brookend nature reserve

Like most of the shoreline of Lough Neagh, the fields at Brookend were once part of the lake bed but have since been exposed by successive water level lowerings since the 1840's. The site is now partially flooded in winter but drier in summer - ideal conditions for many rare and special plants. In the spring the shore rings with the calls of cuckoos and curlews against the noisy background of the breeding colony of black-headed gulls on the island just offshore. In summertime the colourful grasslands are alight with flowers typical of wetlands such as ragged robin, bog cotton, Greater bird's-food trefoil and marsh cinquefoil. Rarer plants such as cowbane and flowering rush can also be found. The scrub supports a woodland bird community and is especially good for warblers. In springtime you will hear the song of the willow warbler and the sedge warbler. When the sunshines, the pond margins shimmer with hundreds of dancing damselflies and dragonflies. Facilities: None. Park along the roadside verge at the end of the lane.

From the Coalisland to Ballyronan Road (B160), south of Ardboe, turn right onto the Brookend Road and Continue to the end.