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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
1
ForestRecreationinIreland
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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
3
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)…
ForestRecreationinIreland
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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
5
…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
ForestRecreationinIreland
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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.
7
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
ForestRecreationinIreland
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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
9
…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
ForestRecreationinIreland
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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
Section1:PlanningandManagingforForestRecreation
11
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
ForestRecreationinIreland
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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.
13
Section1:PlanningandManagingforForestRecreation
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
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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
Section1:PlanningandManagingforForestRecreation
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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
17
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.
Section2:RecreationalFacilities
21
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.
Section2:RecreationalFacilities
23
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
Section2:RecreationalFacilities
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
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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
Section2:RecreationalFacilities
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
Section2:RecreationalFacilities
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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
31
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
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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
Section3:RecreationalIssues
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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
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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)
Section3:RecreationalIssues
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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.
Section3:RecreationalIssues
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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
ForestRecreationinIreland
40
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
Section3:RecreationalIssues
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
ForestRecreationinIreland
42
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.
Section3:RecreationalIssues
43
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.
ForestRecreationinIreland
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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).
45
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
46
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 Irelandmbi@irishcycling.com;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
ForestRecreationinIreland
48
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
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