Recreational Development in Forests

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163/06
8 September 2006

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is to commission research into how to further develop recreational facilities in some forests.

The Forest Service, in partnership with the Strategic Investment Board Limited (SIB), has commissioned Tourism and Transport Consult International (TTCI) to carry out a feasibility study to identify options for recreational development in two key forest parks.

Rural Development Minister, David Cairns, explained how the research will help inform the debate on the scope for viable recreational facilities in forests in Northern Ireland. The Minister said: “The strategy for the delivery of forestry policy in Northern Ireland commits Forest Service to examine opportunities to enter into partnership agreements to develop recreational facilities in forests.

“The demand for recreational use of forests is increasing and diversifying and there is a pressing need to develop and modernise existing facilities, as well as investigate the scope to add further facilities that would attract wide appeal.

“Most forests will continue to be used for timber production and the quiet enjoyment of the population in general. However, the aim is to accommodate more active or high value pursuits in support of wider government objectives for sport and tourism and enhancement of the environment.”

The study will focus primarily on the popular forest parks at Tollymore (Newcastle) and Castlewellan. Tollymore and Castlewellan Forest Parks are extremely popular and, between them, attract some 270,000 visitors each year. Both forests are in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Tollymore has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and Castlewellan opened in 1969.

The parks provide camping facilities and a range of forest walks. Castlewellan is home to the Peace Maze (the world’s largest maze), a large arboretum and water sports facilities at the lake.

TTCI are expected to consult widely and deliver an initial report to Forest Service by early November 2006.

Notes to Editors:

SIB is responsible for the promotion of the Wider Markets Initiative in Northern Ireland. This is an HM Treasury initiative encouraging departments, agencies and NDPBs to make better use of assets by engaging in commercial services where appropriate. Details are available at: http://www.partnershipsuk.org.uk/BusinessSectors/commercialisation-sector.asp.

2. TTCI specialises in providing technical and management assistance to the tourism, travel, aviation and hospitality industries worldwide. Its UK office is in Bangor, Co.Down.

3. The forestry strategy, entitled ‘A Strategy for Sustainability and Growth’, is available at www.forestserviceni.gov.uk.

4. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619.