Breen Oakwood is a prime example of Atlantic rainforest in Northern Ireland, thus holding status as a National Nature Reserve, an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), and a Special Conservation Area (SAC).

As well as the splendid oak woodland, Breen hosts the very rare bog woodland habitat in the valley floors, areas of Scots Pines, small patches of heath and a pond. This array of habitats and the plants they support in turn makes Breen an important site for moths and other invertebrates.



It’s importance to Lepidoptera has been known for decades, but more recently regular light traps, larval hunting and netting at dusk has added many new species not only for the site, but also the region and occasionally Northern Ireland.

Some of the weird, wonderful and scarce moths which Breen hosts include the stunning Merveille du Jour and Beautiful Snout .

Of the scarce species, including those on the Northern Ireland priority list, Breen is home to:

Dotted Carpet

Slender Brindle

Small Autumnal Moth

Saxon

Bilberry Pug



Moths new to Northern Ireland including the Elachista trapeziella and Grapholita tenebrosana have been first recorded at Breen in recent years. Recent colonist Devon Carpet has an established population, whilst species moving north such as White-pinion Spotted and Clay Triple-lines have found Breen to their liking.

There is little doubt Breen will continue to deliver mothing surprises into the future.