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Parkanaur Forest Park
Parkanaur is situated right in the heart of the province close to the historic town of Dungannon in Co Tyrone Ireland
It is possible to sight buzzards, treecreepers and blackcaps. While in the spring time the forest floor is awash with bluebells. Other parts of the trails take in woodland stands include trees grown specifically for their timber and includes pines, spruces, oaks and larches. Another path takes the visitor to St. Patrick’s Well.
As an old estate Parkanaur has several impressive and unusual specimen trees (both broadleaved and coniferous). Tree species include 400 year old oaks, beeches and pines as well other magnificent specimens collected from all over the world centred in the arboretum (collection of exotic tress). Parkanaur is of particular interest to conservationists because it is being developed mainly as an oak forest - something which cannot be done on the upland forests with their unsuitable weather and peaty soils. The Torrent River runs through the forest and this can be spectacular in times of flood. There are the occasional sightings of otter and dippers. While part of the river forms a pond that attracts ducks.
The white fallow deer in the deer park are most attractive. There are usually between 20 and 25 in number. These are the descendants from a pair that were sent by Queen Elizabeth I to her niece at Mallow Castle in County Countyk as a wedding gift. This herd have been in Parkanaur Forest since the mid 70’s at the instigation of the Forest Service. Members of the public are welcome to walk through the deer enclosure by a designated path. Some caution may be necessary during the rutting season (October).
