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Forest Recreation in IrelandA Guide for Forest Owners and Managers

Forest Recreation in Ireland – A Guide for Forest Owners and Managers

Published byForest ServiceDepartment of Agriculture and FoodJohnstown Castle EstateCo. WexfordIreland

ISBN 0-9538874-1-3 / 978-0-9538874-1-5

All photos Forest Service, except where indicated.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, mechanical photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publishers.

Copyright © Forest Service, 2006

The Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture and Food is Ireland’s national forest authority. It is responsible for forest policy and the promotion of the forest sector, the administration of forestry grant schemes, forest protection, the control of felling and the promotion and support of forest research. The Forest Service promotes Sustainable Forest Management as a central principle of Irish forest policy, whereby forests are managed to provide economic, social and environmental benefits on a sustainable basis for both current and future generations.

Contents

Foreword 2

Introduction 3

SECTION 1: PLANNING AND MANAGING FOR FOREST RECREATION

1.1 Providingforforestrecreation 7

1.2 Assessingtheforest’srecreationalpotential 7

1.3 Aconsultativeapproach 11

1.4 Accessforall 12

1.5 Planningforrecreation 14

SECTION 2: RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

2.1 Generalconsiderations 17

2.2 Walkingroutes 19

2.3 Signage 23

2.4 Picnicking 25

2.5 Parking 26

2.6 Children’splay 27

2.7 Woodlanddiversity 28

2.8 Openspaces 29

SECTION 3: RECREATIONAL ISSUES

3.1 Discoveringtheforest 31

3.2 Promotingaforestcode 33

3.3 Avoidingconflict 33

3.4 Promotingsafety 35

3.5 TheOccupiers’LiabilityActandinsuranceissues 37

3.6 Undesirableactivities 39

3.7 Fire 41

3.8 Littering 42

3.9 Dogsandtheforest 43

3.10 Promotingtheforest 44

AppendixA Furtherreading 45

AppendixB Usefulcontacts 46

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ForestRecreationinIreland

2

FOREWORD

AsoneofmyfirstactionssinceassumingresponsibilityfortheforestryportfoliointheDepartmentofAgricultureandFood,IamdelightedtoannouncethepublicationofForest Recreation in Ireland – A Guide for Forest Owners and Managers.

Undersustainableforestmanagement,Ireland’swoodlandsandforestsrepresentamulti-facettedresourcethatprovidestimberandemployment,enhancesthelandscapeandtheenvironment,promotesbiodiversity,andsequestersatmosphericcarbon.TheiruseforrecreationisyetanotherimportantpublicbenefitarisingfromIreland’sforestryprogramme.

Iregardrecreationasakeynon-timberbenefit.Developingaforestasanamenitycreatesaresourceforthelocalcommunityandforpeoplevisitingfromelsewhere.Usingtheforestforsimplequietenjoymentorforaparticularsportoradventureactivitypromotesfitness,healthandasenseofwell-being.Forestrecreationalsocreatesthebasisforawiderangeofrelatedenterprisesandopportunitiesforincomegeneration.

MyDepartmentpromotesforestrecreationbysupportingrelevantorganisationsandinitiatives,andbyprovidingfundingthroughtheNeighbourWoodScheme.Thisschemeisaimedatencouragingthedevelopmentoflocalwoodlandamenitiesthroughapartnershipapproachinvolvinglocalcommunitiesandlandowners.

Forest Recreation in Ireland – A Guide for Forest Owners and ManagersfurtherunderlinesthecommitmentofmyDepartmenttopromotingthisaspectofIreland’sforestryprogramme.Itisaimedatencouragingforestownersandmanagerstoconsiderprovidingforrecreationinconsultationwithusers,andofferspracticaladviceandinformationonbestpracticewithintheIrishforestrycontext.

ThepromotionofforestrecreationbythisDepartmentstronglycomplementstheworkofComhairlenaTuaithe,initiatedundertheauspicesoftheDepartmentofCommunity,RuralandGaeltachtAffairstoadvancecountrysiderecreationinIreland.ComhairlenaTuaitheisdrawingtogetherfarmers,recreationalusersandrelevantstatebodiestojointlyrealisethesignificantpotentialcontributionthissectorcanmaketoruraldevelopmentinIreland.

Awiderangeofindividualsandorganisationsinvolvedinforestandoutdoorrecreationcontributedgreatlytothedevelopmentofthispublication,andIwishtoacknowledgetheirinvaluableinput.ItishopedthatForest Recreation in Ireland – A Guide for Forest Owners and ManagerswillfurtherpromotethisaspectofIrishforestry,andindoingso,encouragethecreationofmoreopportunitiesforpeopletoexperienceandenjoyourwoodlandsandforests.

Mary Wallace, TD

MinisterofState

IRELAND’S FORESTS – A UNIqUE AMENITy

Forests–fromsmallwoodlandsinourtownsandcities,tolargerforestslocatedinthecountryside–areamongIreland’smostpopularandwidelyusedamenities.Theyprovideanidealsettingforusalltoescapethedailygrind,toexperiencethenaturalworld,andtospendtimewithfamilyandfriends.Theyarealsohugelyversatile,beingsuitableforawiderangeofactivitiesinvolvingpeopleofallagesandabilities,fromafternoonstrollsandfamilypicnicstoorienteeringandpaint-balling.Itisnowonderthatforestsaresopopular.Infact,arecentstudy1estimatesthattherewereover11millionvisitorstoourforestsin2004.

Forestrecreation,alongwithcountrysiderecreationingeneral,isreceivingmoreandmoreattentioninIreland,aswebegintorealisetheconsiderablepotentialbenefitsinvolved.

Forestrecreationcancontributesignificantlytoruralincome,developmentandemployment.Therearemanyopportunitiesforincomegenerationfortheowner,bothdirectlyfromcar-parkingfees,thesaleofpermits,etc.,andindirectly,wheretheforestformspartofabusinessbasedonholidaycottages,anopenfarm,ahorse-ridingcentre,acampingorcaravanpark,anoutdooradventurecentre,avisitorcentre,acountrycraftoutlet,etc.Widerbenefitsalsoaccruetothesurroundingcommunity,asvisitorsfromIrelandandabroadcomeintotheareaanduseotherattractions,localB&Bs,shops,pubsandrestaurants.

Theruraldevelopmentaspectofforestrecreationisparticularlyrelevant,giventhechangingnatureofagricultureinIreland.Arecentstudy2estimatesthevalueofleisureandrecreationinIrishforestsat€38millionperyear,withapotentialtodoublethisfigure,ifadequatemixedspeciesforestsandfacilitiesareprovided.

Alsoofgrowingrelevanceistheroleofforestrecreationinpromotingpeople’shealth.Attractiveandaccessiblewoodlandsencouragepeopleoutdoorstotakeregularphysicalexercise,whichisakeycomponentinstrategiesaimedattacklingheartdiseaseandobesity.Thenaturalsightsandsoundsofthe

Forest recreation – everything from family walks…

The appeal of woodlands and forests

Forest recreation, rural income, development and employment

Health and well-being

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1,2Bacon,P.2004.A Review and Appraisal of Ireland’s Forestry Development Strategy.

INTRODUCTION

woodlandalsocalmusandpromoteasenseofwell-being.Thislinkbetweentrees,forestsandhealthiswell-documented,andperhapsinthefuture,doctorswillbeprescribingwalksinthewoodasapreventativemeasureagainstvariousills!

Ireland’stownsandcitiescontinuetoexpandrapidly,anditisestimatedthatover70%ofIreland’spopulationnowliveinurbanareas.ThisaspectofmodernIrelandhighlightsarealneedforattractivewoodlandamenitieswithineasyreachofoururbancommunities.

Onamoregenerallevel,forestrecreationincreasespeople’sappreciationofandrespectfortheforest,thecountrysideandforIreland’snaturalheritage.Thisfostersawoodlandcultureandunderpinseffortstoprotectthecountrysideandtosupporttheruraleconomy.

TheForestService,thenationalforestauthority,regardsrecreationasakeycomponentofsustainableforestmanagement,andasamajornon-timberbenefitofIreland’sforests. In this regard, the Forest Service encourages forest owners and managers to consider providing for recreation within their forest, where possible, in consultation with the local community and with other users.

Thisisadecisionthatrestssolelywiththeowner,andonethatmusttakeaccountofdifficultiessurroundingpublicaccessandcost.Nevertheless,awiderangeofopportunitiesexists,fromsimplewalkstocaterforlocalpeople,torelatedenterprisesaimedatgeneratinganactualincome.

FOREST ACTIvITIES

Woodlandsandforestsarehighlyversatile,providinganidealvenueformanydifferentactivitiesinvolvingpeopleofallagesandabilities.Manyoftheseactivitiesareinformalinnature,involvingindividuals,familiesandfriendsdecidingtospendtimeoutdoors,e.g.afternoonstrolls,dogwalking,familyoutingsandpicnics,children’splay,jogging.

Otheractivitiesinvolveenthusiastsorparticularinterestgroups,clubsandsportingbodies,andinsomecasesmayrequirepermitsorlicences.They

Woodlands for towns and cities

Fostering a woodland culture

Forest recreation – a decision for owners

Informal activities

Formal activities

…to bird watching (Photo S. Bosbeer)…


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includehillwalking,orienteeringandscouting,wildlifewatching,horse-riding,mountainbiking,rockclimbing,artisticpursuitssuchaspaintingandphotography,recreationalhuntingandangling,campingandpaint-balling,andhighimpactactivitiessuchasmotor-biking,quad-ridingand4x4driving,whichrequireparticularcontrol.Someoftheseactivitiestakeplacewithintheforestitself,whileothersincorporatetheforestaspartofatrailorcircuitwithinthewiderlandscape.

FOREST TyPES

Fromarecreationalperspective,forestscanbelooselydividedintotwocategories.

Thefirstcategoryincludesforestsmanagedprimarilyfortimber,rangingfromsmall-scale,lowlandfarmforeststolargerforesttractsinuplandareas.Thescopeforrecreationaldevelopmentintheseforests,basedonfeaturessuchasforestroadsandridelines,isconsiderable.Developmentcanrangefromtheprovisionofsmall-scalefacilitiestocaterforlocaluse,tolargerscaledevelopmentsinvolvingcarparking,picnicareasandlinkagestowidernetworkswithinthesurroundingcountryside,suchaslongdistancewaymarkedways.Largerforestscanalsocaterforactivitiesrequiringlargeareas,suchasorienteering,recreationalhuntingandmountainbiking.

Thesecondcategoryincludeswoodlandsandforestsmanagedprimarilyforrecreation,oftenwithextensivefacilitiessuchasplaygrounds,visitorcentresandtoilets.Thiscategoryincludesneighbourwoodsinandaroundtownandcities,forestparks,andareasofwoodlandconnectedtootheramenitiesandenterprises,suchaspublicparks,outdooradventurecentres,holidayvillages,caravanparksandcampsites.ThiscategorycanalsoincludeNationalParks,wherewoodlandsaremanagedprimarilyforconservation,butalsoforpublicaccess,interpretationandenjoyment.

Forests managed primarily for timber

Forests managed primarily for recreation

Introduction

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…to mountain biking (Photo Outsider Magazine)…

AbOUT THIS GUIDE

Forest Recreation in Ireland – A Guide for Forest Owners and Managers offerspracticaladviceondevelopingwoodlandsandforestsforrecreation.ItaddressesthemaintopicslikelytoarisewithintheIrishcontext,andalsopointstoothersourcesofinformation.Itisaimedatforestownersandmanagerskeentodeveloprecreationalopportunities,andalsoattheotherkeyplayersinvolved,suchaslocalcommunities,outdooractivityandsportinginterests,environmentalgroups,localauthoritiesandotherstatutorybodies,etc.

Thisguideisdividedintothreemainsections:

• Section1setsouthowtoassessaforest’spotentialforrecreation,andexploresissuessurroundingconsultation,promotingaccessibility,andplanning.

• Section2advisesonthemostcommonrecreationalfacilities,includingwalkingroutes,carparkingandsignage,andoffersguidanceonwoodlanddiversityandopenspaces.

• Section3exploresarangeofrelatedissues,suchasforestinterpretation,theuseofforestcodes,avoidingconflictandpromotingsafetyintheforest,publicaccessandliability,andundesirableactivities.

Inaddition,furthersourcesofinformationandusefulcontactsarelistedinAppendicesAandB.

Note that forest recreational development may be subject to existing Forest Service environmental guidelines and felling controls.

Intended users of this guide

Content overview


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…to paint-balling.

1.1 PROvIDING FOR FOREST RECREATION

Inthevastmajorityofsituations,thedecisiontoallowaccessandtoprovideforrecreationintheforestrestssolelywiththeforestowner,andisprovidedonagoodwillbasis1.Thisdecisiondependsverymuchontheowner’spersonallevelofinterest,andtheweighing-upofarangeofpotentialbenefitsanddrawbacks.

Potentialbenefitsincludethefollowing.

• Manyownershaveconsiderableprideintheirwoodlandandgetarealsenseofsatisfactionfromlettingpeopleenjoyitsattractions,andfromtheresultinggoodwillamongstusersandthelocalcommunity.

• Developingaforestforrecreationalsocreatesopportunitiesforincomegenerationfortheowner,bothdirectlyfromcar-parkingfees,thesaleofpermits,etc.,andindirectly,wherebytheforestformsanintegralpartofabusinessbasedonholidaycottages,anopenfarm,ahorse-ridingcentre,acampingorcaravanpark,anoutdooradventurecentre,avisitorcentre,acountrycraftoutlet,etc.

• Widereconomicbenefitsalsoaccruetothesurroundingcommunity,asvisitorsfromIrelandandabroadcomeintotheareaanduselocalattractions,accommodation,shops,pubsandrestaurants.

Potentialdrawbacksincludethefollowing.

• Issuesregardingprivacy,visitorsafety,publicliability,vandalismandlitter.

• Increasedcostsintermsofinstallingandmaintainingfacilitiesandincreasedinsurancecoverforpublicliabilityandfire.

• Concernsaboutinadvertentlycreatingsomeformofrightofaccess,andaboutgivingusersasayinhowtheforestismanaged.

• Possibledisruptionofotherforestobjectivesandoperations.

Thelevelofcommitmentisalsouptotheowner.Someownersmaybewillingtoaccommodatelow-levelusebylocalpeople.Othersmaybepreparedtocommitmoreheavily,particularlyifthedevelopmentofthewoodlandasanamenityislinkedtoanonsiteenterprise,asoutlinedabove.

Atwhateverscale,recreationaldevelopmentmustbeappropriateandsustainableintermsoftheowner’slevelofcommitmentandresources,theattributesoftheforest,andtheneedsandpreferencesoftheusers.Identifyingthebestwayforwardwillthereforeinvolveanassessmentoftheforest’spotentialforrecreation,andconsultationwithforestusers.Developmentshouldalsoincorporatethe‘accessforall’approach,andbebasedoncarefulplanning.Alloftheseissuesarediscussedinsubsequentsections.

