Forests Start to Re-open
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29th March 2001
Following Wednesday’s announcement by Brid Rodgers, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, on the relaxation of guidelines for the public on foot and mouth disease, the Forest Service has started to re-open Forest Parks and recreation areas. This takes time to organise, but we intend to open many forests by lunchtime this Friday, 30 March 2001.
Other forests will remain closed for the time being either because of the risk to animals within the forest, or because staff are fully committed to assisting the Department in dealing with the Foot and Mouth Disease emergency. Closed forests are listed below and on the Forest Service web site www.dani.gov.uk/forestry/. The list of closed forests will be reviewed regularly and visitors should check the situation before setting out for a forest.
Malcolm Beatty, Chief Executive of the Forest Service, commenting on the situation said,
"I would like to thank our customers for their forbearance over this difficult period. I am glad that we can now re-open some forests, however I would ask visitors to forests to adhere to the amended guidelines issued by the Northern Ireland Executive to help keep foot and mouth out of the country. I very much regret that some forests, which include the major forest parks, must remain closed for the time being."
Horse riders in particular should ensure that they have appropriate veterinary approvals before arriving at forests.
Contact numbers
Customer Services 02890 524880
East District (Castlewellan) 028437 72240
North District (Garvagh) 028295 56000
West District (Enniskillen) 02866 343039
www.dani.gov.uk/forestry/
The following Forests remain CLOSED
29 March 2001 10.30
West
Seskinore
Parkanaur
Castlecaldwell
Florencecourt
Lough Navar Drive
East
Slievegullion
Camlough
Fathom
Narrow Water
Glenarm
Randalstown
Gosford
Clandeboye
Hillsborough
Tollymore
Castlewellan
Drumbanagher
North
Breen
Bann Woods South
