Get closer to nature at Bog Meadows with new self-guided walks from Ulster Wildlife

Visitors to Bog Meadows Nature Reserve can now enjoy a deeper connection with nature thanks to a new series of self-guided walks introduced by local conservation charity Ulster Wildlife.

These themed walks, available online and on-site, offer an engaging and flexible way for individuals, families, and community groups to explore this urban wetland haven throughout the year.

Each month, a new seasonal walk is released, focusing on topics that range from the signs of spring and fascinating fungi to tree folklore and wellbeing in nature. The routes, each taking approximately 30 minutes, are designed to be accessible and cover just over a mile on flat, easy-going paths.

All walks begin and end at the entrance to Bog Meadows.

Dawn Patterson, Community Engagement Officer at Bog Meadows, explained the motivation behind the initiative:

“We are regularly inundated with requests to take groups on guided nature walks around the nature reserve, but unfortunately, we cannot facilitate every request,” she said.

“These walks provide a flexible opportunity for individuals, families, schools, youth or community groups to visit in their own time and discover the diversity of wildlife that calls Bog Meadows home.”

The walks were developed by Ulster Wildlife with support from former trainee Alesha Doyle, who helped shape the content and themes based on in-depth research.

“The tricky part was narrowing down what to include!” said Doyle.

“Bog Meadows Nature Reserve truly is an urban oasis, and these walks only scratch the surface of the wonderful wildlife that call this place home.”

Nature for Mind and Body

Bog Meadows, located just outside the city centre, is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a place of tranquillity and reflection. The benefits of spending time in green and blue spaces are increasingly recognised.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 65% of people report that being near water enhances their mental wellbeing.

Ulster Wildlife hopes these walks will support mental, emotional and physical health by encouraging regular visits and deeper engagement with the natural world.

“As well as learning more about local wildlife, we hope people will experience the physical, mental and emotional wellness that comes with spending time in this beautiful blue and green urban oasis, connecting and engaging with nature,” Patterson added.

May Walk Focuses on Summer Birds

The latest self-guided walk for May highlights the arrival of summer birds such as swallows and swifts, inviting visitors to spot and listen for these migratory species.

Each walk is accessible via QR code at the reserve’s entrance or by visiting the Ulster Wildlife website at ulsterwildlife.org/bog-meadows-walks.

With something new to discover every month, the walks offer a year-round invitation to enjoy the evolving sights, sounds and stories of Bog Meadows.