1.2 ASSESSING THE FOREST’S RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL

Havingdecidedonhis/herlevelofcommitment,theforestownershould,inconsultationwithusers,assessthepotentialoftheforestforrecreation.Thiswillpointtothebestwayforward,beithowbesttocaterforexistinguses,orhowtogearupforhighervisitornumbersanddifferentusesinthefuture.

Deciding to provide for recreation

Potential benefits

Potential drawbacks

The level of commitment

Ensuring success

1Insomecases,theremaybealegalobligationtocaterforarightinlawallowingvisitorstoenterland(e.g.rights-of-way,fishingrights).Elsewhere,forpragmaticpurposes,anownermayhavetoprovideforrecreationasthebestwaytocontroluninviteduseandassociatedproblemsthatalreadyexistintheforest.

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SECTION 1 PlanningandManagingforForestRecreation

Considerationofthefollowingquestionswillhelpwiththisprocess.

1.2.1 What is the forest currently being used for?

Simplyobservingwhatisalreadygoingonintheforestwillgiveastrongindicationastohowbestrecreationaldevelopmentshouldproceed.Whattypeofactivitiesarepeoplealreadyusingtheforestfor?Whoaretheusersandwhatisthelevelofuse?Whicharethemostpopularopenspacesandroutes?Arethereanyconflictsthatneedtobeaddressed?

Muchofthisinformationcanbepickedupsimplybyobservinghowpeopleareusingtheforest,lookingoutforsignsofuseon-the-ground,orbychattingwithvisitors.Althoughcostly,detailedsurveysmaybejustifiedinlargerdevelopments,wherespecificinformationonuserprofile,traveldistances,averagespending,etc.maybeneeded.

1.2.2 How compatible is recreation with other forest objectives, functions and values?

Carefullyconsiderotherobjectives,functionsandvaluesoftheforest,suchastimberproduction,sensitivehabitats,importantarchaeology,toassessifrecreationaldevelopmentisindeedappropriate.Thesefactorsandtheirrelatedrestrictionsandoperations(e.g.harvestingandextraction)maylimitthepotentialforrecreationalusetocertainareasortocertainperiods,ormayevenruleitoutaltogether.

1.2.3 What is the basis of the forest’s appeal?

Irishwoodlandsandforestsveryoftenhavelayeruponlayerofnatural,historicalandculturalheritageencompassingawiderangeoffeaturesandattributes:topography,rockoutcrops,naturalviewpointsandridgelines,streams,rivers,lakesandwaterfalls,floraandfauna,ancienttrees,archaeologicalremainsfromvariousages,historical,culturalandfolkloreassociations,literaryconnections,previoussiteusesandinterestingplacenames.Otherfeaturesandattributesaredeterminedbyforestmanagement,suchasspecies,ageandstructuraldiversity,woodlandedgesandopenspaces(clearings,glades,ridelines),andthecolourandtextureoftheoverheadcanopy.Manyofthesearesubtleinnature,whileothersstandoutasmajor‘honeypot’attractionsintheirownright.

Suchfeaturesandattributeshaveamajorbearingonthebasicappealoftheforesttovisitors,combiningtocreateauniqueatmosphereorsenseofplace.Fromtheoutset,identifythosefeaturesandattributesthatunderpintheforest’sappeal,andsetaboutensuringthattheyareprotectedand,wherepossible,enhanced.

Conversely,someforestshaveanatmospherethatmanyvisitorsfindunwelcominganduncomfortable.However,thiscanoftenbetracedbacktoissueseasilyaddressedbymanagement,suchascuttingbackovergrownpaths,replacingrundownfacilities,thinningandhighpruningtoopenupthecanopy,creatingviewsoutontothesurroundinglandscape,tacklingundesirableactivities,andpromotingasenseofactivemanagement.

Observe how people are using the forest

Consider the wider forest context

Identify attractive features and attributes

Sense of place

Proactive management


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1.2.4 Who are the potential users?

Identifypotentialusersattheoutset,asthiswillhaveamajorbearingonrecreationalplanningandmanagement.Forestrecreationcoversawiderangeofactivitiesandusergroups,allwiththeirownneedsandpreferences.Forestuserscanrangefromlocalsoutforaneveningstroll,tofamilyday-trippersortouristswhotravelsomedistancetogettotheforest,topeoplepursuingaparticularactivity,eitherasindividualsorasmembersofaclub.Alsoconsiderthenatureofthevisit.Forexample,thetypicalfamilyunitrepresentsamixtureofadultswantingtorelax,andchildrenwantingadventureandplay.

1.2.5 Are there any potential dangers within the forest?

Beawareofpotentialdangers–thesemayrestrictthepotentialforrecreation,ormayevenruleitoutaltogetherfromsomeoralloftheforest.Potentialdangerscanarisefromnaturalfeaturessuchasunevenground,overhangingbranchesandsteepriverbanks,orfromartificialfeaturessuchasopenwells,unstablegravelpitsandsubstandardrecreationalfacilities.Dangercanalsoarisefromconflictbetweendifferentrecreationaluses,suchaswalkingandmountainbiking,andbetweenrecreationandotherforestobjectivesandoperations,suchasharvestingandextraction.

SeeSections3.4and3.5forfurtherinformation.

1.2.6 How important is location?

Locationhasamajorbearingontherecreationalpotentialoftheforest,andonthetypeandintensityofuse–andmisuse–likely.

Forexample,thebiggestdemandinwoodlandsinorneartownsandcitiesislikelytobeforfamilyvisits,dogwalkingandpicnicking,withtheintensityofuselikelytobeveryhigh,particularlyduringweekendsandschoolholidays.Unfortunately,thepotentialformisuse(suchasvandalismanddrinkingparties)andconflictwithnormalforestmanagementisalsolikelytobeconsiderable.Similarly,therecreationalpotentialofforestswithinornearbywell-knowntouristroutes,areasandattractionswillbegreaterthanthatofforestsinmoreisolatedsettings.

Localinfrastructure–proximitytomajorroutes,thequalityoflocalroads,theavailabilityofshopsforsnacks,accesstopublictransport,etc.–alsoinfluencestheforest’spotentialforrecreation.

Identify potential activities and users

Identify potential dangers

The impact of location on the type and intensity of use

A small lake located within the forest may be ideal for birdwatching…

Section1:PlanningandManagingforForestRecreation

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…prompting the idea of developing a hide in co-operation with local bird enthusiasts.

AsdescribedinSection2.2,theforest’slocationmaycreatethepotentialforlinkagewithwiderrecreationalnetworksinthesurroundinglandscape,suchaslong-distancewalkingroutes,uplandwalks,SlínaSláinteroutes,andscenicandheritagedrives.Suchlinkageaddsgreatlytotheforest’srecreationalvalue,pluggingitintoawiderrecreationalresourceandanewsetofusers.

1.2.7 Is forest size important?

Aswithlocation,sizehasamajorbearing.Asmallwoodlandmayhaveahighrecreationalvalue,if,forexample,itislocatednearatownwithnootherwoodlandamenitiesavailableinthesurroundingarea.Generally,however,thelargertheforest,thegreateritspotentialforrecreation.

Forestscanaccommodatelargenumbersofvisitorswithoutlosingtheirbasicappeal.However,thereisalimittothiscarryingcapacity,whenovercrowdingandunsustainableuseoverwhelmtheforest,leadingtoitsbreakdownasarecreationalresourceandmajorconflictwithotherforestobjectivesandvalues.Generally,thelargertheforest,thegreateritscarryingcapacity.Opportunitiestocaterforincompatibleactivities,suchasfamilywalksandmountainbiking,arealsogreater,asspecificareascanbezonedfordifferentuses(seeSection3.3).

Similarly,someforesttypesarebetterabletowithstandpressurethanothers,andcansupporthighlevelsofusageandmoredemandingactivities.Forexample,plantationforestsaregenerallymorerobustandresilienttopeoplepressurethansemi-naturalwoodlands.

1.2.8 Is the forest suited to a particular type of activity?

Dependingontheirparticularfeaturesandattributes,someforestsarebettersuitedtospecificusesthanothers.Forexample,asizeableuplandforestwithviewsacrossthesurroundingcountrysidewillhaveanaturalappealforramblersandhill-walkers.Awoodlandwithareasofopenmarshmaybesuitableforbirdwatching.Aforestwithavariedtopography,withplentyofdips,hollowsandinclines,maybeidealforamountain-biketrail.

1.2.9 Are there any recreational facilities already in place?

Recreationalfacilitiesareamajorfactorinattractingpeopletotheforestandenablingthemtoenjoytheirvisit.Thetypeandleveloffacilitieswillvarygreatlyfromforesttoforest,fromasimplewalkingcircuitforlocalpeople,toafull-scaledevelopmentcomprisingavisitorcentre,caféandrestrooms,andanetworkofdifferentwalkingroutes.Otherforestswillhavespecialisedfacilitiesforspecificactivities,e.g.anglingpiers,birdwatchhides,bridlepaths.

Whenassessingtheforest’srecreationalpotential,takestockofanyrecreationalfacilitiesalreadyinplace.Areexistingfacilitiesadequateoraremoreneeded?Whatistheconditionandstateofrepairofexistingfacilities?Doparticularactivitiesbeingcateredforrequirespecialisedfacilities?Canforestroads,landingbaysandridelinesplayarecreationalrole?Agoodwaytoassesswhetherornotmorefacilitiesareneededistothinkthroughtheentirevisit–fromarrivaltodeparture–fromtheperspectiveofthevarioususergroups.Thisprocessisparticularlyimportantforvisitorswithparticularneeds,e.g.parentswithbabybuggies,peopleusingwheelchairsandothermobilityaids.

SeeSection2forguidanceonrecreationalfacilities.

Potential for linkages with wider networks

Forest size and potential for recreation

Carrying capacity

Resilience to people pressure

Identify potential uses based on features and attributes

Take stock of what’s needed


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1.3 A CONSULTATIvE APPROACH

Consultationwithusersduringplanningandmanagementisakeyingredientinthesuccessofanyforestrecreationalinitiative,forthefollowingreasons.

• Attheverybasiclevel,consultationidentifiespeople’sneedsandpreferences,whichallowsthedevelopmentoftheforestbestsuitedtoitseventualusers.

• Consultationallowstheforestownerandforestuserstodiscussrecreationalproposalsandissues,basedonasharedunderstandingofthechallengesandrestrictionsfacingtheowner,andtheneedsandpreferencesoftheusers.Thisprocesspromotesmutualrespect,compromiseandsupport,pre-emptspotentialconflict,andhelpstoidentifythebestwayforwardbasedonwhatisrealistic.

• Consultationgivesusersastakeinensuringthattheforestsucceedsasanamenity.Itcreatesanonusonpeopletotakegreatercareoftheforestanditsfacilities,toadheretotheforestcode,andtorespectanyrestrictionsinplace.Italsopromotesasenseofprotectionfortheforest,encouragingpeopletokeepaneyeoutandtoraisethealarmifproblemsarise.

• Aconsultativeapproachwillalsocreateapotentialpoolofvolunteerstoassistinvarioustasks.Theserangefromlitterclean-uportreeplantingbyenthusiasticlocals,totheinstallation,upkeepandrepairofspecificfacilitiesbyrelevantusergroups.

• Ifcateringforaparticularactivity,consultingwiththerelevantusers(includingclubsandorganisations)willtapintospecialistknowledgeregardinghowbesttoproceed,andthetypeandspecificationoffacilitiesrequired.Examplesincludethelayoutanddesignofamountainbiketrail,andtheconstructionandpositioningofabirdwatchhide.Thisprocessmayalsoidentifypotentialsourcesoffundingforsuchfacilities.

Consultationcanbefosteredinvariousways.Inthecaseofsmall,low-keydevelopments,friendlyinformalcontactwithpeoplealreadyusingthewoodlandmaybeallthat’sneededtogetfeedbackandsuggestionsandtokeepthelinesofcommunicationopen.Whereaspecificactivityisbeingcateredfor,relevantclubsandorganisationscanbeconsulted,ideallyataslocalalevelaspossible.

Identifying needs

Promoting compromise

Securing commitment

Potential volunteers

Tapping into specialist knowledge

Fostering consultation


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Hold onsite meetings with key players, to explore and discuss options. Devil’s Glen, Co. Wicklow.

Mountain Meitheal is a group of volunteers who undertake conservation and restoration projects on mountain and forest paths and trails in partnership with Coillte, National Parks & Wildlife Service, and other landowners.

Asscale,complexityandthenumberofpeopleinvolvedincrease,moreformalforumsandparticipatorymethodscomeintoplay.Theseincludepublicmeetings,theuseofconsultativeplansandmaps,‘PlanningforReal’methods,andthesettingupofcommitteestorepresentthevariousinterestgroups.

Itisoftennotpossibletoconsultindetailwithallusergroups,suchasvisitorstravellingfromotherpartsofthecountryorfromabroad.However,theirviewscanbegatheredusingonsitesurveys,questionnairesandsuggestionboxes.

Atwhateverlevel,consultationshouldbeanongoingandgenuinetwo-wayprocessaimedatarrivingatthebestrecreationalsolutionfortheforest.Itshouldnotbeusedbyownerstorubberstampapre-determinedplan,orbyuserstomakeunrealisticdemands.

Inadditiontotheusersthemselves,consultationwithotherpartiesmayalsobeappropriate,toensureamorestrategicapproach.Dependingonthesituation,thesemightincludethefollowing.

• Adjacentlandowners,toexplorethepotentialforcomplementaryrecreationaldevelopmentandlinkages,ortopre-emptpotentialdifficultiessuchasunwelcomerecreationaloverflowintoadjoiningproperties,ornuisanceanddisruptiontonearbyhouseholds.

• Thegeneralcommunity,toencouragelocalacceptanceforthedevelopmentandtoallayanyconcernsregarding,forexample,thelicensingofcertainactivities.

• TheLocalAuthority,toensurecompatibilitywiththelocalinfrastructure.

• Nationalbodies,forexample,theNationalWaymarkedWaysAdvisoryCommitteeortheIrishHeartFoundation,todiscusspossibleincorporationintowaymarkedandSlínaSláinteroutesinthelocality.

• Organisationsofferingpotentialfundingandsupport,suchastheForestService,LEADER,etc.

1.4 ACCESS FOR ALL

Theterm‘peoplewithdisabilities’encompassespeoplewholivewithsomelevelofphysical,sensory,learning,mentalhealthoremotionalimpairmentthatrestrictstheircapacitytoparticipateineconomic,socialorculturallife.Actualdisabilitiesrangegreatly:mobilityissuesrequiringtheuseofwheelchairs,specialisedbicyclesandotheraids,sightandhearingdifficulties,learningdifficulties,etc.Disabilitiescanalsobetemporaryaswellaspermanent,aspeoplebecomedisabledtovariousdegreesatdifferentstagesoftheirlife,duetoillnessandage.

