Island
2 miles (3 km) south of Killyleagh. The island is covered with species rich grassland and grazed with traditional cattle seasonally. Dogs are permitted on the island when livestock are present but must be kept under strict control (either on short lead or at your side). The island is linked to the mainland by a causeway. There is car parking at the end of Island Road and a mile (0.5km) circular trail which can be wet and muddy at times.
Look out for
• Wildflower meadows in the summer, which include common spotted orchid
• The woodland has a large heronry; rookery and a magical sight is the large flocks of crows coming into roost during the winter
• Long-eared owls
