Rea’s Wood stretches for nearly one mile along the shores of Lough Neagh, heading south from Antrim town. Access is from Lough Shore Park in Antrim. Rea’s Wood is a fine example of wet woodland being dominated by Alder, Willow and Birch trees and it is designated as a National Nature Reserve.
The woodland floor provides ideal habitat not only for many plants but also for many rare invertebrates including Snails, Slugs, Hoverflies and Beetles. Some of these creatures are relics from the Ice Age still occurring in Rea’s Wood because of an unbroken history of woodland cover in this area for several thousand years. The rich swampy areas have Sedges, Marsh Marigold and tall Yellow Flag Iris growing. The dawn chorus of springtime birdsong is very impressive, you can listen out for Robin, Wren and Blackbird, also Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warbler.
Managed by Forest Service and NI Environment Agency. Warden (028 3823 2398)
Open all year round for walking