‘Peoplewithdisabilities’isadescription,notadefinition.Aswitheveryoneelseinsociety,peoplewithdisabilitiesenjoywoodlands,forestsandtheoutdoorsingeneral,andhaveparticularneedsandpreferenceswhichmustbeconsidered.

Anestimated10%ofthepopulationlivewithsomelevelofdisability.Addfamilymembers,friendsandothersinvolvedinthevisit,andit

Genuine engagement

Wider consultation

‘People with disabilities’…

…a description, not a definition


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becomesclearthatpursuingaccessforallwillberelevanttoasizablechunkofIrishsociety.

Mostlegislationinthisareafocusesonmakingthebuiltenvironmentmoreaccessibletopeoplewithdisabilities,andhaslimitedapplicationinthewoodlandcontext.However,Section4oftheEqualStatusAct(2000)(seewww.irishstatutebook.ie)isrelevant,asitcreatesaresponsibilityontheproviderofaservice(suchasaforestownerdevelopinghis/herforestforrecreation)todoallthatisreasonabletoaccommodatetheneedsofpeoplewithdisability.

Veryoftenwoodlandownersandmanagersshyawayfromtheideaofpursuingaccessforall,thinkingthatitrequires100%wheelchairaccesstoallareas.However,accessforallisn’taboutsettingunrealistictargets.Instead, it is about using available resources wisely in a way that enables people with as wide a range of abilities as possible to enjoy the forest.Keyingredientsinthisapproacharestrategicthinking,consultation,andtheuseofbestpractice.

Thefollowingprinciplesapply.

Accessforallisn’tonlyaboutphysicalaccess;itinvolvesaccesstotheentireforestexperience.Consideraccessforallduringthelayoutanddesignofallrecreationalfacilities,includingtrails,carparks,gates,seats,picnictablesandinformationsigns.Bearinmindthatinappropriatefacilitiesveryoftencreatethegreatestbarrierfacedbypeoplewithdisabilities.Attheveryleast,aimfortheleastrestrictiveapproach.Accessforallshouldalsobeincorporatedintootherrelatedmeasuressuchasleaflets,booklets,websites,guidedtoursandothereventsheldintheforest.

Legislation

Access for all

Access to the entire forest experience

Applying the access for all approach, such as the design of a wheelchair accessible birdhide, creates a facility, and a forest, which can be used and enjoyed by all members of the community.

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Bestrategic.Ifresourcesarelimited,focusinitiallyonachievingthehighestlevelofaccesspossibletothemostattractiveareaorfeatureintheforest,andbuildupfromthere.Similarly,tackleissuesthatwillyieldthegreatestresults.Forexample,repairingapoorlydrainedsectionoftrailattheforestentrancemayopenupalargestretchofhighlyaccessibletrailbeyond.

Nevermakeassumptionsaboutpeople’sabilities.Onsigns,leaflets,etc.,giveaccuratefactualinformationaboutwhat’saheadintermsofslope,surface,etc.,andletpeoplewithmobilitydifficulties–andindeedeveryoneelse–maketheirownchoiceaboutwhetherornottoproceed.

Donothaveseparatefacilities,paths,events,etc.forpeoplewithdisabilities.Instead,aimforaninclusiveapproachthatallowspeoplewithandwithoutdisabilitiestoenjoythewoodlandtogether.

Aswithotherusergroups,includepeoplewithdisabilitiesduringplanning,designandmanagement,toidentifyspecificneedsandpreferences,andtogetthebestadvicepossible.Consultationcantakeplacewithpeoplewithdisabilitieslivingwithinthelocalcommunity,withlocaldisabilitygroups,orwithnationalrepresentativebodies.

Useavailableguidesandmanualssettingoutbestpractice.TheNationalDisabilityAuthority(www.nda.ie)offersinformationandguidelines(e.g.Building for Everyone)forimprovingaccessibilitywithinthebuiltandoutdoorenvironment,whichwillberelevanttovariousaspectsofforestrecreation(e.g.visitorcentres,restrooms).FieldfareTrust(www.fieldfare.org.uk),anorganisationthatworkscloselywithpeoplewithdisabilitiesandcountrysidemanagers,providesawealthofinformationandadviceinitspublicationCountryside for All – Standards and Guidelines.Includedinthisarestandardsinrelationtopathsurface,slope,distancebetweenrestareas,heightandwidthclearance,etc.fordifferentoutdoorrecreationalsettings,fromurbanparkstowildernessareas.

1.5 PLANNING FOR RECREATION

Aplansettingoutwhatneedstobedoneshouldbeprepared.Thisplanshouldreflecttheowner’slevelofcommitment,therecreationalpotentialoftheforest,andtheneedsandpreferencesoftheusers.Theplanshouldalsodovetailwithotheraspectsofforestplanning,toensurethatrecreationisfullyconsideredwithinoverallforestmanagement.

Thedetailneededdependsonscaleandcomplexity.Lowlevelusebylocalsmightonlyrequireasimple‘todo’listregardingtheupkeepoftheentranceandfootpaths.Whererecreationisapriorityandwherearangeoffacilitiesareprovidedandusesencouraged,theplanneedstobemorethorough,comprisingdetailedmaps,specificationsandcostings.Revenue-generatingenterprisesrequireafurtherlevelofplanningintheformofabusinessplanbasedonprojectedusernumbersandrevenuestreams.

A strategic approach

Never make assumptions

An inclusive approach

Consultation

Guides on best practices

The need for a plan

Level of detail required


14

Althoughplanswillvarygreatlyindetail,allshouldincorporatethefollowingbasicelements.

Considerbreakingdowntheworkintodifferentphases,witheachphasetobecompletedwithinasetperiod–beitseveralmonths,ayearorseveralyears–beforemovingontothenext.Whendecidingonthesephases,makesurethatthetimeframeisrealistic,bothpracticallyandfinancially.Thisapproachwillensurethatworkisdividedintoachievabletasksandprogressessteadilyinasustainableandcoherentmanner.Forexample,therecreationaldevelopmentofaparticularforestcouldinvolvethefollowingphases:

Phase 1 (year 1):Develop850mofnewfootpathtolinkupexistingforestroadsandtocreateacircularwalkingroute.

Phase 2 (year 2): Improvetheforestentrancewithtimberrailfencingandlandscapeplanting.

Phase 3 (year 3):Installatotalofthreeseats,onepicnictableandeightwaymarkersatkeypointsalongthewalkingroute.

Theplanshouldalsohaveamedium-andlong-termoutlookforthefutureoftheforestasarecreationalresource.

Provisionshouldbemadeintheplanforongoingmaintenanceandrunningcosts.Thesecanvarygreatly,fromthecostofaperiodictidying-upofaforestentrance,toanongoingclean-up,maintenanceandrepairprogrammeoftenrequiredinaheavilyusedforestparkorurbanwoodland.

Monitorprogressandreviewtheplanonaregularbasis,totakeaccountofunforeseenfactors.Thisprocesswillindicatehowwellthedevelopmentisworkingintermsofrealisingtheforest’srecreationalpotential.Consultationwithusers,alongwithsimplesurveysandvisitorcounts,willprovideessentialfeedback.

basic elements

Phasing the work

Provision for maintenance

Monitor and review


15

Incorporate the need for maintenance and repair when planning for recreation in the forest. Fairymount Farm, Co. Tipperary.

Asafirststepindevelopingaforestforrecreation,itisrecommendedthattheownercontactsvariousorganisationswhowillbeabletoprovideinformation,adviceandpossiblesupport,suchastheForestService,theLocalAuthority(e.g.HeritageOfficer,CommunityandEnterpriseSection),RuralDevelopmentAgencies(LEADER),EnableIreland,theNationalWaymarkedWaysAdvisoryCommittee,andothersportingandoutdooractivityorganisations(seeAppendixBfordetails).

Where to go for advice and information


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2.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Recreationalfacilitiesallowvisitorstoexperience,useandenjoytheforest.Thetypeandamountoffacilitiesneededdependonthetypeandlevelofuseenvisaged,andofcourse,availableresources.However,addingevenasmallnumberofwell-placedfacilitieswillhaveamajorimpact,reassuringpeoplethattheyareindeedwelcome.

Generalfacilitiesincludewalkingroutes,seats,picnictables,waymarkers,informationboards,bridges,stiles,children’splayfacilities,naturetrails,fitnesstrails,viewingpointsandcarparking.Dependingontheusesbeingcateredfor,otherfacilitiesmayalsobeappropriate,suchashorse-ridingpaths,mountainbiketracks,birdwatchinghidesandanglingpiers.Moreextensivefacilities,suchasvisitorcentres,toilets,cafés,giftshops,campingfacilitiesandholidaychalets,mayalsobeappropriateinthemostheavilyusedrecreationalforestsoraspartofaleisure-basedenterprise.

Thischapterprovidesgeneraladviceonthemostcommonlyusedfacilities,includingwalkingroutes,signage,picnicfacilitiesandcarparking.Relatedissuessuchaswoodlanddiversityandopenspacesarealsoaddressed.AdviceonoutdoorcookingandlitterbinsisincludedinSections3.7and3.8.Informationonmorespecialisedfacilitiesrequiredforparticularactivitiesandusersiscontainedinthesuggestedreadinglist(seeAppendixA)andfromrelevantorganisations(seeAppendixB).

Thefollowinggeneralconsiderationswillhelpidentifythemostappropriatetypeandleveloffacilitiesfortheforest,andhowthesecanberealisedwithminimumexpense.Variousguidesasalsoavailable,suchasDesign for Outdoor Recreation(seeAppendixA).

Applytheaccessforallapproachwhenplanninganddesigningallfacilities(seeSection1.4),toensurethatasmanypeopleaspossibleareabletoenjoytheforest.Measuresrelatingtodifferentfacilitiesareoutlinedintherelevantsections.

Focusonprovidingafewwell-positioned,highqualityfacilitiesmaintainedtoahighstandard.Thiswillbefarbetterthaninstallinglotsofsubstandardfacilities,whichthenrequireunsustainablelevelsofmaintenance,repairandreplacement.

The importance of facilities

Range of facilities

Main types of facilities

Access for all

quality

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SECTION 2 RecreationalFacilities

Ensure that all facilities are in keeping with the woodland setting. For example, this unstained oak sign is well suited to its surroundings. Ballygannon Wood, Co. Wicklow.

Generally,thenumberandscaleoffacilitiesshoulddiminishwiththedistancefromthepointofentry,suchasthecarpark.Forexample,inalarger,heavilyusedforest,informationsigns,surfacedfootpaths,picnicunitsandplayareasshouldbefocusedinthemoreaccessibleareas,tocaterforthegeneralvisitor.Movingfurtherout,aprogressivelylowerintensityoffacilities,includingnarrower,morenaturally-surfacedwalkingrouteswithoccasionalwaymarkers,willsuitthoseseekingfurtherchallengesandlookingtogetawayfromthecrowdandtoenjoythewilderness.

Certainactivitiesrequirespecialisedfacilities,e.g.bridlepaths,birdwatchinghides,mountainbiketracks.AspartofthegeneralconsultativeapproachdescribedinSection1.3,liaisewithrelevantclubsinthelocality,orwiththerelevantnationalbody(seeAppendixB),forinputregardingthesefacilitiesandanystandardsandspecificationsthatmayapply.

Facilitiesshouldbeinstepwiththenaturalwoodlandsetting.Keepdesignassimpleandasunobtrusiveaspossible,usenaturalmaterialsuchastimberandlocalstone,andadoptaconsistentstyleandqualitythroughouttheforest.Apartfromhigh-visibilitycoloursonwarningsigns,directionalsignsandwaymarker,anypaintorstainingusedshouldreflectthenaturalcoloursoftheforest.Don’toverdothenumberoffacilitiesprovided.Forexample,lotsofsignsvisiblefromaparticularspotcreatesasenseofclutterandtakesawayfromtheforest’snaturalappeal.

Durabilitywillreducemaintenance,repairandreplacementcosts.Facilitiesshouldberobustandresilienttodamage(includingvandalism),weatheringanddecay.Measuresinclude:theuseoflargediametertimber;treatmentwithasuitablewoodpreservative;secureanchorageusingburiedmetalcrosspinsand/orconcrete;recessedletteringandsymbols;andtheuseofweather-resistantpaint.

Planfacilitiessoastoprovidealogicalsequenceforthevisitor.Forexample,anewwalkingroute,complementedwithappropriatefacilities,shouldflownaturallyfromthepoint-of-entryonwards,takinginforestfeaturesalongthewaytocreateanattractivesequenceofdiverseexperiences.

Minimisesiteimpactthroughouttheplanningandinstallationoffacilities.Avoidsensitive,vulnerablesitesandadoptlowimpactoptions,wherepossible.Aspreviouslydescribed,ForestServiceenvironmentalguidelinesapply.AFellingLicensemayalsoberequiredforanyassociatedtreefelling.

Distribution of facilities

Specialised facilities

Reflect the natural woodland setting

Durability

A logical sequence

Minimise site impact

A well-constructed footpath will require less repair and maintenance, and represents a most sustainable solution in the long run. Djouce Forest, Co. Wicklow.


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Considerthesilviculturalimplicationsofcreatingnewroutesandspaceswithinanexistingforest,particularlyinrelationtotheriskofwindthrow.Ideallysuchfeaturesshouldbeaddedattheplantingorreplantingstageoftheforestcycle.

Ensurethatallrecreationalfacilitiesarefullyincorporatedintotheoverallmanagementoftheforest,andaredulyconsideredduringforestryoperationssuchasthinningandharvesting.

2.2 WALkING ROUTES

Walkingisundoubtedlythemostpopularrecreationaluseofourforests.Theactualroutepeopletakeistheprimarywayinwhichtheyexperiencetheforestandderiveenjoymentfromtheirvisit.

Walkingencompasseseverythingfromshortafternoonstrollsbyparentsandtheiryoungchildren,toall-dayandall-weatherhikesbykeenhill-walkers,whoincludetheforestaspartofawiderroute.

Applytheaccessforallapproachtotheplanning,designandmanagementofwalkingroutes,toopentheforesttovisitorswithvariousabilities.Slope,surfacingandpotentialbarriers,suchasgates,requireparticularattention.SeeSection1.4forinformationonrelevantstandards.

Considertheneedsandpreferencesofthelikelyusers.Youngparentswithbabybuggieswillhaveaverydifferentsetofrequirementsregardingsurfacing,width,slope,distance,etc.,comparedtoadedicatedandfullyequippedhill-walker.

