Gildernew calls on public to get out and about this Sunday for National Trails Day
Tuesday, 28 September 2010Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has invited the public to join an exciting range of events in celebration of National Trails Day on Sunday 3rd October 2010.
Raising awareness of outdoor trails throughout Ireland, National Trails Day is a chance for everyone to enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside, forests, mountains and lakes. And to make it even more enjoyable entrance to all events on the day will be free!
Explaining what National Trails Days is all about, the Minister said; “Forests are one of our greatest natural assets and I want to encourage local communities to fully utilise their local facilities. Increasing access and improving facilities to Forest Service’s estate is a key commitment of my Department.
“For the third year running my Department will again be participating in National Trails Day in co-operation with our southern colleagues in Coilte, with fifteen special events on across the north. I am very proud of the success we have already achieved in what has now become an all-island event and am confident that this year’s event will be even more successful.”
Referring to the need for the public vigilance during the event, the Minister added: “Whilst we have many exciting events planned across our forestry estate for National Trails Day, it is unfortunate that we are in the midst of a disease outbreak of P Ramorum at a small number of Japanese larch sites in Antrim and Down.
“I want to re-assure the public that none of the affected forests are being used for the National Trails Day events. We are taking all appropriate steps to manage and contain the outbreak”.
In conclusion she added: “The physical and mental health benefits from outdoor recreation are well known. I want to call on the public to make the most of the free events that we are putting on for National Trails Day on Sunday. This is an excellent opportunity to visit local woodlands and learn more about the natural environment, as well as having an enjoyable day out.”
This year National Trails Day will again be an all-island event, with support partners including DARD Forest Service. With more and varied events located across the country, the 2010 National Trails Day will surely prove even more popular than ever before.
In keeping with previous years, daily access charges will be waived on National Trails Day at all Forest Service recreation areas where access charges are usually applied.
Events are being hosted in 15 DARD Forest Service woodlands and there is certain to be something suitable for most tastes. Portglenone Forest will host an Autumn Woodland Walk while a Lakeside Wood Walk will take place at Hillsborough Forest. Fun Cycling events are also being held at Gosford Forest Park beside Markethill and at Castle Archdale Forest near Enniskillen. A full listing of events across the whole of Ireland is available here.
With a range of events aimed to attract younger visitors and the more mature alike, there will be lots to choose from; so why not enjoy a fun-filled time at a Forest Service woodland trail near you!
Notes to editors:
1. National Trails Day is Sunday 3 October 2010.
2. The events organised will be included on this Website
3. Forest Service woodlands hosting events are as follows:
Portglenone Forest – Autumn Woodland Walk
Hillsborough Forest – Lakeside Woods Walk
Gosford Forest Park – Family Fun Cycle
Castle Archdale Forest – Family Fun Cycle
Glenariff Forest Park – (1) Red Squirrel Exhibit (2) Horse Riding Trail
Gortin Glen Forest Park - Red Squirrel Exhibit & trails walk
Belvoir Forest – Ancient Trees Trail
Big Dog Forest – Geo-Park Nature Walk
Moneyscalp Wood (Tollymore) - Family Fun Treasure Trail & Nature Trail
Loughgall Forest – (1) Family Fun Cycle and (2) Eco-Trail
Rostrevor Forest – Walk in the Mournes (via Mourne Way / Ulster Way) from Leitrim Lodge to Kilbroney
Slieve Gullion Forest – ‘Ring of Gullion Through the Years’ mountain walk
Tollymore Forest Park – Horse Riding Trail
Ballypatrick Forest park – Horse Riding Trail
Binevenagh Forest – Binevenagh AONB Walk
4. Media enquiries to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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