About the reserve

Hidden among the hills overlooking Lough Erne, Fedian (pronounced feyd-jan) is a snapshot of pre-war farmland, previously owned by the Nixon family and sympathetically managed by local grazier George Ferguson. 

Untouched by fertiliser and slurry, ancient and well-established woodland covers half the nature reserve, amid a network of bird-friendly hedgerows, and scrub, in a mosaic of species-rich grassland. 

A network of habitats – as good as you’ll find in Northern Ireland – tumble down the slopes of two ridges forming a rambling maze of every shape, variety, and aspect. Parts of the nature reserve will continue to be managed by a local grazier, with cattle, and serve to illustrate various grassland restoration techniques.

Crossing a muddy kesh (a crossing point), a bank of trees awaits, flanked by a tempting flavour of the colourful grasslands beyond. In springtime, buzzards, sparrowhawks, and Irish hares all breed here, as bugle and bulbous buttercup vie for your attention with holly blues and dingy skippers. 

Climbing a steep track, the path emerges onto a ridge with sweeping views of the verdant Fermanagh hills and surrounding lakes. Stepping quietly on, woodcock may be encountered, alongside fresh red deer tracks, while busy red squirrels can be spotted among the hazel banks. Woodland flora flourishes, with bluebells, primroses, anemones, and even the ghostly toothwort, reaching for the light before the summer canopy closes over. 

Pine marten, badger, and otter are in evidence, and further wildlife surveys will undoubtedly reveal more. Orchids, from early purple to yellow bird’s nest – the colours of the local football team – decorate the hedgerows. The pinks of ragged robin and meadow thistle transform into swathes of blue button in high summer. Marsh fritillary butterflies are here in abundance, with the fields grazed and cut accordingly.

As a nature reserve, Fedian will become a beacon of best practice, showing how sensitive farming practice can go hand in hand with our most threatened wildlife. The nature reserve will also allow us deliver demonstration and knowledge transfer to local farmers, and annual guided walks will offer insight to the local community, members, and the general public.  

Thank you! 

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wildlife Trusts’ Ecological Restoration Fund, and generous gifts in wills from Ulster Wildlife supporters, we were able to act quickly and secure this remarkable site near Derrygonnelly, ensuring its future as a haven for nature. Find out more about how you can help safeguard nature by leaving a gift in your will