Print pageFacilities
Facilities
- Car park
: There is car parking for up to 14 cars with additional spaces outside the gates. Bicycle racks can be found adjacent to the information shelter.
- Toilets
- Disabled toilets
- Picnic area
- Binocular hire
- Group bookings accepted
- Guided walks available
- Remote location
Viewing points
The hide is accessible by boardwalk from the main trail. The entire lough and reedbed can be viewed from the hide.
Nature trails
The main trail is a 1 km circular route that samples the main habitats of reedbed, ditches and wildflower meadows. Outside the summer months, this trail may be wet so Wellington boots are essential. Unfortunately, this trail is not suitable for wheelchair users.
A 500 m all-weather path, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs extends from the car park connecting the picnic area, small pond and a schools sensory area.
Educational facilities
School groups are welcome at Portmore Lough Reserve for those well equipped for the weather. Pond dipping, bug hunting and guided walks are our speciality. Normally the Warden leads these activities. Dedicated field teaching, school fieldwork and research projects can be arranged. Please contact the Warden, well in advance, to discuss your requirements.
RSPB has pioneered the Sensory, Education and Exercise Kit, or ‘SEEK’ project at Portmore Lough Reserve. SEEK is ideally suited to small groups of children with learning difficulties or limited mobility. Learning stations are visited to explore such themes as water, flight, senses and habitat whilst group games investigate topics such as migration and camouflage. Please contact Karen Shiel, 028 9069 0845 for more information on the ‘SEEK’ project.