'Daylight Access' Bid Negates Trails Support

Despite growing opposition to proposed changes to existing Bylaws that would - if implemented - place a blanket ban on anyone being on Forestry Service land after dusk, a new recreation strategy has been launched by the Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Minister Michelle O'Neill.

Ironically, given that a DARD spokesman has today told www.4ni that "the Department received a total of 228 response to [our] Byelaws consultation", the Sinn Fein MLA and the National Trust have jointly launched a 34kms trails project at Castleward, Co Down.

The Minister said that the Forest Service and the National Trust, two of the main partners in the development of the project, have been working together for the past two years creating the opportunity to allow this substantial £750,000 investment in recreation infrastructure to progress.

Speaking at the launch event today - as the consultation on the contentious legislative changes closed - the Minister said: "When Forest Service launched the 'Recreation and Social Use of Forests Strategy' in July 2009 we were keen to realise the full potential that forests offer.

"Since taking up post, I have asked my officials to continue their important work to see the strategy realise its' full potential.

"The key to its' success is developing working partnerships to secure a more diverse range of facilities and attractions for the enjoyment of present and future generations," the NI Executive Minister said.

"Today's launch is a visible outworking of the Recreation strategy in action.

"Indeed this initiative at Castleward has been made possible through the close co-operation of a range of partners and gives me great confidence that this approach can deliver genuine benefits to the wider rural community.

"The strategy not only offers exciting recreational opportunities but can provide a real economic benefit to tourism and the local area."

Apparently oblivious to the growing outcry over her official's bid to stop country-lovers being on DARD land from dusk to dawn, the Minister concluded: "Evidence shows that using forests for walking and relaxing contributes to people's physical and mental wellbeing and it's not just for the committed walker.

"Here at Castleward, there are also opportunities for cycling and equine enthusiasts."

Despite her own proposals to implement legislation under the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 to replace the existing Forest Parks and Forest Recreation Areas Byelaws (Northern Ireland) 1979, and make it an offence - punishable by a fine - for simply being on forestry land between sunset and sunrise, she enthused: "This will encourage a wide range of people to make use of our forests ranging from young people to tourists.

"I want everyone to enjoy the fantastic environment that we have all around us. My officials in Forest Service are continuing to work with many other organisations in developing improved recreation facilities through mutually beneficial partnerships."

Facebook

Last Friday, social networking was harnessed by ramblers and other countryside lovers to oppose the planned law and in less than 24 hours, 'Fight fining us for being in a forest after dark in Northern Ireland' had over 200 facebook friends - and was increasing by the hour.

The figure now stands at more than 560 and growing as the story spreads - with discussion on BBC Radio Ulster and an interview with a DARD official following.

Exclusion of the right of public access between sunset and sunrise is excessive.

Among the 228 submissions sent to DARD on the Byelaws, was one from Mountaineering Ireland (MI), the representative body for walkers and climbers in Ireland.

Recognised as the National Governing Body for mountaineering by both the Irish Sports Council and Sport Northern Ireland, their submission was scathing.

"Responsible recreational enjoyment of Forest Service lands commonly takes place during the hours of darkness without any negative consequence arising, e.g. hillwalkers regularly come off the hills late in the evening, hillwalkers also use darkness to train and practice navigation skills, mountain-bikers and runners often take their exercise early in the morning, or in the evening after work.

"MI recognises that there are issues of anti-social behaviour which need to be controlled, but to make it illegal to be on Forest Service land between sunrise and sunset is unworkable.

"It is MI's view that this is inconsistent with Section 31.4.c of the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 which provides for reasonable use of forestry land by the public for the purposes of recreation."

Now that the consultation has closed, it remains to be seen if the facebook campaigners and the 220 plus individuals and organisations who made a contribution to the DARD proposals will be successful in continuing their access to NI countryside.

See: Hundreds Sign Up To Oppose Rambler Bylaw

See: Fight Fining

(BMcC)