Official Opening of Walking and Cycling Paths in Learmount Forest
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9 March 2005
056/05
The Forest Service today hosted the official opening at Learmount Forest of walking and cycling trails, reconstructed through a project led by Learmount Community Development Group Limited.
The forest is owned by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and managed by Forest Service. It covers 120 hectares in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains and borders the River Faughan. The project was funded through the Rural Development Local Regeneration Programme, EU Building Sustainable Prosperity, and the DARD Peace Programme under the National Resource Rural Tourism Initiative.
Malcolm Beatty, Chief Executive of Forest Service said: “I am delighted that the Forest Service could facilitate this project, and that it was supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development through the National Resource Rural Tourism Initiative. Work was undertaken to reconstruct a number of paths and forest trails, to improve access from Park village to the nearby forest, for local people and tourists to the area. I commend the efforts of all those involved in the project, which promotes public use of Learmount Forest.”
The Community Group initiated the project and received support from local people, schools, a number of organisations and Government bodies.
Notes to Editors
1. Organisations involved in the completion of the project were the Learmount Community Development Group, Derry City Council, DRD Roads Service, Sustrans, Sperrins Tourism Limited and the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council.
2. This project is one of 57 projects, which have been funded by the Rural Development Council’s Local Regeneration Programme. Sustrans is a charity that works on practical projects to encourage people to cycle and use public transport in order to reduce motor traffic and its adverse effects.
3. Forest Service has agreed to facilitate the development of a Recycling Centre by Derry City Council at Learmount Forest. This will further enhance the public facilities and access available at the forest.
4. All media Enquiries to DARD press office Tel: 028 9052 4619.
