Protestors Wait For Rambler Law Revision

A fast-paced online protest that has continued to grow over a proposed change in the law that would severely impact on access to the countryside has given the Govt cause to rethink its proposals - but it will be some months before the final outcome is known.

The Forestry Service may now have to look again at draconian proposals to restrict access to the countryside, such as the Mourne Mountains, (pictured here by Brian McCalden) in the light of widespread opposition to the move.

Social networking was even 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 with more than 660 people now signed up to the page.

The public consultation also attracted an unusually high level of interest - with more than 220 responses on the rewriting of the countryside byelaws.

This has now closed, with the bid to change the regulation already been labelled "heavy handed" by country lovers.

Last month, 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."

The pressure continues for a rethink - but it will be some time before the issue sees a decision published.

In response, to an enquiry, a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture & Regional Development (DARD) said today: "The public consultation period ended on 23 June.

"The Minister will make a final decision on the way forward on the forestry bye-laws issue once a full analysis and consideration of all of the responses is complete.

"We hope to have this process completed with any amendments to the proposed byelaws available for the Assembly's legislative process in the autumn."

See: Fight fining us for being in a forest after dark in Northern Ireland

See: 'Daylight Access' Bid Negates Trails Support

(BMcC/GK)