Inlargerforests,providedifferenttypesofroutestogivepeoplechoicebasedontheirownabilitiesandpreferences.Shorter,well-surfacedloopsfollowingalevelorgentleslopeandavoidingsteps,stilesandgates,canbedevelopedaroundthepointofarrival(e.g.carpark),offeringareadilyaccessibleoption.Asdistanceincreases,thesecangraduallygivewaytolonger,steeperandmorenaturallysurfacedroutesthatrepresentagreaterchallenge.

Inmostcases,walkingrouteswillincludeexistingforestroadsandtracks,andnewsectionsoffootpathsaddedtocreateaccesstoareasorfeaturesnot

Silvicultural implications

Incorporate facilities into overall forest management

Spectrum of walkers

Access for all

Needs and preferences

Creating a network

Section2:RecreationalFacilities

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In areas where vandalism may be an issue, consider indestructible options for seating, such as suitable rocks and boulders.

alreadyservicedbythese.Newfootpathscanalsobeusedtolinkupexistingroadsandtracks,inordertoeliminatecul-de-sacsandtocreateagreatercombinationofroutes.Thesenewsectionswillintroducediversity,allowingpeopletostepofftheforestroad,whichcanbecomemonotonous,ontoanarrowerrouteofferingacloserexperienceoftheforest.

Thefollowingaresomeofthemainconsiderationsinvolvedinplanningandmanagingwalkingrouteswithinforests.FurtherinformationisprovidedinGuidelines for the Developing and Marking of Waymarked Ways (seeAppendixA).

Properrouting,constructionanddrainagewillresultinawalkingsurfacethatissustainableforthelevelofuseenvisaged.Gettingitrightfromthestartwillminimisemaintenancerequirements,andwillavoidcostlyproblemssuchassurfacewideninganderosion.

Whensettingoutanewwalkingroute,ensurethatittakesinattractivefeaturesoftheforest(asdescribedinSection1.2.3).Conversely,avoidfeaturesthatmaybesensitivetopeoplepressure(e.g.sensitivehabitatsandarchaeologicalremains),orthatposeapotentialdanger(e.g.abandonedquarries,steepriverbanks).

Aimtocreatealoopedorfigure-of-8route,sothatpeoplecanwalkacircuitandnothavetoretracetheirsteps.Inlargerforests,aimforanetworkofalternativecircularroutes,identifiedbycolouredwaymarkers(seeSection2.3).Thisoffersvisitorsavarietyofwalkstochoosefrom,aswellasallowingtheclosing-offofcertainroutesduringforestryoperations,localisedflooding,etc.,whilestillenablingaccessonothers.

Explorethepossibilityoflinkingupwalkingrouteswithintheforestwithotherwalkingroutesinthelocality.Theseincludebothinformalroutesanddesignatedroutes,suchasSlínaSláintewalksandlongdistancewaymarkedways.Suchlinkagegreatlyenhancestheforest’srecreationalvalue,pluggingitintoawiderrecreationalresourceandanewsetofusers.

Theremaybeunofficialfootpathsalreadypresentinthewoodland,developedthroughinformaluseovertime.Incorporatetheseintotheofficialnetwork,as

Getting it right from the start

Incorporate features and avoid dangers

Circular routes

Linking in with other routes

Unofficial paths and natural desire lines

A simple footpath within a young ash woodland, developed to cater for relatively light use as part of a farm holiday enterprise. Fairymount Farm, Co. Tipperary.


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A simple boardwalk provides access across localised areas of wet terrain. Note the use of wire gauze for grip underfoot. Killarney, Co. Kerry. (Photo S. Bosbeer)

Stiles provide access over fences, but create difficulties for less mobile users. Killary, Co. Mayo.

theyareoftenwell-establishedandpreferredroutesthatpeoplearealreadyusing.Similarly,inandaroundtownsandcities,newwoodlandsitesareoftencrossedbynaturaldesirelines,whichreflecthowpeoplearecurrentlyusingthesite.Theseshouldbeincorporatedintothewalkingroutenetworkwithinthefuturewoodland,astheirusewillundoubtedlypersist.

Usinghistoricalmapsandrecords,identifyoldabandonedroutesthatcouldbeclearedandbroughtbackintouse.Incorporatingsuchrouteswilladdgreatlytothesenseofheritageassociatedwiththeforest,enhancingitsappeal.Notethatarchaeologicaladvicemayberequiredtoprotecttheoriginalsurfacefeatures,ifstillevident.SeetheForestService Forestry and Archaeology Guidelinesfordetailsoftherelevantadvisorybodies.

Incorporatetraditionalrights-of-wayintothewalkingroutenetworkwithintheforest.However,bearinmindthenatureoftheiruse.Forexample,itmaybeinappropriatetoincludeaheavilyusedright-of-wayprovidingaccesstoaneighbouringfarm.

Width,surfacingandbordertreatmentwillalldependontheenvisageduse.

Whereintensiveuseisexpectedandeaseofaccessisimportant(e.g.forestparks,neighbourwoods),asmooth,compactedcrushedstonesurface,finishedoffwithafinertopdressing,willberequired.Thepathshouldbewideenoughtoenablepeopletowalkatleasttwoabreast.Insomesituations,tarmacmaybeused.Bordertreatmentmayinvolvewidegrassymarginsmownonaregularbasis,toreinforceasenseofactivemanagementandreassurance.

Attheotherendofthescale,remotewalkingroutesprovidedforhill-walkerscancompriseasimplenarrowfootpath.Ifrequired,surfacingshouldbediscreet,usinglocallysourcedmaterial.Bordertreatmentshouldcomprisetheperiodiccuttingbackofencroachingvegetation.Theoverallaimistoreinforceasenseofsolitude,wildernessandexploration.

Aspreviouslydescribed,inlargeforests,differenttypesofroutescanbeprovidedtoaccommodatepeoplewithdifferentabilitiesandpreferences.

Incorporating historical routes

Rights-of-way

Width, surfacing and border treatment

When fresh, wood chips and bark mulch provide an attractive surface. However, both soak up moisture and break down rapidly, and are generally unsuitable as a long-term solution. Strontian, Scotland.


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Complex and expensive bridging may be required to cross larger waterways in heavily used forests. Ballyseedy Wood, Co. Kerry.

In urban areas, greenspaces are often crossed by natural desire lines, which reflect how people are currently using the site. These should be incorporated as pathways into any future woodland design. Cabinteely, Co. Dublin.

Properdrainageiskeytomaintainingahighquality,stablewalkingsurface.Directallwateroffandawayfromthepath,bycompactingandconsolidatingthesurfacedressing,andbyusingcarefullypositionedcollectordrains,culvertsandwaterbars.

Positionnewfootpathsinawaythatexposesthesurfacetothedryingeffectsofthesunandwind.Avoidroutingpathsthroughsoftwetgroundandareaspronetoflooding,asmaintenancewillbeacontinuousproblem.Ifsuchareasareunavoidable,ageotextileunderlayorsectionsofraisedtimberboardwalkmaybeappropriate,thelatteroverlaidwithwiremeshtopreventslippageunderfoot.However,theseoptionsarenotalwaysthebestandmostsustainablesolutionfordifficultsites.Forexample,wetsoilcanoozeupthroughgaps,tearsandseamsinthegeotextileunderlay.Boardwalksareexpensive,andthosemadefromrailwaysleeperscanbeextremelyhazardousunderfootifcoveredbysnow.

Whenaddingnewsectionsoffootpath,avoidusingstepsasfaraspossible,astheyareexpensiveandcancreateabarrierforpeoplewithmobilitydifficulties.Instead,planroutessoastoavoidexcessiveslopes,orifunavoidable,todescendinagentlezig-zagfashion.Avoidhavingtoomanyswitchbacks,asimpatientwalkersmaybegintakingshortcutsdirectlydowntheslope.

Ifanewforestroadortrackisbeinginstalled,considerwaystoenhanceitsvalueforwalking.Forexample,itmaybepossibletoaddcurvesandbends,tocreateasenseofexpectationaboutwhat’saroundthenextcorner.

Ifsurfacingisrequired,usecrushedstoneandgravelsourcedfromwithintheforestorthesurroundinglocality.Suchmaterialwillblendinbetter,bothvisuallyandecologically.

Barkmulchandwoodchipsaregenerallynotsuitableforsurfacing,astheybecomesoddenanddeteriorateveryrapidly.However,bothmaybeanoptiontodemarcatetemporarywalkingroutesduringparticulareventsheldintheforest,suchasaweek-longprogrammeofguidedwalks.

Gatesandstilesareneededwhereverawalkingroutecrossesawallorfence.Numerousdesignsareavailable,fromspringloadedandkissinggatestosqueezeandladderstiles.Consideraccessforall–inappropriategatesand

Drainage

Avoid steps

Design of new forest roads

Local material

bark mulch and wood chips

Gates, stiles and crossings


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Waterbars, culverts and other drainage measures are a vital element of footpath construction. Djouce Forest, Co. Wicklow.

stilesareoftenamajorbarriertovisitorswithmobilitydifficulties.Inthisregard,generallylimitstilestomoreremote,inaccessibleareas.

Similarly,footbridgesmayberequiredtoallowwalkerstocrossoverstreamsandrivers,andareattractivefeaturesintheirownright.Theserangefromsimplecrossingswithhandrails,tomoreelaborate,pre-assembledstructures.Simplestepping-stonescanbeusedtocrossstreamsinremoterareas,aslongastheyremainsafetouseduringperiodsofhigherwaterlevel.

2.3 SIGNAGE

Signageisapowerfultoolinforestrecreation.Itcanbeusedtoreassurepeoplethattheyareindeedwelcomeintheforest,toprovidedirectionandorientation,andtohighlightheritage.Signagecanalsobeusedtopromotetheforestcodeandtoalertpeopletopotentialdangers.

Theamountofsignagerequiredwillvarygreatly.Asmallwoodlandpopularamonglocalsforshorteveningwalksmightonlyneedasimplewelcomingsignandahandfulofwaymarkers,asuserswillalreadybefamiliarwiththewoodlandanditsfeatures.Conversely,forestscateringformoreintensiveandvariedrecreationaluse(e.g.forestparks,neighbourwoods)requireagreaterlevelofsignage,intermsofbothdensityandtype.

Note that, where thinning, harvesting, extraction and other forestry operations are underway, safety warning and prohibition signs must be used and obeyed (see Section 3.4).

Aswithallfacilities,adopttheaccessforallapproachwithsignage,soasnottoexcludeanyonefromtheinformationpresented.Forexample,positioninformationandheritageboardssothattheycanbeviewedcomfortablybyvisitorsinwheelchairs.Similarly,largefontorevenBraillewillhelppeoplewithsightdifficulties.

Thefollowingarethemainissuesinvolvedindevelopingsignage.AlsoseegeneralconsiderationssetoutinSection2.1.

Informationpresentedonallsignsshouldbebriefandclear.Adoptconventionalsymbolsalreadyinthepublicdomain,astheywillbeeasilyrecognised.Alltextshouldbekeptshortandconcise.

The role of signage

Amount of signage required

Access for all

keep information brief and clear

Waymarkers are used to mark out walking routes in the forest. Use different colours or symbols to highlight different routes. Ballygannon Wood, Co. Wicklow.


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Information boards can also include a notice board (right panel), to highlight current issues such as ongoing work, upcoming events, seasonal wildlife, etc. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.

Waymarkersandsimpledirectionalsignsmarkoutwalkingroutesandgivedirectiontofeatures,facilities,etc.Theyarenormallypositionedatjunctions,butshouldalsobedottedalonglongstretches,toreassurepeoplethattheyarestillontheirselectedroute.

• Duringinstallation,ensurethatthewaymarkerorsigniscorrectlyorientated,topreventanyconfusionregardingwhichwaytogo.

• Securelyanchortopreventthepiecefrombeingtwisted in situ,whichwouldmisdirectpeople.

• Iftherearetwoormorewalkingrouteswithintheforest,identifyeachusingdifferentcolouredorthemedwaymarkers.

• Includearoughestimateoftheremainingdistanceonatleastsomeofthewaymarkersorsigns,toinformwalkers.

Informationboardsgiveanintroductoryoverviewoftheforestandthelayoutofwalkingroutes,facilitiesandfeatures.Theyarebestpositionedatthepointatwhichpeoplewalkintotheforest,oftenafterparkingtheircar.

• Useanoutlinemapoftheforestasthecentrepieceoftheboard.Representinformationpictoriallyonthismapasfaraspossible,witha‘YOUAREHERE’arrowtoorientatepeople.Usethesamemapinallleafletsandbooklets,topromotefamiliarity.

• Clearlyillustratewalkingroutesonthemap.Givetheapproximatedistanceandabriefbutaccuratedescriptionofeach(e.g.‘finelysurfaced,mainlyflat,withoccasionalsteepsections’)toallowpeopletochoosebasedontheirpreferencesandability.Identifydifferentroutesbyusingdifferentcolours,symbolsorthemes,bothonthemapandonthecorrespondingwaymarkers.Ifusingwaymarkers,ensurethatthefirstonemarkingoutthetrailisclearlyvisiblefromtheinformationboard.

• Theboardshouldincludetheforestcode,toremindpeopleoftheirresponsibilitieswhileintheforest(seeSection3.2).Alsoconsidergivingacontactpointwithmanagement(e.g.address,phonenumber),toenablepeopletoreportanyproblems(e.g.vandalism,dumping)andtoprovidegeneralfeedback.

Waymarkers and directional signs

Information boards

Clear and simple maps are easy to understand and provide a wealth of information about the woodland and its features and facilities. Fairymount Farm, Co. Tipperary.


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A welcoming sign at the forest entrance will create a good first impression amongst visitors. Ballygannon Wood, Co. Wicklow.

• Updatetheboardperiodicallytoincorporateanynewfacilitiesandattractions.Considertemporarynoticestohighlightupcomingevents,restrictionsduetoforestoperations,orparticularwildlifetolookoutforduringthecurrentseason.AremovablePerspexscreenheldonwithscrewswillfacilitateeasyupdating.Everytimethescreenisremoved,wipeittoremoveanyalgalgrowth.Laminateallmaps,informationsheets,posters,etc.,toprotectthepaperagainstdamp.

Attractiveinformationboardshighlightingvariousaspectsandfeaturesoftheforest’snatural,historicalandculturalheritageaddgreatlytoaperson’svisit,creatingadeeperunderstandingofandappreciationfortheforest.Anumberofthesecanbesetalongwalkingroutes,tocreateaheritageornaturetrail(seeSection3.1).Textshouldbeshort,conciseandaccurate,andaimedatthegeneralreader.

ConsiderpresentinginformationinIrish,topromotethenationallanguage.AlsoconsiderforeignlanguagessuchasFrench,GermanandSpanish–evenacoupleofwordswillbegreatlyappreciatedbyvisitorsfromabroad.

