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If you enjoy the outdoor life, why not visit Antrim Borough's forests, rivers and woodlands? A range of opportunities exist at present for walking, cycling, angling, water activities and birdwatching with developments planned, subject to funding, for further walking routes, off road cycling and horse riding and environmental education.
Lough Neagh and its rivers offer an exceptional variety of flora, fauna, scenic beauty and legends, with a tranquillity that must be experienced.
The Council’s Countryside Recreation service manages the development of opportunities for countryside recreation in the Borough through the establishment of sustainable countryside recreation projects and initiatives.
ANTRIM BOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION FORUM
Antrim Borough Countryside Recreation Forum is a voluntary independent group made up of local people with a variety of countryside recreation interests. The Forum is facilitated by Council and meets quarterly. Its members play a key role in the development and implementation of projects and initiatives by ensuring local input.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
The main focus of the Countryside Recreation Service is the development of sustainable opportunities for countryside recreation activities within the Borough. These have included:
- The development of sections of the Loughshore Trail cycle route as it passes through the Borough
- The establishment of an Eco Trail for environmental education and elementary orienteering in Antrim Castle Gardens
- The development of the Mill Race Trail - an interpreted 3.7km walking route from Antrim town to Muckamore
- The production of a series of walking route cards for the Borough
- The construction of fishing platforms for coarse angling along the Six Mile Water
- Planting of 3,500 young trees at Muckamore in conjunction with the Woodland Trust and sixteen local schools
Projects that have recently been successful in attracting substantial grant aid include:
- Construction of a link path from Rea's Wood to the Dublin Road for walking and cycling
- Provision of a link path within Crumlin Glen leading to Crumlin Village
- Construction of canoeing infrastructure along the Six Mile Water
- The establishment of a further Highway to Health route in conjunction with the NI Chest Heart and Stroke Association
Other developments will be subject to funding becoming available.
ACCESS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE
The service is also responsible for advising Council regarding its duties and powers under the Access to the Countryside (NI) Order 1983. An information booklet for the public in relation to the Status Investigation Procedure for paths believed to be Public Rights Of Way is available on request.
EVENTS
The service offers a range of events and walks during the summer months. Visit the Events/What's On page on this website for further details.
For more information contact the Countryside Recreation Officer T: 028 9446 3113
Related Links
www.ecotrails.co.uk
www.walkni.com
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