ADMISSION

Free

PARKING

Free

Drumkeeragh Forest

Drumnaquoile Road Dromore BT25 2LB, Down

Please note that there is Harvesting happening on site between June and August and again between Setptember and October. See the PDF Download for the affected areas.

Drumkeeragh Forest is a commercial coniferous woodland covering 200 hectares with an elevation which rises from 190 metres to 310 metres.

A small car park for visitors is located off the Drumnaquoile Road. An extensive forest road system allows walkers to access most of the forest.

All roads within the forest have rough gravel surfaces and strong footwear is recommended. There are good views of the surrounding countryside, with glimpses of Strangford Lough and Scrabo Tower visible between the low rounded hills. Looking towards the north west a broad panorama stretches from Slieve Croob on the left to the Antrim Hills on the right. The view in the centre is across small hill farms beyond which the Sperrin Mountains may be seen on a clear day.

Within the forest sitka spruce is the predominant tree species with Norway spruce, European larch, western red cedar, douglas and noble fir, Scots, Corsican and lodgepole pines also present. These species were planted to produce timber harvests over a rotation of about 50 years.

The land is not suitable for growing broadleaved timber trees because of its high elevation and the poor quality soil.

Drumkeeragh Forest is now entering its second rotation and a programme of felling and replanting has been undertaken in recent years.

To ensure compliance with the principles of sustainable woodland management in this ‘new’ forest, landscaping and wildlife conservation receive greater emphasis and some native broadleaves, including silver birch and mountain ash, have been planted.

A greater diversity of bird species is also found within the forest as these second rotation crops develop and mature.

 

GETTING THERE

From Ballynahinch, take the B2 to Dromara. After half a mile turn left onto Castlewellan Road and go for three and a half miles to the forest.

GALLERY

CHARGES


ADMISSION:

No charge

PARKING:

No charge

DOWNLOADS & PUBLICATIONS


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