Directionalsignageonapproachingpublicroadsandjunctionsmaybejustifiedinsituationswheretheforestisbeingdevelopedasamajorrecreationalresource.ConsultwiththeLocalAuthority,asspecificationsandplanningpermissionmayapply.Awelcomingsignwiththeforest’snameshouldalsobeconsidered,positionedattheforestentrance.

2.4 PICNICkING

Picnickingintheforestisverypopular,particularlyamongyoungfamilies.Veryoften,anattractiveandwell-maintainedpicnicareawillitselfactasahoneypotfeature,drawingpeopletotheforest.Usuallyfamiliesadoptaparticularspotfortheirpicnicanduseitasthebasefortheirentirevisit,withchildrenmakingforaysintothesurroundingareaandparentsstayingputtosupervise,relaxandchat.

Picnicscanbecateredforwithouttheneedfordedicatedpicnictables.Oftenamowngrassyareawillcreateanidealsettingforpeopletorolloutapicnicrug.Alternatively,naturalfurniture,suchasoversizedlogsandflat-toppedboulders,canbestrategicallypositioned,ascansimpleseatsthatallowpeopletoeatofftheirlaps.Theseoptionsareidealforforestswhereuseislow,andalsoforscenicviewpointsandothersensitiveareas,wherepeoplearewelcometostopandeat,butperhapsnotinlargenumbers.

Greaterusemayjustifypicnictables,ofwhichmanydesignsexist.Animportantconsiderationistheeasewithwhichuserswithdifferentlevelsofmobilitycansitdownandstandupfromthetable.Oneormoretablesshouldalsobedirectlyaccessibletovisitorswithwheelchairs.

Ifdevelopingaclusterofpicnictablestoformadesignatedpicnicarea,considerthefollowing.

• Picnictablescanbeplacedbeneaththecanopyorwithinopenspaces,usuallyclosetoashelteringforestedgeandinterspersedwithgroupsoftrees.Keeplinesofvisionopenonallsides,toreassureusersoftheirsurroundingsandtoenableparentstokeepaneyeontheirchildrenastheyplaynearby.

Heritage boards

Languages

Road signs

Low cost options

Picnic tables

Developing a picnic area


25

• Considerspacing.Picnictablesshouldbefarenoughapartforprivacy,andyetnotsofarapartthatpeoplefeelisolated.

• Positiontablessoastogetgoodsunshine.

• Locatethepicnicareawithineasyreachofthecarpark,bothtofacilitatevisitorscarryingheavypicnics,andforeaseofmaintenance.

• Inlarge,heavilyusedforests,severalpicnicareascanbeprovidedtoofferachoiceofsitesandsettings.

• Binsmaybeappropriate,particularlyinlargerpicnicareas.Ingeneral,however,itisbettertoencouragepeopletotaketheirlitterhome–seeSection3.8.

2.5 PARkING

Theneedforparkingwillvarygreatlyfromforesttoforest.Asmallclusterofspacesmaybeenoughinawoodlandusedbylocalsforeveningstrollsanddogwalking.Ontheotherhand,full-scaleparkingfacilities,staffedduringpeakperiods,maybeneededinforestparks,neighbourwoodsandotherhigh-useforeststhatattractpeoplefromafar.Majordifficulties,includinghazardouson-roadparkingandtrafficcongestion,arisewhereveruseishighandparkingfacilitiesareabsentorinadequate.

Featuresrequiredfornormalforestmanagement,suchasentrances,forestroadsandlandingandturningbays,canoftendoubleupasparkingareas.Consideringdual-useduringplanningcanfurtherenhancethispotential.Forexample,extraroomcanbeaddedtoaproposedforestentrance,tocreatespaceforasmallnumberofcarstopark.However,beawareofthepotentialforfutureconflictwithmanagement,suchasblockedentrances.

Dedicatedparkingfacilitiescomprisinganentrancefromthepublicroadandafeederroadleadingtothecarparkitself,maybenecessary.Themainconsiderationsforsuchfacilitiesareasfollows.

Keeptrafficflowassimple,directandasintuitiveaspossible.Carparkslaidoutasaone-wayloopoftenworkbest.Cleardirectionalsignsarealsoimportant,usingconventional,easilyrecognisabletrafficsymbols.Allowagenerousparkingspaceforeachcar,toenabledriverstomanoeuvreinand

The need for parking

Using management features

Encourage good traffic flow


26

Warning signs positioned within the car park will remind car users not to leave valuables in the car. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.

Secure, lockable barriers are often necessary on all vehicle entrances into the forest.

outwithease.Anumberofextra-widespacesshouldalsobedesignatedforvisitorsusingwheelchairsandotheraids.

Considersafetythroughout.Promoteclearsightlinesatalljunctions.Speedsignsandrampswillslowdriversdown,whileyieldandstopsignsatjunctionswillshowwhohaspriority.NotethatLocalAuthoritypermissionmayberequiredforthecreationorupgradingofaforestentranceoffapublicroad.Opensightlinesattheentrancewillbeneeded,necessitatingtreeremovalandvegetationcontrol.

Aforestcarparkshouldreflectthenaturalsettingoftheforestitself.Avoidfeaturesthatcharacteriseitsurbancounterpart,e.g.straightlines,hardedges,concretebollards,doubleyellowlines.Usenaturalsweepsandcurves,andlocateparkingspacesinsmallclusters,withsomeamongtreesandothersoutintheopen.Usesensitivedesignsforsignage,andlocallysourcedgravelforsurfacing.Demarcatetheedgeofthecarparkusinglowwoodenpostsorlowgrassymounds.

Carsecurityisabigconcernforpeople.Variousmeasureswillhelptopromoteasenseofwatchfulnessandcomingandgoing,thatwillhelpdeterthieves.Forexample,ensureopensightlinesthroughoutthecarpark,andavoidcreatingisolated,out-of-sightparkingspaces.Ifplanned,positionthepicnicareaorplaygroundwithinsightofthecarpark,toallowpeopletokeepaneyeontheircar.Erectwarningsignsadvisingpeoplenottoleavevaluablesinthecar.

Thepoint-of-entryfromthepublicroadcreatestheveryfirstimpressionoftheforest.Itshouldthereforebeattractive,tidyandwelcoming,andshouldreflectthenaturalsettingoftheforestitself.Generousbell-shapedentrances,linedwithwoodenfencing,bouldersoragrassymound,workwell.Asimplewelcomingsignwiththenameoftheforestisalsoappropriate.

Asecurebarrierisusuallyrequiredtoclosethecarpark,usuallyatnight.Suchbarriersshouldbecapableofwithstandingconsiderableabuse,forexample,from‘joy-riders’seekingaccessontoforestroadsatnight.Anarrowentranceand/ormaximumheadroombarriermayalsobeneeded,torestrictthetypeofvehicleentering.SeeSection3.6foradviceonlockingforestcarparks.Barrierswillalsobeneededonanyforestroadleadingfromthecarpark,topreventunauthorisedvehicleaccessfurtherintotheforest.

Dependingonthenatureoftheforestanditsuse,parkingspacesmaybeneededforvehiclesotherthancars,e.g.schoolcoaches,horseboxes,campervans.Also,somevisitorsmayarriveonfoot,bicycleorpublictransport,particularlyinthecaseofneighbourwoodsinandaroundurbanareas.Encouragepeopletousetheseformsoftransport.Forexample,highlightnearbybusstopsonanypromotionalmaterialrelatingtotheforest,andprovidesecurebikeracksforcyclists.

2.6 CHILDREN’S PLAy

Playfacilitiesgreatlyenhanceaforest’sappealamongyoungfamilies,andoftenrepresentahoneypotattractionintheirownright.However,giventheexactingsafetystandardsandthecostinvolved,playgroundequipmentisusuallyonlyjustifiedinhigh-useforests,suchasforestparksandneighbourwoods.Ifused,designandconstructionshouldreflectthenaturalwoodlandsetting.Ifpossible,adoptanimaginativethemeinspiredbytheforestitself.Also,withaccessforallinmind,favourequipmentthatisaccessibletochildrenofdifferentabilities.

Súgradh,anorganisationpromotingthechild’srighttoplay,providesdetailed

Safety

Reflect the natural woodland setting

Security

Forest entrance

barriers

Catering for other vehicles and forms of transport

General considerations


27

guidanceondevelopingplaygroundswithintheIrishcontext(www.playireland.ieseeAppendixB).

Thewoodlanditselfpresentsanidealenvironmentforchildren,withnaturalslopes,lowbranches,smallstreams,steppingstones,logsandbouldersallpromotingnaturalplayandexploration.Therefore,insteadofinstallingformalplaygroundequipment,considerpromotingopportunitiesfornaturalplaywithinthewoodlanditself.

Whicheveroptionisused,playareasshouldbeaccompaniedbyseats,toallowparentstokeepaneyeontheirchildrenincomfort.Also,considerremovingpotentiallydangerousberry-producingtreesandshrubsinthevicinity(e.g.holly,yew,rowan),astheymayposearisktoyoungpeoplethroughchokingorpoisoning.

2.7 WOODLAND DIvERSITy

Physicalfeaturesandattributessuchasspeciesmix,ageandstandstructure,understoreyandgroundlayers,openspacesandancienttrees,etc.,areallpartoftheforest’snaturaldiversity.Veryoftentheyblendtogethertocreateaparticularatmosphere.Forexample,astandofmature

Encourage natural play

Locating play areas

The importance of woodland diversity

The chance of seeing wildlife is a major attraction of the forest. Charleville Wood, Co. Offaly.


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Woodlands and forests are full of natural play opportunities for young people. Glendalough. Co. Wicklow.

Douglasfirwilloftenhaveamajestic,cathedral-likeatmosphere,whileamulti-storeybroadleafwoodlandwillfeeldistinctlysylvan.

Generally,themorediverseaforestis,thegreateritsappealandpotentialforrecreation.Usingbothshort-andlong-termmeasures,managementcandirectlyinfluencediversity,andhence,theforest’sbasicappeal.

Walkersinparticularpreferdiversityonasmallscale,i.e.diversitythatisreadilyapparentatwalkingpace.Inuniformconiferareas,diversityforwalkerscanbeintroducedbyplantingbroadleafstripsalongsectionsoftheroute.

Diversewoodlandsandforestscanbeatreasure-troveforbirdwatchersandotherwildlifeenthusiasts.Also,casualvisitorsoftencitethechanceofseeingwildlifeasamajorattraction.MeasuresintheForestServiceForest Biodiversity Guidelineswillpromotethevarietyandabundanceofwildlife,withacorrespondingincreaseintheforest’sappeal.Theseincludeincreasedspecies,structureandagediversity,theretentionofancienttreesanddeadwood,nativetreeplantingandtheinstallationofbirdboxes.

Randomgapsinthecanopy,unevenundergrowth,fallendeadwoodandotherfeaturesandattributesthatmightseemuntidyinaconventionalsenseareinfactkeytotheforest’sunderlyingappeal.Whilesafetyconsiderationsdominate(seeSection3.4),donotover-sanitisetheforest,andinsteadaimtoretainthissenseofnaturaldisorderandinformality.

Harvestingandreplantingcreateagreatopportunitytorestructuretheforestandtointroducediversityintermsofspecies,agestructure,openspaces,naturaledges,etc.

2.8 OPEN SPACES

Openspacesareavitalcomponentofforestrecreation.Theyincreasediversitybycreatingcontrast(e.g.light,colour,temperature)withareasundercanopy,andprovidespaceforactivitiestotakeplace.Theyvarygreatlyinsize,fromsmallwoodlandgladesupwards.

Increase diversity for walkers

Promote wildlife

Retain a sense of natural disorder

Restructuring the forest

The role of open spaces


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Measures set out in the Forest Service Forest Biodiversity Guidelines will enhance woodland diversity, thereby increasing the opportunities for visitors to experience wildlife.

Operationalopenspacesmaybesuitableforrecreation,dependingonsafetyandsensitivity.Theseincluderidelines,firebreaks,forestroadsandloadingbays,andopenspacesrequiredundertheForestServiceenvironmentalguidelines,e.g.aquaticbufferzones,archaeologicalexclusionzones,areasofbiodiversityenhancement.Otheropenspacescanbeintroducedspecificallyforrecreation.Theseincludeopenspacesaroundattractivefeaturesandviewpoints,andopenspacestohousespecificfacilitiesandactivities.Openspaceslocatedbesidecarparksareoftenverypopular,particularlyiftheyalsoincludepicnictables.

Carefulplanningwillgreatlyenhancetherecreationalvalueofanopenspace.Forexample,orientatetheopenspacesothatitcatchesasmuchdirectsunlightaspossible.Maximisewidthtopreventfutureovershadowingasthesurroundingcanopygrowstaller.Similarly,theopenspaceinfrontofaviewpointshouldbelargeenoughsothatthecanopydownhillwillnotblocktheviewatsomepointinthefuture.Theshapeorfootprintoftheopenspaceshouldbeorganicinnature,avoidingstraightedgesandsharpangles.

Openspacescanbefurtherenhancedbyencouragingagradualtransitionfromgrasstonativeshrubsandsmalltrees,uptothewoodlandcanopyitself.Thiscreatesanattractive,naturaledgebetweentheopenspaceandthewoodlandcanopy,andisalsoverygoodforwildlife.However,thistreatmentmaynotbesuitableinallsituations,e.g.alongfootpathsinurbanwoodlands,whereopportunitiesforconcealmentneedtobeeliminated.

Different types of open spaces

Planning open spaces

Edge treatment

Areas in front of viewing points need to be managed to prevent the view from becoming blocked. Strontian, Scotland.


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3.1 DISCOvERING THE FOREST

Irishwoodlandsandforestsoftenhaveawealthofnatural,historicalandculturalheritageassociatedwiththem.Allowingpeopletodiscoversomeofthiswilladdgreatlytotheirvisit,aswellasencouragingawiderappreciationofIreland’sheritage.

Inthevastmajorityofcases,dedicatedvisitorcentresofferingexhibitions,talksandguidedtoursaresimplynotanoption.However,lotsofothermeasurescanbeusedtohighlighttheheritageassociatedwithlocalwoodlandsandforests,manyofthemsimpleandrelativelyinexpensive.

Generallyfocusonyoungpeople–theyareeagertolearnandtheirenthusiasmwilldrawinotherfamilymembers.Withaccessforallinmind(seeSection1.4),alsoconsiderpeoplewithspecialneeds,tailoringleaflets,maps,signs,guidedwalks,etc.accordinglyinordertoopenuptheforestineverysense.

Tapintoreliableandaccuratesourcesofinformationinthelocality.Forexample,localforesters,historiansandwildlifeexpertsmaybepreparedtosupplysuitabletextforinformationboardsandleaflets,ortoleadoccasionalguidedwalks.

