correl glen

A short nature trail starting opposite the Falls Bridge Car Park journeys through the damp shady woodland and continues up onto heath to a seat overlooking the reserve. From here are striking views down to Carrick Lough and a panorama of neighbouring hills. The woodland is native and varied. Underneath birch, oak, ash and holly trees, the damp conditions are favoured by bilberry, mosses and ferns. Filmy fern grows along the banks of the Sillees River as it runs through Correl Glen. The Woodland extends in three fingers across the reserve. The heathland in between is formed of mosses, heathers and the aromatic bog myrtle. Lichens grow well amonst the heath and indicate that the air is clean, with 131 different varieties having been recorded so far. Correl Glen and the neighbouring Monawilkin (private land) are host to many species of butterfly and dragonfly. The silver washed fritillary is the largest butterfly in Ireland and prefers shady clearings. The holly blue flies in May whilst speckled wood butterflies are common throughout the summer.