Moyola Forest

Moyola Forest covers 47 hectares in two blocks, Moyola and Drumlamph, north of Castledawson. While the forest contains no formally designated recreation paths, there are forest roads that can be used for walking, such as a circular route around Drumlamph block.

The forest area is located on what was once raised, or valley, bog in the flat, low lying floodplain of the Moyola River. Within this there is a significant proportion of raised areas (e.g., Island McGurk; Drumlamph), which are on good mineral soil. They were probably never covered in peat, and so evidence of a long history of woodland cover is widespread. These areas contain many species in the ground flora that are characteristic of long established native woodland, despite much of it having been planted with conifers. The locality is home to only three recorded sightings in N Ireland of the very rare Green Flowered Helleborine, a protected species. Bluebell is quite common in the wood, along with native broadleaved shrubs such as hazel. As a result, a large proportion (more than half) of the forest area is managed mainly for conservation objectives.

All of Drumlamph block has been identified as a Plantation on an Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS), and conifers are gradually being removed to give place to native tree species and a more natural woodland environment. About a third of Moyola block contains mature and newly planted broadleaved trees, where continuous tree cover is the underlying management principle to achieve both timber production and biodiversity objectives.

How to get there

The nearest main towns are Castledawson and Bellaghy. Castledawson is between Magherafelt and Bellaghy. Moyola block can be found on the Knockloughrim road (off the A54), on which lies the Drumlamph road, and Drumlamph block.

The forest is open every day of the year from 8.00am until sunset. Admission is free.

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