castlecaldwell

The sheltered Castle, Birch and Kellums Bays fringe the predominantly conifer and beech forest at Castlecaldwell. These three bays are managed as a nature reserve and are just a short walk through the woodland from the Exhibition Centre.

The journey through the woodland bypasses the old 17th Century castle which lies in ruins. Birds nest in its ivy clad walls. Nearing the bays, old oak trees form a ghost line along what was exposing new land. This foreshore has been colonised by natural source of food for the brimstone butterfly. This large yellow butterfly is obvious in flight during March and August but its leaf like shape gives it camouflage in the foliage. Guelder rose also occurs, and its bright clusters of scarlet berries are easily seen in early winter.

Having reached the birdhide, binoculars are useful to give good views of the ducks, grebes and other water birds, such as the noisy coots. Herons stalk for prey in the shallows while evening visitors may catch a glimpse of a long-eared owl hunting along the forest edge.

At the western end of Lower Lough Erne, off the A47 Belleek to Kesh Road, signposted from both Belleek and Kesh.