breen oakwood

At one time, oakwoods covered much of north-east Antrim. Gradually the trees were felled for timber and the land cleared for farming. Today, Breen Oakwood is one the last fragments of these once extensive woodlands. The mature oaks form a dense canopy overhead, with birch on the higher ridges. Rowan, hawthorn, holly and hazel grow beneath to form an understorey, with alder and willow in the damper areas beside streams. Ferns and mosses thrive in the damp, shady conditions, while dragonflies, frogs and newts are attracted to the boggy pools. Tits and treecreepers are common and keep an eye out for a sparrowhawk or buzzard hunting among the trees. Please keep to the paths. This will protect the tree seedlings, which are essential to the survival of the wood and cannot withstand trampling. Facilities: Car Park in the farmyard.