Nature in Northern Ireland celebrations at Ballynahone Bog

10 June 2009 -

Holidaymakers interested in nature in Northern Ireland will be able to take part in a leisurely ramble in Londonderry, also known as Derry, this weekend.

On June 13th, Ballynahone Bog will play host to a walking event that will see Ulster Wildlife Trust (UWT) staff volunteers teach people about the history of the site and why bogs are such important habitats.

According to the UWT, the marsh is home to brightly-coloured mosses, insects such as the large heath and green hairstreak butterflies and insectivorous plants.

Ross Towers, nature reserves manager at the group, commented that only around nine per cent of Northern Ireland's peatland remains intact, mainly due to its extraction.

He added: "It is important we protect and manage Ballynahone Bog for the rare wildlife it supports and provide people with the opportunity to see this spectacular site and learn about its importance."

Also in Londonderry this month, the Foyle Days event will provide those looking for family events in Northern Ireland with the chance to take part in scuba diving, canoeing and river tours while celebrating the region's prestigious maritime history.