On sunday we had a super Wild Food event in Derrynoid forest in Draperstown for European Week for Waste Reduction, this was all about highlighting wild food.
Thanks to John Murtagh, Environmental Awareness Officer from Maugherafelt Council for suggesting this venue and for organising everything!!
We walked the main boundary path, highlighting what to look for and at what times of the year you'd commonly find them at...
Thanks to John Murtagh, Environmental Awareness Officer from Maugherafelt Council for suggesting this venue and for organising everything!!
We walked the main boundary path, highlighting what to look for and at what times of the year you'd commonly find them at...
Derrynoid forest comprises some 200 acres and is under the control of the Forest Service, the newly planted sections date from the 1950's and comprise lots of oak and beech planting with small amount of conifers.
The estate that Derrynoid occupies was created by Judge Torrens in the early 1800's, and parts of the former grandeur of the parkland gardens can be seen in various parts throughout the trail with some super specimen conifers and plants, such as this Weeping Ash tree, Fraxinus excelsior Pendula.
There are cracking specimen plants dotted around the former Parkland gardens, such as this Korean Spice Viburnum
Now unfortunatly the Derrynoid centre that used to occupy this site is now closed, but dotted around the estate there is wee features like this carved bench, which offer glimpses of perhaps what the set-up was like back in the late 90's when it was at its peak.
The paths in the Forest are excellent and all areas are easily accessible with buggies and well worth a wee dander.
The paths in the Forest are excellent and all areas are easily accessible with buggies and well worth a wee dander.
