A few notes on the way the forays run if you wish to come along.

Foray layout:

A days foraying begins, for those wanting a full day, at 11am at the designated meeting point. Returning to the carpark for lunch between 12.30 & 1pm. Then foraying again from 1 – 4pm. You are welcome to join at either of these starting times.

1. We recommend highly that you WEAR SUITABLE OUTDOOR CLOTHING.. that is sensible footwear (high heels or sandals are not recommended). Trainers, wellies or waterproof walking boots are a must for some sites. Please bring a raincoat and/or waterproof bottoms. It can suddenly start raining and you'll regret not having some form of waterproofs with you. If you don't need them at least you've come prepared.

2. Some sites may be hilly! Please do check the sites before you plan to come along. We have tried to give you as much detail regarding the site i.e. grid ref and O.S. map numbers so you can find them and check the terrain on your maps. If you need more advice please contact us. It can be off putting if you arrive to find a mountain site and you are unable to cope physically with it.

3. If you are planning on spending the whole day with the group do bring a packed lunch as some venues are 'out of the way' and may not have shops nearby.

4. If you are wanting to collect a few specimens to take home and identify yourself bring a collection container of basket (mushroom boxes from your local green grocers are good! And you are recycling which is good for the environment too!!! ) Craft tubs or small plastic tool boxes from your local hardware shop are good as they have handles as well and are relatively cheap.

5. A small guide book is also recommended. These can be obtained from any local bookstore. The Collins Field Guides are very good but will only have the very commonly found species in them. This is good for beginners and helps you establish which ones you may come across on a regular basis. Once you feel more confident you can invest in more advanced books.

Apart from those main points the day is pretty relaxed. Join in, make friends and have fun and learn a bit about our environment and habitats while you are there.

2010 Forays

 

 You can also download this foray list here - this also includes maps

 

8th May 2010 Straidkilly Nature reserve. UWT Reserve. OS map No. 9. D306160

Follow to Larne. Along the Coast road to Glenarm. Pass the harbour, turn right. At the stone wall follow to the left. Pass the entrance to Glenarm Estate and road to B’mena on left. Continue on. On the small country road, you will pass a large farm shed on your left. Layby infront of this building and on the opposite side of road also. Entrance to the reserve 20yds in front. From the North. Follow the main road to Ballymena. On the M2 take B’shane jnct. Continue left to Glenarm/Carnlough, A42. Follow rd for some miles to split in road. Take B97 (right) to Glenarm. At end of road turn left. Follow to the layby as above.

 

24th July 2010 Hollymount Forest, Downpatrick, OS map No.21 460430

From Belfast. Follow A24 to Carryduff, then take left A7 to Saintfield to crossgar to Downaptrick. From West, follow M1 to H’borough. Folow signs for B’hinch. Follow for Downpatrick. Once at main r’bout. Take right, town centre. Continue through 1st traffic lights. Veer left at 2nd traffic lights, Take immediate right for Clough (market St. becomes Ballydugan road. Continue on, pass the racecourse on your left. Take next right onto Drumcullen rd. Pass Ballyduggen Mill and follow short distance to the reservoir, turn left onto Lake Rd Park here near the pub. 

 

7th August 2010 Prehen Wood, Co. Londonderry. OS map No. C424148

Follow all directions to Derry. If approaching from E/NE/SE on the Glenshane Pass. Follow to the final roundabout. Take left. Keep to the left, passing the bridge, follow directions for Strabane. Onto Victoria Road. Pass the Lough’s Agency Centre on right. On left look for Prehen Road (2 entrances to same road) turn into Prehen park. Park on this street, near forest entrance. From South/West Follow through Omagh to Strabane A5. Once through New Buildings, Look for Prehen road on left. Follow as above. 

 

21st August 2010 Kilbroney Park. NOTE CHANGE OF MEETING PLACE - THIS IS NOT KILBRONEY CENTRE

When you reach Rostrevor, please follow all signs for Kilkeel. Once on the A2, Carlingford Lough is on your right, continue on for a short while. There is a backward facing fork in the road, Cloughmore road, pass this and on the left you should see a sign for Kilbroney Park / Rostrevor Forest Park. Follow up the track until you reach the carpark.

 

4th September 2010 Peatlands Park, Co. Tyrone. OS map. No. 19 H898603

Follow from your location onto the M1. Follow either direction to J13 (loughgall). Take J13. Peatlands Park is signposted from this junction on the North side of the Motorway. Meet at the carpark.

 

18th September 2010 Brantry Lough, Co. Tyrone Os Map No. 19 H750535

From North/East, Follow M1 west. Pass j15, M1 ends. Take B45 on left for Eglish. Continue through Eglish. Road forks keep right, just after fork take nest right onto Carrycastle Road. 3rd main rd on left is Brantry Road. Follow down here to the carpark on your right at Lough. From West follow north towards Belfast. Pass Ballygawley, after 1st main road to Dungannon on left, carry on until the Eglish Road on right. Follow as above. 

 

26th September 2010 Carfunnock Country Pk OS map No. 9 D385068 (not part of the main group timetabled forays. ) 

Group asked to guide walk. Chairperson will guide the walk. Members are welcome to attend. 
Follow roads to Larne. Carry on Coast road until you come to the Country park on your left. 

 

2nd October 2010. Clandeboye Estate. Joint with Belfast Naturalists Field Club OS map No. 15 J474800 

From North and West. Follow either M1 or M2 to Belfast. Once in Belfast, follow directions for Bangor A2. Once on A2 continue past Holywood, continue straight. Pass Ballyrobert Car sales. Through lights. Continue on until passing Garden Centre on left. Move to right hand lane. Keep straight. After Junction 50yds, indicate right. Entrance to Estate is through large stone pillars. Continue on through estate over ramps until main buildings appear on your right. Pull into large Carpark. Park at the right beside grass bank. 

 

9th October 2010 Cottage Farm Reserve, Omagh OS Map No. 12 H448779

Take A5 north from Omagh for 3 miles and turn right along minor road signposted to Gortin (Gortnagarn Road). After crossing Knockmoyle Bridge, turn left and continue for a mile to farm.

 

22nd-23d October 2010. NIFG Residential. Venue To be Confirmed

20th November 2010, Slemish Mountain Area. OS Map No. 9 J218057

Follow from your location to the M2 and continue to Ballymena. Once At Ballymen. From South, take M2 back onto ring road/M’way. Take junction 11 (Broughshane). From North, follow to Ballymena and take J11. Follow direction for Broughshane A42. Once in the town pass up Main St. On R take the B94, Rathkeel road. From here follow signs for Slemish.

6th November 2010. Mount Stewart National Trust. OS Map No. J550702

Follow to Belfast. Form your direction, continue along road posted for Newtownards. Once in Newtownards follow signs for Portaferry, A20. Once on the A20 continue straight. Strangford Lough will be on your right hand side. Continue on. Mount Stewart is well signposted from the road and entrance is wide.