Go Explore - Other sites of biodiversity interest



As well as the main sites in the Belfast Hills, there are a number of smaller sites which are important for the wildlife of the hills. These include:

Ligoniel Park
Ligoniel Park was originally part of the grounds of Ligoniel House, which was owned by the manager of the old Ligoniel Mill. The park’s pond was once a mill dam, known locally as Boodle’s Dam. The park contains mature trees, and species-rich limestone grassland.

Glencairn Park
Situated at the bottom of the Black Mountain and close to the Glencairn River, Glencairn Park is a large open grassland with beautiful mature trees and woodland.

Carr’s Glen Linear Park
Carr’s Glen Linear Park is managed as part of Cave Hill Country Park. It offers visitors good access to the Cave Hill area from the Ballysillan Road. The Milewater Stream runs through Carr’s Glen and the remains of an old mill can still be seen alongside the stream.

Forth River Park
Estate lands around Forth River House, which included ground alongside Forth River, were opened to the public in 1975. There is a lovely walkway alongside the steep sided stream and woodland.

Valley Leisure Park
This is a large town park with numerous walking routes as well as a wildlife pond, open meadowland and wooded areas.

Throne Wood
Situated on the Antrim Road, this patch of mature woodland is managed by the Woodland Trust which has planted two thousand saplings to enhance the site. The site has wetlands and good bat populations.

Belfast Zoo
As well as the many open spaces to see wildlife in the hills, there is also good biodiversity work being undertaken at Belfast Zoo. This is the venue for vital global wildlife projects such as conservation breeding programmes of endangered species as well as encouragement of local Belfast Hills’ wildlife such as bats and red squirrels. The Zoo is open 10am every day of the year
apart from Christmas and Boxing Day and is signposted from the M2 and Antrim Road.

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