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.

2009 Forays

 

May 16th - Woodburn Forest OS map no. 15. J372914
From Nth/Wt/Sth, follow onto M2 to J5. Take A57 for Larne. Follow to Ballynure Roundabout. Take 1st exit, directly on right take B58. Continue straight. Road splits (keep right on B58. Continue approx 2.3mls. On right North Woodburn Reservoir. Parking at Reservoir.

 

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July 18th - Castle Leslie OS map no 28, Discovery Series no 28b H719418
From North follow to Omagh then A5 for Ballygawley, From West follow A4. Just before Ballygawley roundabout take Right (A5). Coming from Omagh/East at roundabout take A4 West. Directly after roundabout take Left A5 Tullyvar Rd. Continue through Aughnacloy (road becomes A28) to Caledon. Just before Caledon town take the right onto B45 Annaghroe rd. becomes R185 when crossing the border. Continue to Glaslough. Enter the Gates of the Estate.

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August 22nd - Moyola Wood OS map no. H930945
From North:Follow A6 along Glenshane to Magherafelt roundabout. Take 1st exit to Castledawson.
From South follow M2 to Magherafelt roundabout. Take 3rd exit and follow to Castledawson. Once at
Castledawson roundabout go straight A54 Magherafelt road. Take 2nd Main road on left, Hillhead rd.
Moyola wood on right.

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September 12th - Magilligan Nature Reserve OS map no.4 C661388
From South/Belfast Follow to Dungiven. Once at Dungiven take the B68 signposted to Limavady, follow Ballyquin road to town. Once at town follow Left round town onto Catherine Street. Follow straight to roundabout, 2nd exit onto B69 * (seacoast rd). Continue to end. Take left onto A2 continue then straight to 1st main rd on left B202 Point rd. Follow to end onto small lane. Look for parking on left at N reserve.
From Derry: Follow A2 for Limavady. After Ballykellytown at next roundabout take 1st exit and follow as above *

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September 19th - The Argory OS map no. H871583
From all direction head for M1 in direction of J13. At J13 take take slip road and follow in Loughgall direction. 3/4ml at bend in road turn right onto Derryhirk Road. Keep right and follow to end. Right onto Clonmore rd, after 1/2ml take left onto Derrygally Rd. take next left onto Derrycaw rd. Argory on lane on right. Please look for Signs. It is directed.

 

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October 4th - Carnfunnock Country Park OS map no. 9 D385065
From South follow M1 to Belfast and onto M2. Follow M2 from Nth or Belfast to Junction 4 (Sandyknowles roundabout.) Take the A8 posted Larne. Follow to Larne. Once in Larne follow signs for Glenarm Coast route. Just past Drains Bay continue straight till entrance for Carnfunnock C.P. Please tell gate guy you are NIFG member for foray Free parking arranged!)

 

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October 10th Mourne Wood OS map no. 9 J275165
The most direct route to this forest is to be following directions to Newry. Once in Newry you want to follow the A2 through Warrenpoint to Kilkeel. Mourne wood is situated approx 3.5km outside Kilkeel town on the left hand side. Signs at the entrance, Kilkeel Golf Club. Follow up lane and veer left to gravel carpark.

 

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October 17/18th Crawfordsburn Apple Festival. 

Held in the Countrypark Information Centre, just outside Bangor. Will be well signposted.

October 24th/25th Residential Members only and booking required
TBA

November 7th - Divis Mountain OS map no. 15 J281755
Sth: M1 take Junction 9 (Moira roundabout). Follow A26 to Nutts Corner roundabout.
Nth: Take M2, junction 5 to Templepatrick. Follow signs for International Airport. At roundabout take 1st turn on L to Nutts Corner. At Nutts Corner roundabout, take Dundrod turnoff, (5th from south, 3rd from North). Follow road for some miles. Pass a sports ground on right. Continue on till Divis Sign. Take left.
Divis road. Carpark on left approx 1/2ml.
From Belfast: Continue round A55 circular rd. Follow to Kings hall. Continue straight past Musgrave hospital. At roundabout take straight ahead. Outer ring. 2 roundabouts, both straight ahead. After 2nd roundabout take main rd on left at top of hill, B38 Upper Springfield rd. Continue to signs for Divis on right. Follow to carpark.

 

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