Magilligan Point Nature Reserve

About

Magilligan Point is the tip of one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. The way the coastline constantly changes has generated a lot of interest and is one of the main reasons why the site has been declared a nature reserve. Many metres of sand dune can disappear in a sudden winter storm in what may appear to be severe erosion. However, the cycling of sand around the foreland and out to the Tunns Bank has been going on for centuries.

The dunes have advanced and retreated again many times. In the last 20 years, more than 50 scientific papers have been published about Magilligan and the story is still being unravelled. In the summertime, a wide variety of wild flowers add a splash of colour to the dunes. Harebells and bird's-foot Trefoil are followed later by Thyme and Pyramidal Orchids. On warm days, butterflies such as the Common Blue or Meadow Brown are seen in abundance and visitors may also be able to spot the rare six-spot Burnet moth.

For birdwatchers, Magilligan Point offers good views of seabirds using the narrows and in winter, migrating waders and wildfowl.

The Martello Tower located within the Magilligan Nature Reserve was built in the early 1800s, as much for defence against American privateers as against the threat from France. It was equipped with a 24 pounder cannon and a garrison of 13.