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Ballydyan

Situated midway between Crossgar and Saintfield, this disused section of the old Belfast to Downpatrick railway line, closed in 1950, is now a beautiful and peaceful walk.

Ballydyan nature reserve With two different parts, half of the reserve is mature ash and some scrub and the other half is a grassland with some wetland areas. It is an incredible place for birds and in spring there are many interesting butterflies. There is a circular path around the reserve and it takes 20 minutes at an easy pace. It is a real wildlife corridor with badgers, foxes, rabbits and grey squirrels all seen on the reserve.

Access: This nature reserve is open to the public and is open all year.

Getting There: From Crossgar, take B7 to Ballynahinch. After 2 miles, take minor road on right to Listooder. Continue for about 1.5 miles following signs to Ballydyan. Parking is available for three cars on the roadside verge.

Holly blue butterfly

Look out for: Holly blue butterfly, bullfinch, sparrow hawk, willow warbler.