CAAN, SportNI, Mourne Heritage Trust and Down and Newry and Mourne District Councils have agreed with Forest Service to co-ordinate a process to capture the views of the outdoor recreation and tourism community within the Mourne area on its proposed Forest Plans for the area.

The views will then be submitted as part of Forest Service’s consultation process. In addition, with Forest Service agreement, some ideas generated may be capable of being taken forward for funding through currently available mechanisms such as the Rural Development Programme and the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership.

To help us achieve this, a one day seminar has been arranged for Thursday 10th March in Castlewellan Castle.

The findings of the day will then be presented to Forest Service at a further meeting on 22nd March.

Forest Service is also hosting two open public consultation days in its offices in Castlewellan. These will take place on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd March. Please see the local press for further details.

As part of the day’s activities, we have invited two excellent speakers to give presentations. Professor Dave Carson, UUJ, will speak on the potential be believes the Mourne forests offer in terms of tourism and Alan Eves, Director of Forestry, North York Moors will outline the work undertaken in the past 5 years to turn Dalby Forest Park into a hub for activity tourism.

It is essential that we know numbers attending for catering purposes. Please confirm your attendance with Ben on 02890 303930 or by email: Ben@countrysiderecreation.com no later than 3rd MARCH.

AGENDA 

10TH March 2011, Castlewellan Castle, Castlewellan Forest Park