Easter fun at Bangor’s Kilcooley Wood

The Woodland Trust invites families to discover the hidden gems of Kilcooley Wood, Bangor, in the countdown to Easter.

Saturday 1 April, from midday to 4pm, is the date for the spring diary. 

Woodland Trust staff will greet and point you in the right direction; then follow the clues to complete a self-guided trail through this fabulous flourishing woodland.  Young nature detectives, having completed the woodland adventure, will each be rewarded with a tasty Easter treat.

Kilcooley Wood is a green oasis stretching along one side of Bangor’s Rathgael Road.  On the other side of the road, the magnificent towering trees within privately-owned Clandeboye Estate provide an impressive backdrop.

Much to the delight of local people, this young urban woodland was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 2014, in recognition of its importance to both people and wildlife.

Michelle McCaughtry is the Woodland Trust’s people engagement officer and says: “We’re encouraging families to discover this young woodland at their own pace, by way of a fun and informative nature trail.

“This is a beautiful time of the year, with spring definitely in the air, to get out and about.  Look out for scatterings of lesser celandine and the first sign of bluebells, mostly along the woodland edge.  You’ll often see chaffinches and we’ve had reports of the occasional sparrowhawk, no doubt visiting from nearby Clandeboye.”

Kilcooley Wood was one of four Woodland Trust woods to share a £38,000 grant in 2016 from the 5p levy on shopping bags paid to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.  This much-loved beauty is now ready and waiting to show off its new look, which includes improved entrances and pathways, and quaint little stone bridges.

Booking in advance is essential.  The cost is £2 per child.  Find out more and book your place at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/events or call 0330 333 5302.