Belvoir Forest Park

First opened in 1961, Belvoir Forest Park covers 75 hectares along the south bank of the River Lagan. The forest park is managed by Forest Service NI and is quite unique in the UK as it remains a working forest within a city.

The walking route within the forest explores this historic estate in Lagan Valley Regional Park for 2.3km through mixed woodland on gravel paths, with some steep hills. It links to the Lagan Towpath and the remainder of the Lagan Valley Regional Park.

There are a number of historic sites within the forest, including the Norman motte, which dates back to the 12th century. There is also ice house, medieval graveyard and arboretum.

The RSPB has its Headquarters in Belvoir Forest Park, and the surrounding forest is full of bird life and other wildlife including the red squirrel, one of the few places they can be seen relatively easily, although under pressure from the grey squirrel.