Whereverpossible,highlighttheheritageassociatedwiththeforest.Forexample,differentwalkingroutescanbenamedaftervariousbirds,historicalfeaturesortreesfoundintheforest.Similarly,wheretheoriginalIrishtownlandnamehasanassociationwithtreesorwoodland,consideradoptingitasthenameoftheforest.

Existingroutescanbetransformedintoheritageandnaturetrailssimplybycreatingaseriesofstopstohighlightnotablefeatures.Newsectionscanalsobeaddedtotakeinotherfeatures.Relevantinformationcanthenbeprovidedusingeither in-situinterpretationboards(seeSection2.3)orsimplenumberedmarkerslinkedtotherelevantsectionofanaccompanyingleafletorbooklet(seebelow).Thesestopscanalsoincludeoutsidefeatures,suchasviewsofmountainpeaksandotherlandmarksinthewiderlandscape.

Encouraging visitors to discover the forest’s heritage

Focus on young people

Local expertise

Highlight the forest’s heritage

Heritage and nature trails

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SECTION 3 RecreationalIssues

Information on various features and aspects of the woodland can be provided onsite, using panels. Rosturra Wood, Co. Galway.

Simple markers can be used to highlight features or themes along a nature or heritage trail, with further information given in an accompanying leaflet or booklet. Balrath Wood, Co. Meath.

Guided walks led by local experts are a great way to encourage people to discover the forest. (Photo S. Bosbeer)

Leafletsandbooklets–ideallymap-based–canbeusedtohighlightvariousaspectsoftheforest’sheritage.Althoughdesignedprimarilyforuseduringthevisit,theycanalsodoubleupaspromotionalmaterialfortheforest.LeafletsandbookletscanrangefrominexpensiveA4photocopiedsheetstoglossy,foldoutpublications.Inmajorrecreationalforests,suchmaterialcanbeputonawebsite,allowingpeopletoprintoffcopiesbeforetheirvisit.Inallcases,textshouldbeaccurateandconcise,andofinteresttothegeneralreader.

Wherepossible,includetheforestcode(seeSection3.2)onallinterpretationboards,leaflets,booklets,etc.Thiswillremindpeopleoftheirownresponsibilitiesasvisitors,withinthepositivecontextofthemfindingoutabouttheforest.

Invitelocalschoolstousetheforestasanoutdoorclassroom.Potentialactivitiescanspanallclassesandsubjects,fromnaturestudyandsciencetoartsandwoodwork(e.g.birdandbatboxes).TheTreeCouncilofIreland’sNationalTreeDay,aimedatprimaryschools,showsthewidearrayoflearningopportunitiespossible.

Invitelocalwritingandpoetrygroups,paintinggroupsandphotographyclubstoconsiderusingthewoodlandorforestasthesubjectofacreativeprojectfortheirmembers.Aswellasbeingveryrewardingforthepeopleinvolved,withagreement,aselectionoftheresultscouldbeusedinfutureinterpretationandpromotionalmeasures.

Explainanyforestmanagementoperationsplannedorunderway,usingtemporarynotices.Outlinewhysuchoperationsareneededwithinthecontextoftheforestcycle,andmeasurestoprotecttheenvironment.Aswellasinformingpeopleandallayingconcerns,thismeasurewillpromoteageneralunderstandingofwoodlandmanagement.(Notethatthismeasureisin additiontoanymandatorywarningsignsrequired–seeSection3.4.)

Considerorganisinganeventoractivitywithintheforestforlocalpeople.Examplesincludeguidedfamilywalks,treeplanting,face-paintinganddemonstrationsoftraditionalwoodcraft.Acertaindegreeoforganisationandpublicityisrequired,butlocalenvironmentalgroupsandotherinterested

Leaflets and booklets

Promote forest code

Outdoor classroom

Creative arts

Explain the forest cycle

Community events

Tree-planting and face-painting in Terryland Forest Park, Galway City, are just some of the community events that can take place in the woodland. (Photo S. Bosbeer)


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Into the Dark, a sculpture by Eileen MacDonagh, part of the Sculpture in Woodland collection, Devil’s Glen, Co. Wicklow.

A simple information board describing operations will help allay people’s concerns and promote awareness of woodland management practices. Saviours Wood, Co. Wicklow.

partiesmightbepreparedtohelpout.ConsidertimingtheseeventstocoincidewithNationalTreeWeek(March)andNationalHeritageWeek(September),tobenefitfromtheheightenedpublicawarenessofheritageissuesgeneratedbythesenation-wideprogrammes.

3.2 PROMOTING A FOREST CODE

Aforestcodeisasimplelistofwhatandwhatnottodothatpeopleareexpectedtofollowduringtheirvisit.Itspurposeistomakevisitorsandusersmoreresponsiblefortheiractionsintermsofprotectingthewoodlandhabitat,co-operatingwithmanagement(e.g.adheringtoanytemporaryprohibitionsigns),andbeingconsiderateofothervisitorsandusers.

Thecodeshouldhaveapositiveandinformativetonethatencouragespeopletoactappropriately–alistofrulesandrestrictionshasalimitedimpactandveryoftenturnspeopleoff.Thecodeshouldalsobeshortandconcise,andincludedonallinformationboards,leaflets,booklets,etc.

Anumberofcodesaimedatgeneralusershavebeendevelopedbyvariousorganisations,includingtheIrishFarmersAssociation,NationalParks&WildlifeService,theTreeCouncilofIrelandandComhairlenaTuaithe.Variousbodiespromotingandrepresentingparticularoutdooractivitieshavealsodevelopedspecificcodesofconductforthoseactivities,e.g.MountaineeringCouncilofIreland,theNationalWaymarkedWays,Coillte.SeeAppendixBforcontactdetails.

Asdescribedbelow,forestownerswillingtoallowparticularactivitiessuchashorseridingandmountainbikingshouldinsistthatacodeofconductisdrawnupforthatactivity.

LeaveNoTrace(www.LNT.org),aninternationalmodelforpromotingoutdoorethics,isanexcellentexampleofacodeforrecreationalusers.EffortsareunderwaytoestablishLeaveNoTraceinIreland,andrecentcodesreflectitsunderlyingprinciples.Forexample,ComhairlenaTuaithe’scountrycodeissetoutasfollows:

• Planaheadandprepare• Berespectfulofothers• Respectfarmanimalsandwildlife• Keeptodurableground• Leavewhatyoufind• Disposeofwasteproperly• Minimisetheeffectsoffire

3.3 AvOIDING CONFLICT

Woodlandsandforestsareidealformanydifferentactivities.Unfortunately,conflictcaneasilyarisebetweendifferentactivities,andalsobetweenrecreationandotherforestobjectives,suchaswoodproductionandconservation.Oftenitisaquestionofdegree.Forexample,walkingandhorseridingmaybecompatiblewithinaparticularforest,assumingthatthelevelofuseislowandthatpathsarewideenoughtoaccommodatebothactivitiessafely.Conversely,activitiessuchasmotorbikescramblingcancausemajordisruption,andmustbestrictlycontrolledorexcludedaltogether.

Ifitdoesarise,conflictcanbecomeacostlyproblem,disruptingmanagement,underminingsafetyanddetractingfromtheenjoymentofallusers.However,preventativestepscanbetaken.

A positive tone

General and specific codes

Leave No Trace

The potential for conflict

Section3:RecreationalIssues

33

Theownershouldbeclearaboutwhichactivitiess/heispreparedtoaccommodate.Thisdecisionwillbebasedoncompatibility,userpreferencesandconstraintssuchasforestsizeandavailableresources.Also,ifaparticularactivitypersistsdespitebeingdiscouraged,consideraccommodatingitinsteadofstrugglingcontinuouslytoexcludeit.

Thebestwaytominimiseconflictistoadoptaconsultativeapproachwithusersduringplanningandmanagement(seeSection1.3).Thiscreatesanatmosphereofunderstanding,compromiseandsupport,inwhichconflictscaneitherbepre-emptedorsolvedthroughdialogue.

Manyconflictsarisefromusersactingirresponsiblyandcarelessly.Thepromotionofaforestcodewillremindpeopleoftheirresponsibilitiesregardingtheforest,itsmanagementandotherusers(seeSection3.2).

Particularactivities,suchashorseriding,mountainbikingandquadriding,areenjoyedbymanyandrepresentavalidrecreationaluseoftheforest.However,ifuncontrolled,thesecanbehazardous,damagingandhighlydisruptive.Ownerswillingtoaccommodatesuchactivitiesshouldinsistonthefollowing.

• Theactivityshouldbecarriedoutundertheauspicesofaformalclubororganisation,subjecttoarenewableagreementwiththeowner.

• Theclubororganisationshoulddevelopanacceptablecodeofconductgoverningtheactivity.

• Wherepossible,theuseoftheforestfortheactivityshouldberestrictedtomembersoftheclubororganisation,andmadesubjecttoadherencetothecode.

• Theclubororganisationshouldhaveadequateinsurancecoverforbothitsmembersandtheforestowner.

Considerallocatingdifferentareasoftheforestfordifferentuses.Forexample,withinaparticularforest,attractiveandaccessibleareascanbezonedforintensiveuse,withshortwalksandpicnictablesprovidedforfamilies.Meanwhile,other,moreremoteareascanbeearmarkedfortimberproduction,lessintensiveactivitiessuchashillwalking,orlesscompatibleactivitiessuchashorseriding.Zoningcanbeappliedinvariousways.Forexample,maps,informationboardsandleafletscanbeusedtoshowwhichactivitiesarewelcome,where,andwhy.Facilitiescanberestrictedtothoseareaszonedforrecreation,andtailoredtotheactivityinquestion.Theuseofwarningandprohibitionsigns,barriersandgateswillalsodiscouragepeoplefromstrayingintoinappropriateareas.

Licenceandpermitcontrolcanbeusedtorestrictcertainactivitiestoparticulartimesofthedayoryear.Forestryoperationswillalsorequireperiodicrestrictions,requiringtheuseofwarningandprohibitionsigns–seeSection3.4forfurtherinformation.

Decide on which activities to accommodate

Involve user groups

Forest code

Minimising conflict arising from specific activities

Zoning for different activities

Time restrictions


34

People can be reminded of the forest code during their visit to the wood. Ballyseedy Wood, Co. Kerry.

Althoughcostly,incompatibleactivitiescanbekeptapartbyprovidingduplicatefacilities.Forexample,aseparatenetworkofwalkingroutesandbridlepathscanbedevelopedwithinaforestpopularforbothwalkingandhorseriding.Insuchcases,minimisethenumberofcrossroadstoreduceopportunitiesforwalkerstostrayontothebridlenetwork,andvice versa,withclearindicationastowhohasright-of-way.Clearsignage,togetherwithtailoredsurfacingandfacilities,willalsohelptodefineeachnetwork.

3.4 PROMOTING SAFETy

Disclaimer Sections 3.4 and 3.5 are not a legal interpretation of the Occupiers’ Liability Act (1995). Anyone seeking a legal interpretation should obtain legal advice.

Woodlandsandforestscontainmanypotentialhazards,bothnatural(e.g.unevensurfaces,dangeroustrees,overhangingbranches,steepriverbanks)andintroduced(e.g.unstableruins,deepdrains,unsaferecreationalfacilities).AsdescribedinSection3.3,dangercanalsoarisefromconflictbetweendifferentrecreationalactivities,andbetweenrecreationandforestryoperations.

Avarietyofstepscanbetakentopromotesafetyintheforest,asdescribedbelow.Forfurtherinformation,theUKVisitorSafetyintheCountrysideGroup(seewww.vscg.co.uk)publishesaguideentitledManaging Visitor Safety in the Countryside,aimedatprovidingownersandmanagersofurbanandruralopenspaceswithadviceonbestpractice,principlesandinformationonvisitorsafety.

Rememberthat‘safety’doesnothavetomean‘sterile’–itispossibletodevelopawoodlandthatissafeforrecreationwhilealsoretainingthesenseofnaturalnessthatunderpinsitsappeal.

Attheveryoutset,identifypotentialhazardsandmeasuresneededtosafeguardvisitors.Onceimplemented,carryoutregularcheckstoensurethatthesemeasuresremaineffectiveandtoidentifyanynewhazards.Keepafullrecord(includingdatedphotographs)ofallinspections,maintenanceandrepairwork.Thiswillinformfutureplanningandmanagementdecisions,andwilldemonstrateduecarebytheowner,shouldalegalactionemerge.

Increasetheawarenessofpotentialhazardsintheforest,usingsignage,informationboards,leafletsandbooklets.Remindvisitorsthattheforestisanatural,outdoorenvironmentthatcallsforcommon-sensemeasuressuchastheuseofsturdyfootwearandwarm,waterproofclothing.Variousorganisationshavedevelopedsafetyguidelinesforspecificactivities,e.g.Walk Safely in the Irish Hills and Countryside,aleafletpublishedbytheMountaineeringCouncilofIreland,theNationalWaymarkedWaysAdvisoryCommitteeandtheCountrysideAccessandActivitiesNetwork(NI).

Duplicate facilities

Potential hazards

Identify potential hazards

Increase awareness


35

Use warning signs to alert people to possible dangers, such as steep drop-offs in rivers and lakes. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.

Conflictbetweendifferentrecreationalusesandbetweenrecreationandotherforestobjectivescancreatehazards.Therefore,effortstopromotesafetyshouldincludemeasurestominimiseconflict,suchasconsultation,forestcodesandzoning(seeSection3.3.).Zoningisakeytool,wherebypeopleareencouragedtoremainwithinadesignatedareaandawayfromotherareaswherepotentialhazardsmayexist.

Manypotentialhazardscanbeavoided,forexample,bydesigningnewwalkingroutestosimplyby-passaparticulardanger.However,insomesituations,exposuretopotentialhazardsisunavoidable,necessitatingspecificsafetymeasuresandwarningsigns.Forexample,awalkingrouteascendingasteepvalleywallmayhavedangerousdrop-offsatvariouspointsalongtheway.Thiswouldrequiresturdysafetyfencingandclearwarningsignstoalertusers.

Forestryoperationssuchasharvestingandextractionrepresentamajorhazard,andaccessbyvisitorstotheworksitemustbestrictlyprohibited.Temporaryprohibitionsigns,positionedformaximumvisibility,mustbeusedonallapproachroutestotheworksite.(Ifpossible,locatetheseatjunctions,toallowpeopletopickupanalternativeroutewithouthavingtoretracetheirsteps.)Temporarynoticesshouldalsobeincludedonanyinformationboards,informingvisitorsoftheoperationsandthepotentialhazardtheypose.TheHealthandSafetyAuthority’s(HSA)Code of Practice for Managing Safety and Health in Forestry Operationsoutlinesbestpracticeonprohibitingaccess,useofsigns,etc.

