Forest Trails To 'Be Closed To Hikers'

Access to the countryside may never be the same again if a proposal from the NI Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD) goes ahead.

The deadline for interested parties to submit their views is looming 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.

The proposal is out to public consultation until next week, but the bid to change the regulation has already been labelled both "heavy handed and draconian" by one country lover.

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 is simply foolish - given the mountain range is a huge tourist attraction."

The avid rambler said that effectively banning all activities after sunset is far too draconian.

"Basically the Government acts with the attitude that it's easier to ban something than try to find a way to allow it sensibly," he continued, noting that if there is a problem activity that needs curtailed then it should be targeted directly.

"Instead, this will punish people legitimately enjoying the forests more than it will the troublesome element.

"The chances are it's aimed at 'youth drinking' and since they're already contravening a number of laws then this will not help that fight in any way," he said, adding that restricting access to forests will hinder attempts to encourage these same young people to spend time constructively outside.

Concluding, he said: "For most working folk, the evenings are when people get out most and many can regularly be found on a peak in the middle of the night.

"These are public forests and the public have a basic right to use them sensibly at any time."

At the same time, mountain bike enthusiasts are also objecting to the proposals that they say will effectively ban them from riding in forests.

The mountain bikers say that plans to restrict access rights to daylight hours would leave many people working normal office hours unable to use forests.

The NI Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill said the Forest Service is working with a range of stakeholders and partners in expanding cycling opportunities, but added: "The Forest Service has proposed daylight access hours on grounds of health and safety and the practicalities of on-the-ground management and enforcement."

Legislation

The current 'Consultation on Forestry Land Byelaws' comes on foot of a bid to change legislation under the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 and will replace the Forest Parks and Forest Recreation Areas Byelaws (Northern Ireland) 1979.

At present, DARD is seeking views on the draft Byelaws and on any specific issues relating to them.

An official letter to stakeholders said: "This is an important consultation and will be of interest to our wide range of visitors and users of the Department's forestry land.

"We wish to ensure that all of our stakeholders, right across the spectrum, have an opportunity to comment.

"We hope the Byelaws will promote responsible enjoyment of forestry land and help ensure the safety of all our visitors and users, and sustainability of the forest environment, wildlife and habitats," the letter stated, adding the consultation documents are available at DARD and that it will close on 23 June.

Concluding the letter said: "Our forests are used by a broad spectrum of users and visitors of all ages, as well as employees engaged in forestry operations.

"We want to manage the recreational use of forestry land in a way that ensures the enjoyment and wellbeing of everyone, and these powers will help us to strike a balance between freedom and responsibility."

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."

That's counterpointed by a comment attributed to the Sinn Fein Minister, Michelle O'Neill this afternoon: "This is certainly not a blanket prohibition and we will listen carefully to stakeholders' views emerging from the consultation, before making any decisions."

(BMcC/GK)