Ballynafagh Lake
Loch Bhaile na Faiche
AKA Blackwood Reservoir
&
A quick visit to Ballynafagh Church & Graveyard
Ballynafagh Lake is a wonderful place for a (relatively) quiet walk.
Located approximately 2 kms north of Prosperous, the immediate approach road is quite narrow with deep ditches on either side, there is a designated carparking area at the lake. It is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC IE0001387) occupying some 45.49 ha (112.40 Acres in old money!) as confirmed by S.I. No. 493 of 2018 (European Union Habitats (Ballynafagh Lake Special Area Of Conservation 001387) Regulations 2018) and therefore in theory is that little bit more “protected”
It’s Natura 2000 Description is Alkaline fen, and species of particular interest are the Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail (Vertigo Moulinsiana) Seilide Rinseach Desmoulin & the spectacular Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas Aurinia) Butterfly known in Irish as Fritileán Réisc.
Once you arrive in the car-park you will notice a number of information display signs to the left hand side of the entrance gate.
As the walking routes can be somewhat waterlogged & muddy in places suitable footwear is strongly advised. One can walk around the immediate area of the lake or alternatively stroll through the woodland areas – or both if you have the time!
From what I can understand the lake & surrounding area site was man made as a reservoir to feed water to the Grand Canal and is known as both Ballynafagh Lake and the Blackwood Reservoir.
The lake is however fairly overgrown with diverse wetland vegetation including the common reed (Phragmites australis) which you will also see in Pollardstown Fen, and the remaining areas of very clear, open water are relatively shallow.
It is a Fen type environment, with boggy areas and areas of woodland sheltering areas of the lake.
Over my visits there I have noticed many plants, insects & birds – including but not limited to fairly widespread gorse bushes, butterflies, hoverflies, damselflies, frogs, mute swans etc. etc.
Ballynafagh Church
The picturesque ruins of a former CofI Ballynafagh Church, built c. 1831, used until c. 1959 and c. 1985 the roof was removed. There are also ruins there of a medieval church although little remains. The Church is very striking, not least because it stands out amidst fields of green – the church & graveyardare surrounded by an old stone wall.
Access is via a gate at the roadside through a frequently used pathway across farmland – I noted that while there were no notices forbidding / permitting access via this route the fact that it is farmland must be respected by the visitor.
deaglandepaor 