3 - Enabling Enjoyment of Forests by Local People and Visitors

“Access to woodlands is a public benefit that can improve people’s health and well-being.” “Woodland visits help build an understanding and appreciation of the forest environment. Access to woodlands can be particularly beneficial for people from urban areas, people from disadvantaged social backgrounds, and people with disabilities...”

UK Forestry Standard, 4th Edition (2017)

The Forestry Act () 2010 promotes and encourages the enjoyment and recreational use of Forest Service land by the public, including a right of pedestrian access, and promotes the social benefits of other woodland. Partnership arrangements between Forest Service and Councils have been developed in keeping with the implementation of the Forest Service’s Strategy to Develop the Recreational and Social Use of Our Forests. Local people use Lough Bradan Forest, near , extensively for walking, while local forests are featured in the Killeter walking festival. Other outdoor recreation facilities provided and maintained by Forest Service include car parking and a trail network at Seskinore Forest, and car parking and caravanning facilities in Kesh Forest. Derry City and Strabane District Council operates waymarked walking trails in Glenderg and Slievedoo Forests under partnership working arrangements, including four trails varying in length from 3km to 12km. Fermanagh and District Council operates a woodland walk and an associated car park, at Drummoney Falls, near Kesh, under similar arrangements with Forest Service. A number of forests include sections of the Ulster way which passes through Kesh, Lough Bradan and Baronscourt Forests, while parts of the Sustrans National Cycle Network pass through Slievedoo Forest. Motor sports events are held annually in Glenderg, Slievedoo, Carrickaholten, and Lough Bradan Forests, attracting large numbers of spectators. Non-Forest Service woodlands in the West Tyrone FPA also provide a wide range of opportunities for users. The Burn Walk, managed by The Woodland Trust, winds through part of a wooded glen on the Cavanalee River and close to Strabane. District Council manages a woodland walk at Sloughan Glen, near Drumquin. Derry City and Strabane District Council has recently produced a draft Green Infrastructure Plan which identifies the specific contribution of woodland to the District in terms of improved aesthetic value, reduced air pollution, provision of shade, wildlife habitat, a recreational resource, storage of water, and stored carbon. Opportunity: Continue to discuss options for maintaining the existing provision of facilities and improving access to forests with Councils and other partners, and potential partners. Activity: Liaise with Councils to increase the recreational use of forests. Activity: Liaise with public bodies and neighbours to discourage activities presenting a risk to pedestrian users of forests.

Outcomes Benefits − Local people are able to make greater − Health and well-being use of forests in their area − Development of local businesses − Promoting recreational use of forests − Delivering sustainable development in partnership with others

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