Being a pioneer species, the birch has established well. The inclusion of groups oak, a climax species and a key component of the woods that clothe the slopes of the Faughan Valley, shows the forethought of the forester who planned Legaghory Wood. Given time, these will come to dominate wood as the short-lived birches give way to the long-lived oaks.

This succession might take a hundred years or more if allowed to happen naturally, but the owners of Legaghory Wood may choose to hasten the process by thinning out the birches and favouring the best oak trees to develop broad acorn bearing crowns.

Scots pine, an honorary native species, is also present.

You might be lucky enough to see a family of roe deer in daylight, or at twilight when local badgers are also likely to be on the move.

Legaghory Wood is also a haven for songbirds, with the young trees providing many nesting opportunities. Imagine waking to your very own personal dawn chorus!

As yet, red squirrels and pine martens are not known to visit, but they are present in the local area so there's a chance they may take up residence.

Panoramic views can be had from the edge of Legaghory Wood where it adjoins farmland to the west, with Derry / Londonderry easily visible and the mountains of Donegal behind.

A bench has been positioned in a peaceful glade a short distance from the parking area, an ideal spot to soak up the atmosphere of the rustling leaves, dappled light and birdsong.

An all weather track has been laid especially for the owners, with a stoned car parking area tucked away in the trees.

It is easy to make your way through the woodland, with natural winding trails formed by the rows of planted trees, and the lightly branched silver birch trees aiding progress.

One of these ways can be followed uphill from the first boundary marker you come across to find the hidden glade replete with bench.

The owners of Legaghory Wood have a right of way from Gosheden Road.

Camping out and getting back to basics are what woodland ownership is all about for many, and Legaghory Wood is the perfect location to get away from it all without being too far away from modern conveniences.

A foray across the border is also easy, with Co Donegal a similar distance west.

The Faughan Valley is an important historic link between the North-West and the rest of Northern Ireland still in use today by many motorists who may be unaware of its importance for nature as they speed along. The valley and those of its tributaries together form one of the largest ASSIs in Northern Ireland, with the River Faughan being one of the most important salmon systems in the British Isles, as well as home to the remarkable lamprey.

The Valley was known by Ireland's earliest peoples too, with many archaeological sites from the Bronze Age and Neolithic Period. Nearby, the ruins of Brackfield Bawn date from the Plantation of Ulster.

The valley forms the centrepiece of a new planting project to restore ancient woodland, plant new native woodland to connect habitats, improve the water quality, increase public access and engage with local people.