Banagher Forest

This is a large remote, mostly coniferous forest with Sitka spruce planted on the peat covered slopes and hardwoods and larch planted in the richer alluvium in the valleys. The various stages of timber production, such as young plantations, mature timber stands and clear felled areas, provide a variety of habitats for small birds and mammals. It is also a rich hunting ground for birds of prey. Merlin, buzzard, peregrine falcon and sparrow hawk have all been seen in the area. There are no way marked routes, but the forest roads and paths provide access along both the Glenedra Glen and the Altnaheglish River, and along the north shore of the Altnaheglish Reservoir. It is possible to do a round trip (15km) linking the two glens through the Banagher Nature Reserve.

How To Get There

The entrance to the forest is on the Birren Road, parking at the nearby lay-by.
From Belfast/Draperstown, take B40 to just 1.5km past Moneyneaney, take right fork at Moydamlaght Road (signposted to Dungiven), leading on to Birren Road. Travel 5km. Forest entrance on left.
From Londonderry/Dungiven, take A6 for 3km. Turn right at Birren Road (signposted to Draperstown). Travel 6km. Forest entrance on right.

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