There is a £3.50 car charge at the entrance (pay & display – correct money only, price correct June ‘13) however you can park on the main road a short distance from the forest entrance. The forest gates & toilets close at 9pm but pedestrians can enter close to the gate.
Amphibians and wetland vegetation here, and in Europe generally, are in decline. According to the Northern Irealndd Countryside Survey, Fen/swamp vegetation comprises 0.6% of the land area of N. Ireland; in County Antrim it is 0.2%. In global terms swamp and wetlands are the areas of greatest biological productivity. Plants here now include: Purple Loosestrife, Yellow Loosestrife, Flag Iris, Ragged Robin, Spearwort, Marsh Marigold, Fool’s Cress, Bog Bean, Brooklyme, Wood Brome, Wood Sedge & Wood Horsetail. How many can you identify?
All of Portglenone Forest is classified as an ‘Ancient Woodland’ 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 “doggy-poo” bins provided. Please put all litter in bins too.
The Forest hosts a free family fun day on the early May Bank Holiday Monday – 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 – keep an eye on the kids & pets!
http://www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/
