Burntollet Wood
East of Londonderry
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
22.67 ha (56.02 acres)
Grid reference:
C505108
Map reference:
Explorer NULL
OS Landranger 7
This developing semi-natural woodland is rich with tree species and bursting with wild flowers. Enjoy stunning views that stretch as far as the majestic Sperrin Mountains.
Burntollet Wood is one of a cluster of woods nestled in the picturesque Faughan Valley Woodlands, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which includes Brackfield Wood, Red Brae Wood, Killaloo Wood, Oaks Wood and Brackfield Bawn, with links to Ness and Ervey Wood.
Features
- Parking nearby
- Public access
- Autumn colour
- Spring flowers
- Waymarked walk
- Broadleaved woodland
How to get to Burntollet Wood
Burntollet Wood is a 22.7-hectare (56.1-acre) site next to Ness Country Park in the Faughan Valley Woodlands.
It is around 11km (7 miles) south-east of Derry/Londonderry and almost 5km (3 miles) north-west of the village of Claudy.
Car parking for Burntollet Wood is available at the adjacent Ervey Wood car park.
Travelling from Belfast, head west towards Derry/Londonderry. At the Dungiven roundabout, take the first exit onto the A6 dual carriageway. Continue along the A6 for just over 12 miles. Exit the dual carriageway at the Tamnaherin Road junction and follow brown signs for Ervey Wood.
Travelling from Derry/Londonderry, head east towards Drumahoe. At the Drumahoe roundabout, take the second exit onto the A6 dual carriageway. Continue along the A6 for two miles. Exit the dual carriageway at the Tamnaherin Road junction and follow brown signs for Ervey Wood.
The closest train station is Derry/Londonderry.
Visit Translink for more information.
There is a regular bus service along the A6 between Derry/Londonderry and Dungiven. The closest bus stop to the wood is on Glenshane Road.
Visit Translink for more information.
Facilities and access
There are several entrances to Burntollet Wood via kissing gates, including four along Ervey Road. The main entrance is from the Ervey Wood and Ness Country Park car park.
Please take care when walking as some parts of Burntollet are steep, although there are areas with gentler slopes too.
Parking is available at the main entrance to the wood - follow road signs to Ervey Wood and Ness Country Park car park.
Please check opening times ahead of your journey.
The closest toilets are at Ness Country Park, managed by the Forest Service. There is a small visitor centre with a toilet block and wheelchair accessible path.
Please check opening times ahead of your visit.
Wildlife and habitats
The mix of habitats in and around Burntollet Wood make for an exciting visit teeming with wildlife.
Animals
As this site matures, local wildlife is beginning to make its home here. Pygmy shrew, fox and fallow deer are just some of the mammals found in the Faughan Valley Woodlands.
Look out for the purple hairstreak butterfly, a rare butterfly that was identified in Burntollet Wood in 2020. Look out for its distinctive rich indigo colour, which can be difficult to spot as it flits around the tops of oak trees, where its caterpillars feed.
Listen out for an abundance of birds species that can be spotted throughout the seasons.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
As you walk along the wide, open glades, admire common spotted-orchid, meadowsweet, red campion and bird's-foot trefoil.
The rich mixture of native trees here are of local origin, with seeds sourced from Gransha Wood, a mature woodland in Derry/Londonderry. Look out for species including oak, hazel, cherry and birch.
Look out for:
Habitats
With wildflowers and 43,000 native trees planted, Burntollet Wood has a variety of plant and animal life that thrives in the woodland and grassland.
Explore:
About Burntollet Wood
The site where Burntollet Wood now stands was originally farmland which had been heavily grazed over the years.
The acquisition of Burntollet Wood in 2008 was made possible by funding from the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency and Forest Service. We also received support from members of the public, including a significant sum from an anonymous Canadian donor.
Dedicate at this wood
This wood is one of more than 50 across the UK where it's possible to dedicate trees, benches or larger areas of woodland. Mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one with a meaningful gesture that lasts.
Choose a dedicationThings to do at Burntollet Wood
Walking
Burntollet Wood is a great place to take in the sights and sounds of a maturing woodland.
The site has over 1.6km (1 mile) of pathways, including a waymarked circular route with information boards. There is a series of stone bridges along the route, and plenty of benches to have a rest on.
Look out for mosaics depicting woodland creatures, which were created by local school children with the help of local artist, Grainne Kielty.
Why not extend your walk to the rest of the Faughan Valley Woodlands, including:
- Oaks Wood
- Brackfield Wood
- Red Brae Wood
- Killaloo Wood
- Ness Wood
- Ervey Wood.
