Outdoor Recreation Strategy and 10 Year Action Plan for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council April 2019 Prepared by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland on behalf of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council 2 Contents PART 1 // CONTEXT ............................................................................................................................... 17 1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 19 1.2 Vision ..................................................................................................................................... 19 1.3 Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 20 1.4 Defining Outdoor Recreation ................................................................................................ 22 1.5 Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 23 1.6 Strategic Context ................................................................................................................... 24 1.7 Benefits and Trends of Outdoor Recreation ............................................................................... 26 1.7.1 Health and Wellbeing .................................................................................................... 27 1.7.2 Environmental Awareness ............................................................................................ 27 1.7.3 Community Cohesion and Social Inclusion ................................................................... 27 1.7.4 Growing the Economy ................................................................................................... 27 1.8 Land Access and Management Trends ....................................................................................... 29 PART 2 // CURRENT PROVISION ............................................................................................................ 31 2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 33 2.2 Current Land Ownership and Management ......................................................................... 35 2.3 Environmental Designations ................................................................................................. 38 2.4 Land-Based Recreation ......................................................................................................... 39 2.4.1 Walking ......................................................................................................................... 39 2.4.2 Fell Running/Running .................................................................................................... 41 2.4.3 Cycling ........................................................................................................................... 41 2.4.4 Orienteering .................................................................................................................. 42 2.4.5 Horse Riding .................................................................................................................. 44 2.4.6 Clay Pigeon Shooting ..................................................................................................... 44 2.4.7 Bush Craft ...................................................................................................................... 44 2.4.8 Bootcamps .................................................................................................................... 45 2.4.9 Kite and Land Buggying ................................................................................................. 45 2.4.10 Archery .......................................................................................................................... 45 2.4.11 Climbing ........................................................................................................................ 45 2.4.12 Caving ............................................................................................................................ 46 2.5 Water-Based Recreation ....................................................................................................... 48 2.5.1 Angling .......................................................................................................................... 48 2.5.2 Canoeing and Kayaking ................................................................................................. 48 3 2.5.3 Sailing ............................................................................................................................ 50 2.5.4 Coastal Rowing .............................................................................................................. 51 2.5.5 Waterski-ing and Wakeboarding .................................................................................. 51 2.5.6 Other Water-Sports ...................................................................................................... 52 2.6 Air-Based Recreation ............................................................................................................ 54 2.6.1 Paragliding and Hang-Gliding ........................................................................................ 54 PART 3 // RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................... 55 3.1 Structure of recommendations ............................................................................................. 57 3.2 Enablers of Success ............................................................................................................... 58 3.2.1 Cross-departmental Outdoor Recreation Steering Group ............................................ 59 3.2.2 Strategic Outdoor Recreation Forum ............................................................................ 59 3.3 Product Development ........................................................................................................... 62 3.3.1 Iconic Products .............................................................................................................. 65 3.3.2 Signature Products ........................................................................................................ 71 3.3.3 Activity Hubs ................................................................................................................. 79 3.3.4 Community Hubs ........................................................................................................... 82 3.3.5 Community Trails .......................................................................................................... 86 3.3.6 Specific Product Development ...................................................................................... 91 3.3 Marketing and Promotion ..................................................................................................... 92 3.4.1 Central Online Source of Information for Locals and Tourists ...................................... 93 3.4.2 A Coherent Council Brand ............................................................................................. 95 3.4.3 Responsible Use Messaging .......................................................................................... 96 PART 4 // 10 YEAR ACTION PLAN .......................................................................................................... 97 4.1 Action Plan 2019 – 2029 ....................................................................................................... 99 PART 5 // FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................................................. 107 5.1 Funding Opportunities ........................................................................................................ 109 5.1.1 Rural Development Programme (2014-20) ................................................................. 109 5.1.2 The National Lottery Community Fund ....................................................................... 110 5.1.3 The National Lottery Heritage Fund............................................................................ 111 5.1.4 Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland .................................................................... 112 5.1.5 Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme ................................................................. 112 5.2 Funding summary ............................................................................................................... 114 APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................ 115 Appendix 1 – Strategic Context ....................................................................................................... 117 Appendix 2 – Local Community Plan Recommendations related to Outdoor Recreation ............. 126 Appendix 3 – Summary of Online Survey Findings ......................................................................... 135 4 Appendix 4 – Public Consultation Response Summary .................................................................. 138 Appendix 5 – Quality Walk Criteria ................................................................................................. 141 Appendix 6