£600,000 for Gosford Forest

Gosford Forest Park will be getting an injection of around £600,000 to regenerate and invigorate the attraction '“ with work due to start as soon as possible
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Feb 2018, 10:11 BST
Updated 7th Feb 2018, 11:13 BST
Pictured at Gosford Forest Park ahead of work starting on the phase one regeneration works are: Mark Rogers, Euro Services , Mark Parker, Forest Service, Malcolm Beatty, Forest Service Chief Executive, Lord Mayor, Alderman Gareth Wilson, Mike Reardon, Strategic Director  People at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Caro-lynne Ferris, Executive Director, Outdoor Recreation NI, Jerome Burns, DAERA and Sean Callan, Euro Services.Pictured at Gosford Forest Park ahead of work starting on the phase one regeneration works are: Mark Rogers, Euro Services , Mark Parker, Forest Service, Malcolm Beatty, Forest Service Chief Executive, Lord Mayor, Alderman Gareth Wilson, Mike Reardon, Strategic Director  People at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Caro-lynne Ferris, Executive Director, Outdoor Recreation NI, Jerome Burns, DAERA and Sean Callan, Euro Services.
Pictured at Gosford Forest Park ahead of work starting on the phase one regeneration works are: Mark Rogers, Euro Services , Mark Parker, Forest Service, Malcolm Beatty, Forest Service Chief Executive, Lord Mayor, Alderman Gareth Wilson, Mike Reardon, Strategic Director  People at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Caro-lynne Ferris, Executive Director, Outdoor Recreation NI, Jerome Burns, DAERA and Sean Callan, Euro Services.

Gosford is one of the major forest attractions in Northern Ireland and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has been working hard with Forest Service and Outdoor Recreation NI (ORNI) over a number of years to consider how the park can be revitalised and reach its full potential.

A master plan process began in 2014 to create and develop proposals for the forest park - and now phase one is about to begin.

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Funding to the tune of £480,000 has been secured through the Targeting Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) programme administered by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to develop a network of 16kms of walking and cycling trails, with council providing the additional funds.

Designed by Pete Laing, who is one of the most prestigious trail designers in the UK, these trails will include something for everyone and will be disability friendly.

Whether walking, running, cycling or horse riding the network will maintain the natural connections between existing paths and continuity with the environment. The contract for the work will be carried out by Euro Services.

“We are delighted to announce that we have received this significant grant which covers 80% of the cost of phase one and will act as a catalyst for the long awaited regeneration of the historical Gosford Forest Park,” commented Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Gareth Wilson.

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“We want to get a head start on this new venture which will perfectly supplement the development of the fantastic play park constructed three years ago.

“We are hopeful that when this first phase gets underway it will open up more opportunities for funding in the future so we can realise the full potential that this wonderful attraction has to offer.”

Forest Service Chief Executive Malcolm Beatty said: “This partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council allows us to develop the forest in a way that is open to all and yet sympathetic to the natural environment.”

Council hopes to present the full master plan to council in March.

Related topics:BanbridgeCraigavon Borough CouncilNorthern IrelandArmagh City