This strategy seeks to encourage increased use of forests and enhance the recreational facilities which are currently available in forests, and introduce new ones, by developing partnership arrangements with both public and private bodies.
Launching the strategy, the Minister took the opportunity to announce the appointment of an operator to deliver high trees adventure facilities in a number of key forest sites. She said: “Rural tourism is an area which offers major potential for growth in the years ahead. As a first step to achieving this strategy’s ambitions, I can confirm today that ‘Go Ape’ are to be appointed by Forest Service to develop and operate high trees adventure facilities in our forests. This will be an exciting addition to our forests. The first facility is planned to be opened at Tollymore Forest Park, by Easter next year. In the same timeframe, ‘Go Ape’ plan to open similar facilities in Sydney, Australia and Washington DC, so this really is an exciting international product.
“There is increasing demand year on year for more access and better recreational facilities in our forests. It is in this context that I hope to expand and diversify the opportunities available for the use of our forests in the north. I hope this will enable more people, particularly in rural communities, to enjoy the benefits they offer.
“Earlier this week, I introduced a new forestry Bill to the Assembly. This included proposals for a Statutory Right of Access for pedestrians, which will make our forests even more accessible.”
The Minister also focused on the role of working in partnership with others to achieve the strategy’s goals. She said: “Forest Service already works with other organisations to provide recreation facilities in its forests. The new strategy places an emphasis on the development and expansion of partnerships to unlock the potential that forests offer. Promoting the recreational and social use of forests will attract more visitors to our forests and will provide opportunities for economic development through tourism and events.”
The strategy is available online at: www.forestserviceni.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
1.There are nine forest parks in the north which provide parking, picnic sites and a range of walks and attractions. In addition, there are over 100 forests that provide some recreational facilities, including woodland walks.
2.The Forest Service manages 76,000ha of forest land, broadly comprised of conifer plantations, open upland areas, broadleaved woodland, open space within forests and recreational and amenity areas. Management conforms with agreed sustainability criteria, and as a result forests provide a balance of economic, environmental and social benefits to the people of the north of Ireland.
3.The consultation document “A Strategy to Develop the Recreational and Social use of Forest Service Forests” was issued in November 2008 and generated considerable interest. Approximately 70 responses were received from a wide range of interested bodies and individuals and the comments taken on board in the production of the final strategy.
4.The Strategy demonstrates the Forest Service’s commitment to work in partnership with public and private sector operators to secure a more diverse range of facilities and attractions for the enjoyment of everyone, including outdoor learning opportunities and additional recreation and leisure pursuits. This should have a positive impact on general health and well-being and have a beneficial effect on the economy of rural areas by attracting more visitors.
5.The Strategy recognises that partnership working will allow opportunities to be fully developed. It outlines the potential for the involvement of others through partnership arrangements.
6.All media queries to DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