Inforestsusedforrecreation,thereisaparticularlyhighonustoensuresafetyonanyoperationalworksites,asusersmayentertheseareasdespiteprohibitionsigns.AkeydocumentinthisareaistheHSA’sCode of Practice for Managing Safety and Health in Forestry Operations.ThiscodeprovidespracticalguidanceonobservingtheprovisionsoftheSafety,HealthandWelfareatWorkAct(1989)andtheSafety,HealthandWelfareatWork(GeneralApplication)Regulations(1993)forforestryoperations,settingouttheroleandresponsibilitiesofthelandowner,theforestryworkmanager,thecontractorandthesubcontractor.

AsdescribedintheForestServiceForest Harvesting and the Environment Guidelines,siterestorationisrequiredfollowingforestryoperations.Thisincludestheremovalofanyresidualdangers(e.g.hazardouschemicals,loosefencingwire,temporarystructures)beforetheareaisreopenedforrecreationaluse.

Ensurethatallfacilities,includingstiles,gatesandseats,areproperlyinstalled,inspectedregularlyandmaintainedinasafecondition.Exactingsafetystandardsapplytoplaygroundequipment(see www.playireland.ie).Otherfacilities,suchassafetyfencing,carparkingandfootbridges,maybesubjecttonationalbuildingrequirementsorgeneralconstructioncodes.

Avoiding conflict

Safety measures

Prohibition signs

Safety on the forest worksite

Site restoration

Safe facilities


36

In the interest of safety, visitors must be warned of the danger of forestry operations such as thinning and harvesting, and kept away from the worksite. Union Wood, Co. Sligo.

Variousorganisationsalsoprovidestandardsforfacilitiesrequiredforspecificactivities.Forexample,Guidelines for the Developing and Marking of Waymarked Ways,publishedbytheHeritageCouncilandtheNationalWaymarkedWaysAdvisoryCommittee,containsawealthofinformationonthedevelopmentofwaymarkedways.

Speedramps,stopandyieldsignsanddirectionalarrowscanallbeusedtocontroltrafficflowinforestcarparksandserviceroads.LocalAuthoritypermissionisrequiredtocreateorupgradeentrancesontopublicroads.Safetymeasuresmaybenecessary,suchastreefellingtoopenupsightlines.

Organiseperiodicinspectionstoidentifydangeroustreesorbranchesoverhangingwalkingroutes,carparks,picnicareas,publicroads,etc.,andensurethatremedialworkiscarriedoutpromptly,whererequired.FurtherinformationiscontainedintheForestService Guidelines on the Recognition of Dangerous Trees.

3.5 THE OCCUPIERS’ LIAbILITy ACT AND INSURANCE ISSUES

TheOccupiers’LiabilityAct(1995)providesclarityregardingtheresponsibilityofboththeoccupierandtherecreationaluser.Ingeneral,theoccupiermusttakereasonableprecautionstoguardagainstdanger,andmustnotactwithrecklessdisregardforrecreationalusers.Similarly,thereisanobligationonrecreationaluserstotakeallnecessarystepstoensuretheirownsafety,andtoactresponsibly,giventheirknowledgeoftheforest.Thisincludesfullcooperationwithsignageandothercontrolmeasuresputinplacefortheirsafety.

The IFA/FBD Guide to the Occupiers’ Liability Act(1995)exploresthecontentsofthisAct,andwillbeofinteresttoforestowners.Slightlyamendedextractsofthisguidearereproducedbelow,withkindpermission.

Disclaimer The IFA/FBD Guide to the Occupiers’ Liability Act (1995) is not a legal interpretation of the Act. Anyone seeking a legal interpretation should obtain legal advice. A full copy of the Act is available from the Government Publications Sales Office, or at www.irishstatutebook.ie.

Safety in the car park

Dangerous trees

Summary of the Occupiers’ Liability Act (1995)


37

Branches overhanging popular walking routes can pose an unacceptable risk, and should be removed.

extraCts from the Ifa/fBD GuIDe to the oCCupIers’ LIaBILIty aCt, 1995

Classes of entrants and the duties of occupiers

TherearethreecategoriesofentrantundertheAct,namelyVisitors,RecreationalUsersandTrespassers,withdifferingdutiesexpectedofoccupierstowardsvisitorsontheonehandandrecreationalusersandtrespassersontheotherhand.Thethreenewcategoriesofentrant,andthedutiesowedbyanoccupiertoeach,areexplainedbelow.


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Visitor

RecreationalUser

Trespasser

Includes:

• apersonpresentonpremisesattheinvitation,orwiththepermission,oftheoccupier;

• apersonpresentbyvirtueofanexpressorimpliedterminacontract;and

• anentrantasofright,e.g.Gardaí,etc.

Apersonpresentonpremises,withoutcharge(otherthanareasonablechargeforparkingfacilities),forthepurposesofengaginginarecreationalactivity.

Allentrantsotherthanvisitorsorrecreationalusers.

Adutytotakesuchcareasisreasonableinallthecircumstancestoensurethatavisitortothepremisesdoesnotsufferinjuryordamagebyreasonofanydangerexistingonthepremises.

Nottointentionallyinjurethepersonordamagethepropertyoftheperson,noractwith“recklessdisregard”forthepersonorthepropertyoftheperson.

AsforRecreationalUser

What is “reckless disregard”?

Indecidingwhetheranoccupierhasactedwithrecklessdisregard,theCourtsarerequiredtotakeallthecircumstancesintoaccount,includingthefollowing.

• Didtheoccupierknowofthedanger?

• Didtheoccupierknowofthepresenceoftherecreationaluser?

• Didtheoccupierknowthattherecreationaluserwasnearthedanger?

• Shouldtheoccupierhaveprotectedtherecreationaluseragainstthedanger?

• Wasitstraightforward,practicalandatareasonablecostfortheoccupiertoprotecttherecreationaluseragainstthedanger?

• Whatwasthetypeofpremisesandwasitdesirabletoretainopenaccesstothepremisesgiventhedanger?

• Didtherecreationalusertakecareofhim-orherselfandactresponsiblygivenhowwellhe/sheknewthepremises?

Entrant Duty of the occupier

• Whatwarningswereprovided?

• Wastherecreationaluseraccompanied?Ifso,whatcontrolorsupervisiondidthatotherpersonexercise?

Use of warning signs

Oneofthetestsforrecklessdisregardisthenatureofanywarninggivenorpostedbytheoccupierofdangersexistingonthepremises.Properlywordedwarningsigns,displayedprominently,mayprovideprotectionforoccupiersagainsttheriskofasuccessfullegalactionbyarecreationaluser.

Other issues

TheActdealswithanumberofotherimportantissues,includingthefollowing.

• Stiles, gates, etc. Structures,includingstilesandgates,primarilyforusebyrecreationalusersratherthanbytheoccupiershouldbekeptinasafecondition.

• Independent contractorsAnoccupierwhohastakenreasonablecarewhenengaginganindependentcontractorwillnotbeliableforinjuryordamagecausedtoanentrantbythecontractor’snegligenceunlesstheoccupierknowstheworkhasnotbeenproperlydone.However,anoccupiercannotdelegateliabilitytoanindependentcontractorincasesofworkthatisinherentlydangerous.Examplesofthistypeofworkmightincludethefellingofroadboundarytreesordemolitionofahighboundarywall.


39

DespitechangestothelawintroducedintheOccupiers’LiabilityAct(1995),landownersstillruntheriskofclaimsbymembersofthepublic.Accordingly,it remains essential that landowners take out adequate public liability insurance,inordertoprotectagainstlegalclaims(subjecttothespecificexclusionsandmonetarylimitssetoutinthepolicy).

AsdescribedinSection3.3,theforestownermaybewillingtoaccommodatespecifichigh-riskactivities,aslongasthesearecarriedoutundertheauspicesofaformalclubororganisation.Theforestownershouldalsoverifythattheclubororganisationhasadequateinsurancecovertoprotectbothitsmembersandtheownerhim-orherself.

3.6 UNDESIRAbLE ACTIvITIES

Variousundesirableandoftenillegalactivitiescanunfortunatelyoccurwithintheforest.Theseincludeloitering,drinkingpartiesandillegaldumping(orfly-tipping),maliciousfiresandotherformsofvandalism,‘joyriding’alongforestroads,andsubstanceabuse.Suchactivitiescreateathreateningatmosphereforbothvisitorsandthesurroundingcommunity,andgreatlyunderminetheforest’srecreationalvalue.Theyalsorepresentacostlyproblemfortheowner.

Insurance

High risk activities

The impact of undesirable activities

Clear ‘no entry’ signs can be used to keep people away from dangerous areas. Belvedere Estate, Co. Westmeath.

Althoughoftenassociatedwithlargerurbancentres,undesirableactivitiescanoccuranywhereinthecountry.Attheveryoutset,considerwhetherornottheseactivitiesarelikelytobeanissue,andadoptpreventativemeasures(seebelow),asrequired.Inextremecases,recreationaldevelopmentmaysimplybeunrealistic.

Encouragelegitimateusersintotheforest,tocreateadesirablepresenceandanearlywarningsystem,shouldproblemsarise.Thisisreinforcedbyaconsultativeapproachtoforestrecreation(seeSection1.3),aseveryoneinvolvedwillhaveanactiveinterestintheforest.Insomesituations,e.g.urbanneighbourwoods,anetworkofvolunteerwardenscanbedeveloped,involvingregularvisitorsandlocalenthusiasts.

Anatmosphereofactivemanagementdiscouragesundesirableelementsandattractslegitimateusers.Removeevidenceofabuse,suchasdumpedrubbish,bottle-strewnbonfiresites,burnt-outcarsandvandalisedfacilities,assoonaspossible.Withtheconsultativeapproachtoforestrecreation,volunteerclean-updayscanbeorganised.

Manyundesirableactivitiestakeplaceduringdarkness.AsdescribedinSection2.5,securebarriersarerecommendedatallvehicleentrances.Considerlockingcarparkentrancesatnight,particularlynearurbancentres.Localresidentsmaybepreparedtolockupeacheveningonbehalfofmanagement.

Anumberofissuesapply.

• Clearlyindicatethelockuptime,usingsignsandnoticesoninformationboards,leaflets,booklets,etc.

• Allowalaterlockuptimeduringthesummer,totakeaccountofthelongerevenings.

• Beasgenerousaspossiblewiththelockuptime,toallowlegitimateusersafulldayintheforest.

• Occasionallypeoplewillbelockedin,havingarrivedbackattheircarslaterthanexpected.Acontactnumberforthekey-holdercouldbedisplayed,althoughthissystemisopentoabuse.

• Allowinglaterlock-uptimesbypriorarrangement,tofacilitateorganisedgroups.

InformtheGardaSíochánaofmajorproblemsthatarise–theymaybeabletoprovideapresence,forexample,byincludingtheareainroutinepatrols.Similarly,informtheLocalAuthorityofanyillegaldumping.Underlitterlegislation,theownerofthedumpedmaterialwillhaveacasetoanswer,ifhis/heridentifycanbeestablished.TheLocalAuthoritymayalsoerectsignsalongadjoiningroads,detailingpenaltiesfordumping.

Thepersonalsecurityofvisitorsmaybeanissue,andshouldbefactoredintodesignandmanagement.Forexample,limitingthenumberofwalkingrouteswillensurecasualcontactbetweenvisitorsandwillpreventpeoplefrombecomingisolatedandpotentiallyvulnerable.Reduceopportunitiesforconcealmentalongwalkingroutesandopenspaces,bypruning,thinningandundergrowthcontrol,andbykeepingawidegrassymargin.

Considerthelevelofvandalismthatseats,signs,picnictablesandotherfacilitiesmayhavetowithstand.Avoidelaboratefacilities–theseoftenattractvandalism,damageeasily,andarecostlytorepairandreplace.Instead,optforfacilitiesthataresimple,low-keyedandrobust.Secureanchoringinconcrete

Encourage legitimate users

A sense of active management

Closing the forest during hours of darkness

Informing the authorities

Personal security

vandalism and facilities


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maybeneeded.Considerindestructiblealternatives,suchassmoothrocksorlargelogsforseating.

Newlyplantedtreescanbeeasilyvandalised,particularlyintheneighbourwoodcontext.Insuchcases,favourpioneerspeciessuchaswillow,birchandalder,plantedasforesttransplantsathighdensities.Thiswillresultinafast-growingyoungcanopycapableofwithstandingacertainlevelofdamage.Also,avoidconflictbetweentreesandsiteuses.Forexample,adoptestablishednaturaldesirelinescrossingthesiteaswalkingrouteswithinthenewwoodland.Formoreadvice,seeAppendixBoftheForestServiceNeighbourWoodSchemebrochure.

SeeSection3.7forguidanceonmaliciousfires.

SeeSection2.5forguidanceoncarsecurityinforestcarparks.

GenerallitteringbyvisitorsisaddressedinSection3.8.

3.7 FIRE

ThelightingoffiresinornearforestsiscontrolledundertheForestryAct(1946),theWildlifeAct(1976)andtheWildlife(Amendment)Act(2000)(seewww.irishstatutebook.ie).Notwithstandingsuchlegalisation,fire–eitheraccidentalormalicious–canposearealthreattotheforestandtoadjoiningproperty.Recreationalusecanincreasefirerisk(andthecorrespondingcostofinsurance),duetothegreaternumberofpeopleintheforest.However,increasednumberscanalsomeanthatanyfiresthatdooccurwillbespottedquicklybeforespreading.

Thefollowingconsiderationsapply.

Standardmeasurestoprotectagainstfire,suchasfirebreak,reservoirsandfireplans,aresetoutintheForestServiceCode of Best Forest Practice – Ireland andForest Protection Guidelines.

Protecting new trees

Malicious fires

Car security

Littering

Forest recreation and fire

Standard measures


41

Signage will discourage dumping to some extent, reminding potential offenders of the anti-social nature of their activities, and creating an atmosphere of management. Ballygannon Wood, Co. Wicklow.

Pioneer species, such as birch, alder, rowan and willow, are ideal for woodland planting in urban areas. They are resilient to damage and grow rapidly to form an emerging woodland canopy within several years. Terryland Forest Park, Galway City.

If closing the forest carpark at night, clearly indicate the lock-up time for users. Devil’s Glen, Co. Wicklow.

Itisgenerallyadvisablenottoprovideforoutdoorcookingwithintheforest.However,facilitiesmaybeappropriateincertainlimitedsituations,forexample,incampsitedevelopmentsorinheavilyusedpicnicareaswherecookingpersists.Insuchcases,carefullyplannedfacilitiesindesignatedareaswillenablepeopletoenjoytheexperienceofoutdoorcooking,whilealsominimisingassociatedfirerisk.Measurestofacilitateoutdoorcookingshouldbeinkeepingwiththeabovelegislationrelatingtofire.

