Wildlife and biodiversity

The gardens around Malone House, as well as nearby Barnett Demesne, are home to a rich variety of seasonal wildlife and biodiversity.

Enjoy drifts of snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils in spring and beautiful wildflower meadows in summer, or sample rich bursts of foliage and frosty beauty in autumn and winter.

Among the daffodils, you might spot the chequered snakeshead fritillary, while bluebells are another common feature. Other areas encourage wild flowers, such as lady's smock, hay rattle and orchids, which in turn help to attract different varieties of butterflies, bumblebees and other insects.

Nearer to the Lagan towpath, the marshy grassland attracts celandine, marsh-marigold and Himalayan balsam.

If you want to spot wildlife, Malone House offers great views of rabbits and red and grey squirrels, as well as the occasional stoat. Nocturnal animals include foxes, badgers, mink and otters.

Bats are also frequent visitors to the area, as are long-eared owls. Over 60 different species of birds have been spotted in the gardens, including magpies, wood pigeons, blackbirds, thrush, robins and wrens.

Seasonal visitors include jays in autumn, fieldfares and redwings in winter and swallows and martins in summer.