Outdoor Recreation, Open Space and Access Audit and Recommendations for the Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Area Prepared by Outdoor Recreation NI on behalf of the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust April 2017 CONTENTS CONTENTS .....................................................................................................................................................2 FIGURES, TABLES & PHOTOS .........................................................................................................................5 ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................................................................7 FOREWORD ...................................................................................................................................................8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................9 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 12 1.1 The Need for this Audit .............................................................................................................. 12 1.2 Aim and Objectives .................................................................................................................... 12 1.3 Outdoor Recreation Defined ...................................................................................................... 13 1.4 Benefits of Outdoor Recreation ................................................................................................. 14 1.4.1 Health and Well-Being ........................................................................................................ 14 1.4.2 Environmental Awareness .................................................................................................. 14 1.4.3 Community Cohesion and Social Inclusion ......................................................................... 14 1.4.4 Growing the Economy ......................................................................................................... 15 2 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................. 15 2.1 Study Area .................................................................................................................................. 15 2.2 Natural and Built Heritage ......................................................................................................... 18 2.3 Land Ownership and Land Management ................................................................................... 21 3 CONTEXT ............................................................................................................................................ 23 3.1 National Context ........................................................................................................................ 23 3.1.1 Draft Programme for Government 2016-2021 ................................................................... 23 3.1.2 Sport Matters – the Strategy for Sport and Recreation in N. Ireland 2009-2019 ............... 23 3.1.3 Our Great Outdoors - The Outdoor Recreation Action Plan for Northern Ireland ............. 24 3.1.4 A Draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020 ..................................................... 24 3.1.5 Exercise, Explore and Enjoy – A Strategic Plan for Greenways ........................................... 25 3.1.6 Mountain Bike Strategy for Northern Ireland 2014 –2024 ................................................. 25 3.2 Local Context .............................................................................................................................. 26 3.2.1 Causeway Coast & Glens Tourism Area Plan, ‘Growing Tourism Together’, 2012-2017 .... 26 3.2.2 Causeway Coast and Glens Outdoor Recreation Action Plan (ORAP)................................. 26 3.2.3 Review of Existing Water Based Tourism and Leisure activities within the Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough area and Review of existing coastal recreation activities and access opportunities within Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough ......................................................................................... 26 3.2.4 Binevenagh AONB Action Plan 2017 -2022 ......................................................................... 27 3.2.5 Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council – Council Strategy 2015-2019 ..................... 27 4 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................................. 28 4.1 Use of Existing Information and Data ........................................................................................ 28 4.2 Consultation ............................................................................................................................... 28 2 4.3 Use of GIS ................................................................................................................................... 29 5 CURRENT PROVISION ......................................................................................................................... 30 5.1 Land-based Activities ................................................................................................................. 30 5.1.1 Adventure Racing ................................................................................................................ 30 5.1.2 Archery ................................................................................................................................ 30 5.1.3 Blokarting ............................................................................................................................ 30 5.1.4 Clay Pigeon Shooting ........................................................................................................... 30 5.1.5 Cycling (On and Off Road Family Cycling) ........................................................................... 30 5.1.6 Fell Running ......................................................................................................................... 31 5.1.7 High Ropes/ Ziplines ............................................................................................................ 31 5.1.8 Horse Riding ........................................................................................................................ 31 5.1.9 Hovercrafting ...................................................................................................................... 31 5.1.10 Kite Buggying ....................................................................................................................... 31 5.1.11 Mountain Biking .................................................................................................................. 31 5.1.12 Orienteering ........................................................................................................................ 31 5.1.13 Walking ............................................................................................................................... 32 5.1.14 Quality Walks ...................................................................................................................... 32 5.1.15 Formal Walking ................................................................................................................... 32 5.1.16 Informal Walking ................................................................................................................. 32 5.1.17 Public Rights of Way (PROW) .............................................................................................. 33 5.2 Water-based Activities ............................................................................................................... 37 5.2.1 Angling ................................................................................................................................ 37 5.2.2 Canoeing ............................................................................................................................. 37 5.2.3 Jet Skiing .............................................................................................................................. 37 5.2.4 Kite Surfing .......................................................................................................................... 37 5.2.5 Stand-Up Paddleboarding ................................................................................................... 38 5.2.6 Surfing ................................................................................................................................. 38 5.2.7 Windsurfing ......................................................................................................................... 38 5.3 Air-based Activities .................................................................................................................... 40 5.3.1 Gliding ................................................................................................................................. 40 5.3.2 Hang-Gliding/Paragliding .................................................................................................... 40 5.4 Outdoor Education Centres ......................................................................................................