Forest bathing at Prehen Wood

Prehen Wood is a small ancient broadleaved wood of about seven and a half hectares on the east bank of the River Foyle, just over 3 km from Derry city centre. Beech, hazel and holly make up the canopy, and in spring bluebells, lesser celandine and wood anemone carpet the floor. Red squirrels live here, along with sparrowhawks and long-eared owls. Local people stopped a timber sale in 1929, and a later campaign led to the Woodland Trust buying the wood in 2003.

Enter by the kissing gate off Summerhill Drive, or along the old path called The Bolies from Victoria Road. Two gentle circular walks loop round the wood, past wooden animal sculptures and an old wartime quarry that is now a wildlife haven. Because it's small, it's best for a slow hour rather than a long walk. Paths are wet and slopes steep in places, which limits wheelchair access. Parking is at the Everglades Hotel nearby.