Craigantlet Woods ASSI

Craigantlet Woods ASSI is composed of three separate valley-woods on the southern flank of the Craigantlet Hills. Although separate, they occur in close proximity and together the three woods represent the largest block of semi-natural woodland remaining in the north Down region. The inaccessibility of the woods has allowed them to remain relatively undisturbed, thus maintaining a high degree of naturalness.

The woods are all base-rich occurring on steep valley sides and are composed of mature ash with frequent wild cherry and a well developed understorey. The ground flora is typical of flushed, base-rich woodlands with a diversity of plant communities and species. Associated streams and rock faces enhance the variety by providing additional microhabitats. The woodland flora also includes a number of rare plants such as wood millet, wood fescue and toothwort.