The cache is a micro inside a larger container. Please carefully replace the cache exactly where and as you find it. Watch out for muggles â they can really sneak up on you in the forest.
There is a ÂŁ3.50 car charge at the entrance (pay & display â correct money only, price correct March â14) free parking is on the main road a very short distance from the forest entrance.
The Ladyâs Well is located on the edge of a garden dedicated to Dr Augustine 'Austin' Henry (1857-1930) who was born at Tyranee, near Portglenone. While serving in the Maritime Customs Service in China in 1881 he became interested in botany, sending back nearly 16,000 plant samples. After 1900 he began his career in forestry later gaining a reputation as 'father of commercial forestry'. The grove in Portglenone Forest is planted with species that he discovered in China. I havenât been able to find any information on the origins of the Ladyâs Well itself.
All of Portglenone Forest is classified as an âAncient Woodlandâ and continues a history of mature woodland cover since ancient times, which protects the woodland flora and fauna. The 26 hectare main area contains extensive colonies of ancient woodland species - Bluebell, Wood Anemone, Wild Garlic and many broadleaf trees. The swathes of bluebells in spring are especially remarkable, as is the Grove dedicated to Dr. Augustine Henry, a renowned plant collector. There is also a memorial to the United States servicemen stationed there during World War II. The foundations of their Nissen huts can still be seen throughout the wood.
The well maintained forest tracks make for easy walking and are suitable for buggies & probably wheelchairs (though some trails are steep).
The Forest Service has provided visitor facilities in this main area including picnic sites, clean and well maintained toilets with wheelchair access, and a number of way-marked trails leading down to the Bann River. Dogs are welcome on leads and please use the âdoggy-pooâ bins provided. Please put all litter in bins too.
The Forest hosts a free Spring Event at the end of March and a family fun day on the early May Bank Holiday Monday â brilliant for kids but parking is at a premium even on the road.
Portglenone (from Irish: Port Chluain Eoghain, meaning "The Fort of Eoghan's meadow
Please keep to the way-marked paths and respect this fragile habitat which can be easily damaged.
There are deep water pools/ponds, ditches & a riverside walk â keep an eye on the kids & pets!
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http://www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/