Manydesignsareavailable,fromlowcampfire-typestructurestowaist-highbarbequegrills.Asimpleblockpedestal,flat-toppedrockorcuttreestumpcanbeprovidedasasurfacefordisposablebarbequetrays.Considercoveringpartofnearbypicnictabletopswiththickwiremesh,toprotectagainstscorchdamagefromhotpotsandtrays.Allcookingfacilitiesshouldbesituatedwithinlargeopenspaces,wheretheriskoffirespreadingtotheforestcanopyisminimal.

Visitorsshouldbealertedtotheriskoffireandinstructednottobecarelesswithfire.Thismessagecanbepromotedpositivelyaspartoftheforestcode(seeSection3.2).Temporarynoticescanalsobeusedtoreinforcethemessageduringhigh-riskperiods.However,inforestswherevandalismisanissue,suchnoticesmayactuallytriggermaliciousfirelighting.

3.8 LITTERING

Landowners,includingforestowners,havecertainobligationsunderlaw(principallytheLitterPollutionAct(1997))tokeepareasthatareopentothepubliclitter-free,regardlessofhowthelittergotthere.Theownerisalsoobligedtokeepfreeoflitteranyoutdoorareaonhis/herpropertythatisvisiblefromapublicplace.Formoreinformation,contacttheLocalAuthorityorENFO–TheEnvironmentalInformationService(www.ENFO.ie).

Thebestapproachtocontrollinggenerallitteringbyvisitorsistoencouragepeopletotaketheirlitterhomeforrecyclingordisposal.Thismessagecanbepromotedpositivelyaspartoftheforestcode(seeSection3.2).Encouragepeopletobeproactive,bypickingupandcarryingoutoneortwoextrabitsoflitterdroppedbyothers.

Thequestionofwhetherornottoprovidebinsshouldbeconsideredcarefully.Dovisitornumbersandactivitiesjustifytheiruse?Ismanagementfullycommittedtoemptyingbinsonaregularbasis?

Outdoor cooking

Raising awareness

Legal obligations

Encourage visitors to take litter home

Litter bins


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A simple cut stump provides a handy platform for disposable charcoal BBQ trays. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.

Where used, bins should be lidded, easy to empty, and in keeping with the woodland setting. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.

Ifbinsaretobeused,considerthefollowing.

• Binsshouldbeplacedwhereverlitterismostlikelytobegenerated,forexample,onthewaybacktothecarpark,inpicnicareas,andbesideinformationboards.

• Topreventunsightlyoverflowing,increasethefrequencyofemptyingduringthesummermonths,weekendsandotherperiodsofheighteneduse.

• Numerousbindesignsareavailable.Ingeneral,binsshouldbelidded,easytoemptyandfireproof.Theircapacityshouldalsoreflectthedegreeofuseandthefrequencyofemptying.Considerprovidingsegregatedbinsforrecyclables.

TheForestServiceCode of Best Forest Practice – Ireland, Forest Harvesting and the Environment Guidelines and Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines stipulatetheremovalandappropriatedisposalofwastegeneratedduringforestryoperations,e.g.discardednurserybags,oldmachineparts,surpluschemicals,emptycontainers,lunchlitter.

3.9 DOGS AND THE FOREST

Forestsareidealforwalkingthedog,encouragingdogownerstovisitonaregular,oftendaily,basis.However,usingtheforestcode,dogownersshouldbemadeawareoftheirparticularresponsibilities.Forexample,dogsshouldbekeptundereffectivecontrolatalltimes(arequirementundertheundertheControlofDogsAct(1986)),tosafeguardotherusersandtoavoiddisturbingwildlife.

Dogfoulingisparticularlyunpleasantandcanposeahealthrisk,particularlyinpicnicorchildren’splayareas.Considerprovidingashortstretchoffootpathoranopenspacespecificallyfordogownerstobringtheirdogsthroughassoonastheyarriveattheforest.Thiswillenabledogsto‘dotheirbusiness’withinadesignatedarea.Dogownersshouldalsoberequestedtoremovedogfoul,using‘pooper-scoopers’orplasticbags.

ContactENFO–TheEnvironmentalInformationService(www.ENFO.ie)formoreinformationontheaboveissues.


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Cleaning-up after forestry operations

Owner responsibilities

Fouling

Walking the dog is a popular daily use of the forest. Belleek Forest, Co. Mayo.

3.10 PROMOTING THE FOREST

Decidingwhetherornottopromotetheforest,andtowhatextent,dependsonthetypeandscaleofdevelopment.Wordofmouthwillsufficewherelocaluseistheaim–indeed,ownersmaybereluctanttoattractgreaternumbersfromfurtherafield.Conversely,forestparks,neighbourwoodprojectsandothermajordevelopmentswillmeritahighlevelofpublicity.

Whenpublicisingtheforest,donotraiseexpectationstoohighregardingwhat’sonoffer–dissatisfiedvisitorsareunlikelytoreturn,andwilldissuadeothersfromvisiting.Also,considerifpublicityisneededatall–anattractivewoodlandwithestablishedfacilitiesmayalreadybedrawingpeoplein.

Variousmeasurescanbeused,e.g.

• leafletsandbookletsmadeavailablethroughlocalshops,B&Bs,touristcentres,etc.(seeSection3.1);

• regulararticlesinthelocalpress;

• websitedevelopment;

• publicroadsigns(whichrequireLocalAuthorityagreement);and

• inclusionintouristmapsandliterature.

Animaginative,highprofileeventcanalsobestagedtogeneratelocal,regionalandnationalmediaattention.Sportingclubswilloftenpromotetheirowneventsheldintheforestwiththeowner’sagreement,andthiswillprovidefurtherpublicityfortheforestitself.


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Level of promotion

Different ways to promote the forest

Roadside signs can be used to highlight woodland amenities up ahead. Ballygannon Wood, Co. Wicklow.

Various types of leaflets and booklets can be used to promote the forest and to provide information to people during their visit. These can range from simple photocopied sheets to expensive colour productions.

Thefollowingisalistofpublicationsofrelevancetotheareaofforestandoutdoorrecreation.ManyoftheorganisationwebsiteslistedinAppendixBalsocontainawealthofadditionalinformation.

AReviewandAppraisalofIreland’sForestryDevelopmentStrategy.2004.PeterBacon&Associates.GovernmentPublicationsSalesOffice,MolesworthStreet,Dublin2.

BuildingforEveryone:Inclusion,AccessandUse.2002.NationalDisabilityAuthority,25ClydeRoad,Dublin4(www.nda.ie).

CodeofPracticeforManagingSafetyandHealthinForestryOperations.2003.HealthandSafetyAuthority,10HoganPlace,Dublin2(www.hsa.ie).

CommunityWoodlandDesignGuidelines.1991.ForestryCommission(www.forestry.gov.uk).

CountrysideforAll:StandardsandGuidelines.FieldfareTrust(www.fieldfare.org.uk).

CreatingandManagingWoodlandsaroundTowns.1995.ForestryCommissionHandbook11.HMSO,London.

DesignforOutdoorRecreation.1997.SimonBell.E&FNSpon,London.

Footpaths:APracticalHandbook.1994.BritishTrustforConservationVolunteers(www.btcv.co.uk).

ForestRecreationGuidelines.1992.ForestryCommission(www.forestry.gov.uk).

GuidelinesfortheDevelopingandMarkingofWaymarkedWays.2002.TheHeritageCouncilandtheNationalWaymarkedWaysAdvisoryCommittee(www.walkireland.ie).

GuidelinesontheRecognitionofDangerousTrees.1998.ForestService,DepartmentofAgricultureandFood,JohnstownCastleEstate,Co.Wexford.

ManagingVisitorSafetyintheCountryside:PrinciplesandPractice.2003.VisitorSafetyintheCountrysideGroup(www.vscg.co.uk).

NeighbourWoodScheme.BrochureontheNeighbourWoodSchemegrantpackage,availablefromtheForestService,DepartmentofAgricultureandFood,JohnstownCastleEstate,Co.Wexford.

RecreationPolicy:HealthyForests,HealthNation.2005.Coillte,Newtownmountkennedy,Co.Wicklow(www.coillte.ie).

TrailSolutions:IMBA’sGuidetoBuildingSweetSingletrack.InternationalMountainBicyclingAssociation(www.imba.com).

TreesandWoodsinTownsandCities:HowtoDevelopLocalStrategiesforUrbanForestry.1999.NationalUrbanForestryUnit,TheSciencePark,StaffordRoad,Wolverhampton,WV109RT,UK.

TreeTrailsofIreland.InformationbookletpublishedbyInversoftandtheTreeCouncilofIreland,ThePark,Cabinteely,Dublin18.

UrbanForestryinPractice:CaseStudies.1998.NationalUrbanForestryUnit,TheSciencePark,StaffordRoad,Wolverhampton,WV109RT,UK.

WalkSafelyintheIrishHillsandCountryside.InformationleafletpublishedbytheMountaineeringCouncilofIreland,theNationalWaymarkedWaysAdvisoryCommitteeandtheCountrysideAccessandActivitiesNetwork(NI).

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APPENDIX A FurtherReading

ThefollowingisanalphabeticallistofvariousorganisationsinIrelandandelsewhereofrelevancetotheareaofforestandoutdoorrecreation.Pleasenote,thisisnotanexhaustivelist,andmanyofthewebsitesgivenhaveusefullinkstootherrelevantorganisations.

birdWatch IrelandRockinghamHouse,Newcastle,Co.WicklowTel.01-2819878;www.birdwatchireland.ie

Central Fisheries boardUnit4,SwordsBusinessCampus,BalhearyRoad,Swords,CountyDublinTel.01-8842600;www.cfb.ie

CoillteNewtownmountkennedy,Co.WicklowTel.01-2011111;www.coillte.ie

Comhairle na Tuaithe, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs43-49MespilRoad,Dublin4Tel.01-6473219

Conservation volunteers IrelandSteward’sHouse,RathfarnhamCastle,Dublin14Tel.01-4952878;www.cvi.ie

COST Action E33 ‘Forest Recreation and Nature Tourism’www.openspace.eca.ac.uk/costE33

Countryside Access and Activities Network for Northern IrelandTheStableyard,Barnett’sDemesne,BelfastBT95PBwww.countrysiderecreation.com

Countryside Recreation Networkwww.countrysiderecreation.org.uk

CrannPOBox860,Celbridge,Co.KildareTel.01-6275075;www.crann.ie

Cycling IrelandKellyRoche,619NorthCircularRoad,Dublin1Tel.01-8551522;www.cyclingireland.ie

Enable Ireland32RosemountParkDrive,RosemountBusinessPark,BallycoolinRd.,Dublin11Tel.01-8727155;www.enableireland.ie

ENFO – Environmental Information Service17St.AndrewSt.,Dublin2Tel.1890200191;www.ENFO.ie

Equestrian Federation of IrelandKildarePaddocks,Kill,Co.KildareTel.045-886678;www.horsesport.ie

Fáilte IrelandBaggotStreetBridge,Dublin2Tel.1890525525;www.failteireland.ie

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APPENDIX B UsefulContacts

Fieldfare Trust67aTheWicker,SheffieldS38HT,UKTel:00441142701668;www.fieldfare.org.uk

Forest Service, Department of Agriculture and FoodJohnstownCastleEstate,Co.WexfordTel.1890200223;www.agriculture.gov.ie

Forestry Commissionwww.forestry.gov.uk

Health and Safety Authority10HoganPlace,Dublin2Tel.1890289389;www.hsa.ie

Heritage CouncilRotheHouse,KilkennyTel.056-7770777;www.heritagecouncil.ie

International Mountain bicycling Associationwww.imba.com

Irish Deer Societywww.theirishdeersociety.com

Irish Heart Foundation4ClydeRoad,Ballsbridge,Dublin4Tel.01-6685001;www.irishheart.ie

Irish Landscape Institute8MerrionSquare,Dublin2Tel.01-6627409;www.irishlandscapeinstitute.com

Irish Orienteering Associationwww.orienteering.ie

Irish Sports CouncilBlockA,WestendOfficePark,Blanchardstown,Dublin15Tel.01-8608800;www.irishsportscouncil.ie

Irish Timber Growers Association17CastleStreet,Dalkey,Co.DublinTel.01-2350520;www.itga.ie

Irish Wheelchair AssociationÁrasChúchulainn,BlackheathDrive,Clontarf,Dublin3Tel.01-8186400;www.iwa.ie

keep Ireland Openwww.keepirelandopen.org

Leave No Trace – Centre for Outdoor Ethicswww.LNT.org

Mountain biking [email protected];www.mbi.ie

Mountaineering Council of IrelandSportHQ,13JoyceWay,ParkwestBusinessPark,Dublin12Tel.01-6251115;www.mountaineering.ie

AppendixB

47

Mountain Meitheal – Upland Conservation Workerswww.pathsavers.org

National Association of Regional Game Councilswww.nargc.ie

National Disability Authority25ClydeRoad,Dublin4Tel.01-6080400;www.nda.ie

National Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government7ElyPlace,Dublin2Tel.1890202021;www.npws.ie

National Waymarked Waysc/oIrishSportsCouncil,BlockA,WestendOfficePark,Blanchardstown,Dublin15Tel.01-8608823;www.walkireland.ie

Scouting IrelandLarchHill,Dublin16Tel.01-4956300;www.scouts.ie

Sculpture in Woodlandc/oCoillte,Newtownmountkennedy,Co.WicklowTe.01-2011111;www.sculptureinwoodland.ie

Society of Irish ForestersEnterpriseCentre,Ballintogher,Co.SligoTel.071-9164434;www.societyofirishforesters.ie

Sports Council for Northern IrelandHouseofSport,UpperMaloneRoad,BelfastBT95LAwww.sportni.net

Súgradh – Celebrating The Child’s Right To Playwww.playireland.ie

Sustrans Northern IrelandMarquisBuilding,89-91AdelaideStreet,BelfastBT28FEwww.sustrans.org.uk

Tree Council of IrelandThePark,Cabinteely,Dublin18Tel.01-2849211;www.treecouncil.ie

Woodlands of IrelandThePark,Cabinteely,Dublin18Tel.01-2849329;www.woodlandsofireland.com

visitor Safety in the Countryside Groupwww.vscg.co.uk


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Further information:Forest ServiceDepartment of Agriculture and FoodJohnstown Castle EstateCo. WexfordIreland

Tel. 053 60200LoCall 1890 200 223Fax 053 43834/5/6www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice

Cuirfear fáilte le comhfhreagras i nGaeilge.

Tá breis eolais agus leagan Gaeilge den leabhar seo le fáil ach glaoch ar:An tSeirbhís ForaoiseAn Roinn Talmhaíochta agus BiaEastát Chaisleán Bhaile SheonachCo. Loch GarmanÉire

forest recreation in ireland a guide for forest owners and ... · adventure centre, a visitor...

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