Get out and explore autumn’s beauty in local native woodlands near you

Autumn has officially arrived, and the Woodland Trust has highlighted a list of woods across Northern Ireland to visit where you can see the stunning change in season. The leaves of our native trees are now changing from green to hues of golden yellow, coppery orange and crimson red. The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity says this is the best time of year to see the tree canopy change colour in our native trees.

Now may be the perfect time to visit our woodlands for the stunning colours of Autumn but anytime is best for the holistic health benefits that a walk in the woods can provide. Native trees such as oak, Scots pine, and silver birch are central to the iconic autumnal landscape. These trees, which have evolved with the climate for centuries, are responsible for the seasonal spectacle we all love. Their leaves change as temperatures drop, creating a vivid display that can connect people to nature.

Communications Manager Lynsey Nixon said: “Native woods are a kaleidoscope of colour during the autumn, constantly changing and evolving. And woodland walks are a wonderful way to get active during the season to admire the beauty of the leaves as they change colour. Our woods are free to visit all year round, not just autumn, so it’s great to wrap up warm and get outside this time of year to see Mother Nature’s big show!”

Autumn walks in woodlands do more than refresh the soul; they also bring proven health benefits. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mental wellbeing. The Japanese practice of “forest bathing,” or *shinrin-yoku*, which focuses on slow, mindful walks in natural settings, has been linked to improved immune function and enhanced mood.

“There is something profoundly healing about walking in nature, especially in autumn when the woods are at their most magical,” concluded Lynsey. “It’s a natural way to unwind and boost your wellbeing, both physically and mentally.”

The Woodland Trust look after almost 60 sites across Northern Ireland and their estate is open and free to the public all year round. Here are our top suggestions to visit this Autumn:

Cabin Wood, Cookstown, Co Tyrone. This is a small picturesque, native woodland. It features pathways, created in recent years, to the Ballinderry and Killymoon Rivers. Cabin Wood acts as a buffer and extension to ancient woodland and features grassland areas, where local wildlife thrives.

Carnmoney Hill, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. With awe-inspiring views of the city, Belfast Lough and the coast, Carnmoney Hill is a must visit. Steeped in history and folklore with a mix of ancient woodland, floral grassland and wetland, it is home to a wealth of wildlife.

Corrog Wood, Portaferry, Co Down. This small native woodland lies in a particularly scenic part of County Down on the Ards Peninsula. Corrog means ‘the stoney ridge’ and the Woodland Trust planted sessile oak, ash, maple and birch here in 2000.

The Drum, Cargan, Co Antrim. Created in 2000 and nestled within the slopes of Slievenanee Mountain, this wood offers visitors a peaceful setting to stroll amongst native trees including oak, ash, Scots pine and alder.

Drumnaph Wood, Maghera, Co Derry/Londonderry. At the gateway to the Sperrins, this beautiful ancient woodland is one of the few remaining fragments of a great forest that once covered much of mid-Ulster. Throughout the year Drumnaph Wood’s varied mix of habitats is a joy to explore.

The Faughan Valley Woodlands, Claudy, Co Derry/Londonderry. The picturesque Faughan Valley Woodlands are made up of a collection of enchanting ancient woods, including Oaks Wood, Brackfield Wood, Red Brae Wood, Killaloo Wood, Burntollet Wood and Brackfield Bawn Wood. In August 2023, the Woodland Trust completed a long-term project to reconnect these woods along paths, across the River Faughan and even underneath the busy Glenshane Pass.

Glasswater Wood, Crossgar, Co Down. This popular local wood is named after the Glasswater River that runs nearby, and it was once part of the Great Wood of the Dufferin that ran from Downpatrick to Bangor. In recent years, the Woodland Trust extended the woodland, installed new walking trails and created a new car park to accommodate visitors.

Mourne Park, Kilkeel, Co Down. An extremely rare and ancient wildlife haven set at the foot of the southern Mournes, we have created three pathways through ancient native woodland and along the Whitewater River. Here, the Woodland Trust opened 188 hectares of woodland, parkland and forest to the public.

Find a wood near you: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/northern-ireland