Hundreds Sign Up To Oppose Rambler Bylaw

A fast-paced on line protest continues to gather momentum over a proposed change in the law that would severely impact on access to the countryside.

The BBC has now picked up on the original story - first exposed on Forest Trails To 'Be Closed To Hikers' - last week with a spokesman for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) left squirming over "ludicrous" proposals on Radio Ulster this morning. The senior official was forced to concede, under pressure, that the Forestry Service may "have to look again at the [draconian] proposals" in the light of widespread opposition to the move.

On Friday, social networking was initially being harnessed by ramblers and other countryside lovers to oppose the planned law on the grounds that it would ban anyone from being on Forestry Service land from dusk to dawn - without exception.

In less than 24 hours, 'Fight fining us for being in a forest after dark in Northern Ireland' had over 200 facebook friends - and is still increasing by the hour.

The figure now stands at more than 500 and growing as the story spreads - with further discussion on BBC Radio Ulster later in the morning.

The public consultation is about to close, but the bid to change the regulation has already been labelled "heavy handed" by country lovers.

Co Down-based Jonathan Stewart said: "The sun sets at 4pm in winter so people wouldn't be allowed in a forest in late afternoon for any legitimate reason, even to walk your dog or let the children play.

"Access to the Mournes would be severely restricted as the main, easiest routes are from Newcastle through forests.

"That [proposal] is simply foolish - given the mountain range is a huge tourist attraction."

The avid rambler said that effectively banning all activities after sunset is a step too far: "It is heavy handed and draconian," he fumed.

Politics

An MLA has also taken up the cause as the deadline for interested parties to submit their views is looming - on Thursday - over changes to the Forestry Service Byelaws that are likely to make it an offence - punishable by a fine - for simply being on forestry land between sunset and sunrise.

South Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kinahan has raised concerns regarding the unnecessary level of regulation of forestry land currently being discussed.

He said: "It feels to me as if an old fashioned park keeper has become involved in regulating how we use our leisure time and our public forests.

"Whilst some very necessary and sensible statutes exist to protect wildlife and flora, the idea of closing forests from dawn until dusk, negating the rights of birdwatchers, walkers, mountain bikers and quad bikers sends a message out that the general public are only welcome to use these wonderful spaces under strict conditions is entirely the wrong approach.

"Rather than welcoming visitors and maximising the benefits of open spaces, these proposed regulations seem designed to actively deter the healthy and creative use of some of our most valuable natural assets," he said.

"I want to see forests opened up to all users. I am a strong advocate of stakeholder groups becoming involved in the safe management of forest facilities for all our benefit," said the former Army officer and country pursuits lover, whose father was the late Lord Kinahan of Templepatrick.

"This includes those who retain the shooting rights in public forests.

"Historical shooting rights cannot be subjugated by forestry byelaws however much the Department may want them to be - therefore we need to take a consultative approach to the sharing of forests - if only to avoid legal challenge," he continued.

"I am concerned that the proposals are not properly thought through.

"My message is leave our forests alone and stop trying to over-regulate them," he concluded.

However, the proposed new Byelaws state that "between sunset and sunrise, the Department will exclude or restrict the public's right of access to any part of the forestry land."

Today, after a three-day wait, a spokesperson for DARD told www.4ni.co.uk: "The Forest Service has proposed daylight access hours on grounds of health and safety and the practicalities of on the ground management and enforcement.

"Indeed such opening and closing times are a widespread feature of byelaws for urban and country parks.

"This is certainly not a blanket prohibition and we will listen carefully to stakeholders' views emerging from the consultation, before making any decisions."

See: Foresters' Facebook Fights Fines

See: Fight fining

(BMcC)