Sperrins Walking And Biking Trails Opened

New walking and mountain biking trails have been opened in Davagh Forest, in the foothills of the Sperrins.

The 1,600 hectare upland coniferous forest is located approximately ten miles north-west of Cookstown.

It is owned by Forest Service NI (Forest Service), which manages the woodland.

The trails were made possible after Cookstown District Council received a funding investment of £240,000 from Local Action Group SWARD.

The Council has already anticipated that the project has the potential to attract approximately 12,000 recreational visitors per year.

Forestry Minister Michelle O’Neill officially opened the new trails.

She said: "My officials in Forest Service have worked closely with Cookstown District Council to develop 19km of trails in Davagh, with funding support from the Rural Development Programme.

"This project is an excellent example of how partnerships can realise the full potential of our forests to deliver against wider objectives such as health, tourism, education and sport."

The Minister added: "Such a partnership is the outworking of the Forest Service Strategy for the development of recreational and social use of forests. Our forests offer great potential for recreation and leisure pursuits, and opportunities in the areas of tourism and sport, as well benefits to health and wellbeing. I am keen that we continue to maximise the potential that our forests offer.

"I hope that local communities and people from all parts of the island and indeed further afield, take the opportunity to enjoy this new recreational and tourism facility for years to come."

(IT/CD)