This is a decon container containing logbook, pencil, sharpener and
a few other small goodies.
Sturdy footwear is needed in wet weather. The terrain is flat.
If you visit on a wet day, take extra care when walking on wet
terrain. Conditions at this reserve are explained in detail below.
The pathway is grass (usually well cut and maintained).
To reach this nature reserve take the Tandragee Road out of
Portadown. Take the first road on the left after exiting the 40mph
speed limit. This is the Brackagh Moss Road. Drive along this road
for approx 1/4 mile and park at first layby on left where you will
find the entrance to the nature reserve. There are proper paths
throughout but please take care if you bring young children.
Originally a raised bog, over 300 years of turf cutting have left
Brackagh a maze of pools, drainage channels and peat ramparts. Most
of the reddish acid bog peat was removed, exposing older, black,
base-rich fen peat underneath. The variety in soils has resulted in
an extremely varied flora. Dense alder and willow carr woodlands
open on to luxuriant species-rich fens and shallow pools while in a
few areas acidic bog mosses survive, bedecked with insect-eating
sundew plants.
In summer, pond edges and glades teem with the frenetic buzz of
a myriad of insects. The rare marsh fritillary and delicate green
hairstreak butterflies vie with 17 other species for a place in the
sun. The range of dragonfly species, which includes the rare Irish
damselfly, is one of the best in Northern Ireland. Surprisingly,
pike survive in many of the small pools where hunting mink or even
an occasional otter may be spotted. Winter rains regularly inundate
large tracts of the site for weeks on end. The flocks of duck that
often accompany the floods are ever watchful for wandering birds of
prey.
Facilities; There are two lay-byes along the Brackagh Moss road
with an information panel and a path system north of the road.
(taken from the local Craigavon tourism website)
Above photo courtesy of DodgerM