Have your say on management of forest parks

This consultation is part of a programme of reviewing all plans for Forest Service managed forests and woodlands across Northern Ireland

Mr Lyons said: “Forests are a vital natural resource which belong to us all. As our forests develop as places of industry, environment and leisure, we are encouraging everyone to make their views known.

“County Armagh boasts some of Northern Ireland’s best known, and most popular, forests such as Gosford and Slieve Gullion forests. Both of these forest parks have had considerable investments in recent years by the local Councils in partnership with Forest Service, to improve and develop paths, trails and playparks.”

Forests in County Armagh are also working forests that produce timber for the Northern Ireland wood processing industry. From County Armagh each year Forest Service supplies around 1,000 lorry loads of timber every year. Forest Service has also planted around 750,000 trees in the county in the last five years.

The Minister continued: “Reviewing forest plans ensures that they are up to date and allows us to continue to meet the diverse and sometimes competing needs of people, wildlife and wood processing industries. We want to hear from all stakeholders to ensure that all interests are considered, including from those who live and work in local rural communities.”

The consultation opened on 3 March and ends on 30 April 2021. It can be accessed online via the departmental website at https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/daera-forest-service/scoping-a-new-forestry-plan-for-armagh