Ness Country Park

Ness Wood is named for ‘an las’ or Ness, meaning Waterfall, in this case the highest waterfall in Northern Ireland. After the last ice age, ten thousand years ago, the old Burntollet Rivercourse was blocked by glacial deposits. In eroding a new channel through the rock, the river has created the magnificent waterfall, gorges, portholes and rapids which are a feature of Ness Woods.

It is a remnant of extensive natural oakwoods. The site is notable for Purple Hairstreak butterflies, unusual in Northern Ireland. A rich variety of species of tree can be found, including beech, sweet chestnut, silver fir, larch, and cherry laurel.

The Country Park is 55 hectares of mixed woodland along with open parkland which extends along both sides of the Burntollet River. There are over 7km of stunning woodland and riverside walks including a magnificent waterfall walk.

For the less able visitors, there is also a meadow walk which offers easy access walking. The park also has picnic tables, wildlife ponds, wildflower meadows and a new visitor centre with local information and an exhibition on woodland biodiversity.

Extensive development work has taken place in the park which now extends along both sides of the Burntollet River, joining Ness and Ervey Woods to Burntollet Wood, a newly planted site owned and managed by the Woodland Trust.