Explore Montiaghs Moss and the new 500m boardwalk this summer.
This summer I’m aiming to get out into nature as much as possible, and just recently I joined RSPB NI Warden Cathryn Cochrane for a tour of Montiaghs Moss Nature Reserve. Situated near Craigavon, the newest reserve is just a few minutes drive from Portmore Lough. With a fantastic 500m boardwalk, it gives you a chance to get up close to the abundance of butterflies and dragonflies that are flitting around the pools and flowers.
RSPB NI are working in partnership to revive this site and protect its special wildlife. As the habitat at Montiaghs Moss has been created by people, it needs specialist management to prevent the species and habitats from disappearing. The habitat at Montiaghs Moss has been created as a result of turf cutting. The traditional method of turf cutting was called ‘puddling’ and workers using this method would dig in bare feet. They would start by removing the first sod and setting it to one side, before adding water and mixing to make a consistency of liquid chocolate. The mud turf would then be thrown onto the bank and spread over the grass for a few days to dry, before being cut into bars ready for stacking and drying for fuel. Over time, the turf extraction led to the removal of the bog surface leaving behind fen and wet grassland habitats and the network of historic peat pools which now support wildlife such as butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies.
Irish Damselfly, Brian Morrison
Armed with my binoculars and camera, RSPB NI Warden Cathryn Cochrane took us on a delightful dander, exploring the boardwalk and mown pathways along the tranquil 1,100m trail, which weaves through pools and swathes of heather. The warm sunshine created the perfect environment for spotting a number of butterflies, including Green Hairstreaks, Orange-tips, Cryptic Wood Whites and after just a few minutes, the star species made an appearance as a Marsh Fritillary fluttered around us. While the site is known for its blooming butterflies and damselflies, we were surrounded by birdsong throughout the walk, with the whistling melody of the Willow Warbler greeting us as we arrived, and joined later by Meadow Pipits, Great Tits and Blue Tits singing their hearts out.
Drone imagery of Montiaghs Moss Boardwalk, Brian Morrison
With RSPB NI reserves dotted across the country, it’s never been easier to get close to nature right on your doorstep. Check out the webpage here to find more information on what nature awaits you at Montiaghs Moss Nature Reserve: Montiaghs Moss (rspb.org.uk)