Ballypatrick Forest Open This Summer
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20 June 2005
126/05
The Forest Service has confirmed that Ballypatrick Forest, near Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, will be open to the public this summer.
The announcement follows recent media reports that the forest was closed.
A spokesman for the Forest Service said: “The forest car park, walks and picnic facilities will be open daily during the summer period.
“The scenic drive was closed for an extended period this year for safety reasons, due to timber harvesting and forest operations. The drive will now be open every weekend until October, and on weekdays throughout July and August, including bank and public holidays.”
The spokesman added: “The Causeway Coast attracts large numbers of tourists and visitors during July and August each year, and Ballypatrick Forest has a part to play in this. In keeping with this, forest operations such as timber harvesting are planned as far as possible outside the main visitor season.
“We would encourage visitors to come along and enjoy the forest during the times indicated for this tourist season, and to make use of our ‘Touring in the Trees’ caravanning or camping facilities, to walk, picnic, cycle or take in the scenic views.”
Notes to Editors
1. Ballypatrick Forest has an attractive scenic drive and other important facilities such as the ‘Touring in the Trees’ camping and caravanning facilities; car parking, picnicing areas and toilets.
2. Ballypatrick Forest is located within a popular tourist area. Forest Service aims to integrate its recreational benefits to the public with the on-going management of forestry operations. During 2004/05 a substantial volume of timber amounting to 15,000 tonnes was harvested and sold to supply the local saw-mill at Limavady. From time to time it is necessary to close sections of the forest, and in particular the scenic drive, to visitors where there are concerns about the safety of visitors.
3. The forest attracts an estimated 7,000 paying visitors a year.
4. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619.
