Thank you for visiting Balloo Nature Reserve

Balloo Woodland might be small, but it is rich in biodiversity and dates back several centuries – the reserve is the last remnant of the gardens of Balloo House, home of the Steele-Nicholson family from the early 1700s.

The woodland is home to a fine variety of trees including oak, beech and Scot’s pine, some of which are several hundred years old.

On summer days you can watch butterflies fluttering around the grassy areas, ranging from common blue and peacock to ringlet and scarce holly blue, which was formerly restricted to Co Down.

In winter, you can spot birds such as goldcrest and long-tailed tit roving through the trees.

Balloo Wetland was formed in 2008 on what was originally an area of wet wasteland, which has now been transformed into a range of thriving wildlife habitats including ponds, reedbeds and wet woodland.

In spring, frogs and newts breed here, and you can spot dragonflies such as four-spotted chaser and common darter flying around the pond.

Otters have also been known to visit the site, although you’ll be lucky to spot one of these elusive visitors.

In summer, the wildflower meadow comes into full bloom, and is home to a breathtaking variety of native plants and insects.