Roe Estuary Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roe Estuary Nature Reserve |
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A view of Roe Estuary Nature Reserve from Binevenagh looking across the Magilligan plain showing Lough Foyle in the distance
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 Roe Estuary Nature Reserve
Location in Northern Ireland
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| Location | County Londonderry, Northern Ireland |
The Roe Estuary Nature Reserve is a special protected area in Aghanloo, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It sits on the southeast bank of Lough Foyle, right where the River Roe flows into it. This amazing place is about 6 km north of the town of Limavady.
This estuary is a very important home for many different animals. It is especially known for the huge number of birds that visit or live there.
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Discover the Roe Estuary Nature Reserve
Where is the Roe Estuary?
The Roe Estuary Nature Reserve is found in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is located at the mouth of the River Roe. This is where the river meets the larger body of water called Lough Foyle. The reserve is a short distance north of the town of Limavady.
Amazing Wildlife at the Estuary
The Roe Estuary is a fantastic place to see wildlife. It has a mix of salt marsh and mudflats. These areas are perfect for many different creatures to live and find food.
Birds of the Estuary
Many birds come to the estuary, especially those that migrate. Migrating birds are those that travel long distances between their breeding and feeding grounds. You can also find wading birds, ducks, swans, and geese here. Some of the cool birds you might spot include the curlew, lapwing, turnstone, bar-tailed godwit, and Brent goose.
Life in the Mud and Water
The mudflats and salt marshes are full of tiny marine animals. These small creatures are an important food source for the birds. You can find mussels, periwinkles, lugworms, shrimps, and ragworms living in the mud. There are also large areas of a special plant called eel grass. Eel grass grows underwater and provides shelter and food for many marine animals.
Special Visitors: Salmon and Otters
The estuary is also a pathway for bigger animals. Salmon use this estuary to travel between the River Roe and Lough Foyle. They swim through here to get to their breeding grounds. You might even be lucky enough to see otters in this estuary. Otters are playful mammals that love to swim and fish.
The Railway Line Crossing the Estuary
An interesting feature of the Roe Estuary is the railway line that crosses it. This is the Coleraine–Portrush railway line. It connects Londonderry railway station in Derry to Coleraine railway station further north.
