Have your say on an outdoor recreation masterplan for Binevenagh area

Outdoor Recreation NI is working on behalf of the Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Scheme to identify and develop outdoor recreation opportunities in Binevenagh, Ballycarton and Grange Park Forests, and improve connectivity within the wider Binevenagh area. The outcome of this will be an outdoor recreation Masterplan for Binevenagh.

Fiona Milne, Acting Joint Head of Projects for Outdoor Recreation NI explained: ''With so much to offer in terms of engaging with the iconic landscape of Binevenagh, this Masterplan aims to improve coordination, development and delivery of outdoor recreation opportunities in the area for both the local community and a growing local and international tourism market.”

Milne added: ''The key purpose of the Masterplan is to assist landowners, land managers and activity providers to provide a quality outdoor recreation product for the local community and visitors. To this end, the Masterplan will detail and cost actions which could attract heritage lottery support over the 5-year timescale of the landscape partnership scheme.”

Recommendations produced within the Masterplan will form part of the second stage funding application to Heritage Lottery for £3.4 million that will be submitted by Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Andrew Bratton, from the Landscape Partnership Scheme commented: ''We commissioned this Masterplan because at present the approach to the delivery and facilitation of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Binevenagh, Ballycarton and Grange Park area is uncoordinated. Most activities which take place are undertaken by individuals or small groups who are familiar with the area and the access arrangements which exist”.

He continued, “We are, however, keen to see a wider demographic of the local community and visitors enjoy this wonderful natural environment and participate in outdoor recreation, particularly those with reduced mobility. Enhancing connectivity between local settlements and amenities such as forests, beaches and rivers is crucial to this aim”.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Brenda Chivers said: "The Binevenagh area is a very special part of the Causeway Coast and Glens landscape and this Masterplan will help to ensure that it is being used to its full potential. The public will get a chance to share their views and ideas at a consultation event in St Aidan’s Hall, Magilligan later this month and I would encourage anyone with an interest to make full use of this opportunity.”

An online survey has also been prepared to capture the views of local people and users of the Binevenagh area. This will be live from Tuesday, May 7 to Friday, May 31. People are encouraged to complete this survey and attend the public consultation.

''Whether you live in or visit the area, and/or use the Binevenagh, Ballycarton and Grange Park Forests or other sites, Outdoor Recreation NI is keen to hear your views on the current condition and potential future development of the Binevenagh area.''

SHARE YOUR IDEAS BY:

1. Coming along to the public consultation event:

Date: Tuesday, May 21

Time: 7-9pm

Venue: St Aidan’s Hall, Duncrun Road, Magilligan

2. Completing the online survey: www.surveymonkey.com.uk/r/BinevenaghSurvey

To confirm your attendance and for more information, contact Fiona Milne:

T:028 9030 3930 or E: [email protected]

This project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund through the Binevenagh & Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Scheme and is undertaken in partnership with Causeway Coast & Glen Borough Council, Forest Service NI and Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust.