Ballynahone Bog

Ballynahone is one of the two largest intact active raised bogs in Northern Ireland with hummock and hollow pool complexes. The peatland flora includes bog-rosemary, at one of its few Northern Ireland sites.

The bog vegetation is characterised by a high percentage cover of Sphagnum mosses, ericoid dwarf-shrubs and other associated species.

Flat, water-logged "lawns" alongside pools are characterised by the prominence of such species as Cross-leaved Heath, Bog Asphodel, White Beak-sedge and Common Cottongrass over a Sphagnum moss carpet. The abundance of Cranberry in these areas is also notable. Typically, the pools are dominated by Sphagnum, with Bogbean abundant in a number of them. Lesser Bladderwort and Great Sundew are also frequent in some pools.

On the greater part of the bog plain the prominent species include Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Hare’s-tail Cottongrass, Common Cottongrass, and Deergrass. Additional species which are also well represented within the sward include Bog Asphodel, White Beak-sedge, with occasional patches of Bog-myrtle also occurring. 

The peatland flora includes a number of rare species, including Bog-rosemary one of only four known sites in Northern Ireland, and four Sphagnum mosses. In addition, the Downy Birch scrub and woodland, which has invaded much of the cut-over area, supports a number of notable fungi.

The bog provides an important habitat for breeding birds such as Curlew and Snipe and wintering species including birds of prey such as Hen Harrier and Merlin.

The invertebrate fauna is largely characteristic of lowland raised bogs throughout Northern Ireland. and includes the largest known colonies in Northern Ireland of the Large Heath butterfly.

Recently-constructed surface drains have been filled and the site is recovering.

For public access to this site contact the Ulster Wildlife Trust at 028 4483 0282

info@ulsterwildlifetrust.org