ballymaclary nature reserve

This reserve contains some dune slack communities uncommon in Northern Ireland. There is one particular moss (Rhytidium regosom) which flourishes in these dunes that has not been found anywhere else in Ireland. Low lying dune slacks periodically flooded in winter has a rich and varied range of summer flowering plants, including large numbers of the otherwise rare Marsh Helleborine. Management activities include grazing and scrub cutting. Around Ballymaclary the shoreline is currently eroding, but this is part of the overall cycling of sediments in the Magilligan/Tunns Bank system. Ballymaclary reserve is entirely within a danger zone on Mod property and therefore is not normally accessible by the general public. However from time to time guided walks through the area are led by the Warden from whom further details can be obtained. Facilities: None. Access can only be arranged through the warden.