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Oaks Wood

Ness Burn Londonderry

Woodland Trust wood group

  • Oaks Wood
  • Allens Land

  • Explore peaceful paths taking you through ancient woodland and newer growth.

    Credit: Jill Jennings / WTML

  • Look out for elegant deer sculptures grazing amongst the grass.

    Credit: Jill Jennings / WTML

  • Spot wildlife, plants and fungi all through the year.

    Credit: Jill Jennings / WTML

  • Spend time by the tranquil river where Atlantic salmon find refuge.

    Credit: Jill Jennings / WTML

  • Follow interconnecting paths through the entire Faughan Valley Woodlands mosaic for a day out to remember.

    Credit: Jill Jennings / WTML

Home to stunning sculptures and spectacular views, Oaks Wood is one of the most picturesque spots in the Faughan Valley Woodlands.

Oaks Wood is one of a cluster of woods nestled in the picturesque Faughan Valley Woodlands, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which includes Brackfield Wood, Red Brae Wood, Killaloo Wood, Burntollet Wood and Brackfield Bawn, with links to Ness and Ervey Wood. 

Features

  • Public access
  • Autumn colour
  • Spring flowers
  • Broadleaved woodland

How to get to Oaks Wood

The 10.5-hectare (26-acre) site is located in the Faughan Valley Woodlands, between the villages of Drumahoe and Killaloo on the A6, 8km (5 miles) south-east of Derry/Londonderry.

Travel west from Belfast toward Derry/Londonderry. At the Dungiven roundabout, take the first exit onto the A6 dual carriageway. Continue along the A6 for just over 12 miles. Exit the dual carriageway at the Tamnaherin Road junction. Follow brown signs for 'Faughan Valley Woodlands'. The Oaks Wood car park is located just over the road bridge on the left-hand side.

Travel east from Derry/Londonderry toward Drumahoe. At the Drumahoe roundabout, take the second exit onto the A6 dual carriageway. Continue along the A6 for two miles. Exit the dual carriageway at the Tamnaherin Road junction. Follow brown signs for 'Faughan Valley Woodlands'. The Oaks Wood car park is located just over the road bridge on the left-hand side.

There is also a car park at Red Brae Wood, accessible from Drumahoe via Ardground Road.

The nearest train station is Derry/Londonderry.

Visit Translink for more information.

There is a regular bus service along the A6 from Derry/Londonderry to Dungiven.

Visit Translink for more information.

Look for traces of pine martens as you stroll along the scenic paths.

Credit: Jill Jennings / WTML

Facilities and access

A short walk downhill from the car park will bring you to the entrance of Oaks wood.

Please note that there is a steep, stepped path taking you down to a stoned circular pathway which provides an easy stroll. The walk offers views of the Faughan River and ancient and developing semi-natural woodland.

There is parking available at the Oaks Wood car park – follow signs for Faughan Valley Woodlands. 

There is also a car park at Red Brae Wood, accessible from Drumahoe via Ardground Road.

The nearest toilet is at the nearby Ness Country Park with a small visitor centre. The toilet block has wheelchair-accessible pathways.

Wildlife and habitats

Oaks Wood boasts a mix of ancient woodland and younger, developing woodland, adding to the diverse mosaic of habitats found within the Faughan Valley Woodlands. It supports a wealth of wildlife, including otter, fallow deer and a wide array of bird species.

Animals

Oaks Wood is teeming with wildlife. Look out for traces of the pine martens which sometimes visit. The river attracts birds including heron and kingfisher and is also home to Atlantic salmon and trout. Several priority species – twaite shad, European smelt, sea lamprey, and river/brook lamprey – have been reported in the estuaries.

Look out for:

Trees, plants and fungi

Oaks Wood was planted in 2000 with 7,000 trees to create the new native woodland. As the wood has matured, aspen has self-seeded alongside the river and the woods are flourishing.

Look out for:

Habitats

The native woodland at Oaks Wood is acting as an extension and buffer linking the existing local woodlands of upland oak – a priority habitat in the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Action Plan.

Explore:

History of Oaks Wood

We purchased Oaks Wood in 2000. It is one of the 50 Woods on Your Doorstep sites in Northern Ireland, created to mark the new millennium. The development was aided by the Millennium Commission, Homebase and the Rural Area Partnership.

Oaks Wood was planted with a mix of native broadleaved trees by the local community. In 2008, the site was designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

Things to do in Oaks Wood

Walking

Enjoy the views and network of paths in Oaks Wood, keeping an eye out for the deer park sculptures hiding within the woodland (part of a wider sculpture trail throughout the Faughan Valley Woodlands). Download the trail guide below to take a walk throughout Faughan Valley Woodlands. 

With its diverse woods, tranquil riverside walks, plentiful wildlife and stunning views, the Faughan Valley Woodlands are the perfect place for a day out. Discover shorter walks within each of the connected woods, or follow the interconnecting path network for a longer ramble around the valley through: