The park contains some of the oldest tree specimens in Belfast, including notable oaks and yews.
It was once the private estate of the Hill-Trevor family, the Barons of Dungannon.
The forest is one of the few remaining strongholds for the red squirrel within the Greater Belfast area.
Evidence of the original 18th-century landscaped gardens and estate architecture remains scattered throughout the woodland.
The River Lagan section of the park is a vital habitat for otters and kingfishers.
Belvoir Park Forest is a 75-hectare woodland site located along the southern bank of the River Lagan in Belfast. The park features an extensive network of multi-use trails traversing mature broadleaved and coniferous forest. The area is a remnant of the former Belvoir Estate, which dates back to the 18th century. It is designated as a Local Nature Reserve due to its biodiversity and population of red squirrels. Visitors can access the Lagan Towpath directly from the forest boundaries. The terrain varies from level riverside paths to undulating slopes within the woodland. It serves as a significant green corridor for urban wildlife in the south of the city.
The elevated points overlooking the River Lagan where the canopy opens up to reveal the water winding through the forest.
Wear waterproof footwear as the forest floor and riverside trails can become muddy after rainfall.
Keep dogs on a lead to protect the local red squirrel population and ground-nesting birds.
Bring binoculars if you intend to spot wildlife near the riverbanks.
Attempting to follow unofficial, narrow dirt paths that lead away from marked trails, as these can be hazardous or prone to erosion.
Leave no trace; remove all litter and refrain from picking wildflowers or disturbing animal habitats.
