About the reserve

This small, cut-over bog contains a mixture of trees such as birch, willow and gorse scrub, as well as open boggy and grassland areas.

Nestled in an otherwise intensively managed landscape, the undisturbed position of Inishargy attracts a range of birds of conservation concern including linnet, reed bunting and meadow pipit. Buzzards can also be seen or heard circling overhead, and sparrowhawks and kestrel regularly hunt here.

Butterflies spotted on the wing in spring and summer include orange-tip, speckled wood, small heath and small copper. Day-flying moths include common heath and silver hook.

One of the most impressive and interesting plants found at Inishargy is the royal fern, in decline elsewhere because of wetland drainage. The colony here is the largest in the east of Northern Ireland.

Most of our larger mammals seek refuge at Inishargy including fox, Irish stoat, badger and Irish hare. Otters have been reported nearby and likely use the reserve to move between habitats.

At Inishargy, we control invasive scrub and bracken to provide the right conditions for wildlife to thrive.