Foresters' Facebook Fights Fines

Social networking is today being harnessed by ramblers and other countryside lovers across Ireland to oppose a planned law that would ban anyone from being on Forestry Service land from dusk to dawn - without exception.

In less than 24 hours, 'Fight fining us for being in a forest after dark in Northern Ireland' has over 200 facebook friends - and is increasing by the hour.

As reported exclusively on www.4ni.co.uk yesterday, access to the countryside may never be the same again should a proposal from the NI Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD) go ahead.

All-island reaction has been swift, with Andrew Mullen, posting his thoughts on behalf of the Irish Bushcraft Club.

"We were contacted by the Northern Irish Bushcraft Association regarding this and are supporting your campaign fully, and have urged our membership to do likewise."

The deadline for interested parties to submit their views is looming over changes to the Forestry Service (FS) Byelaws that are likely to make it an offence - punishable by a fine - for simply being on forestry land between sunset and sunrise.

The proposal is out to public consultation until next week, but the bid to change the regulation has already been labelled both "heavy handed and draconian" by one country lover.

Another contribution was from Conor Graham: "As mountainbikers we have been dealing with DARD FS intransigence for years re[ference] developing our sport here while we all head off to Scotland and the South at weekends to ride in trail centres setup in cooperation with national FS while taking our money with us.

"A couple of 'family trails' does not constitute a trail provision. Fines are a backward step!" he fumed.

Another said: "By driving the normal law abiding citizens out of the forest the result will actually be more [anti-social] behaviour and other unsavoury things that go on in a number of forests around the country after dark."

There's even been international support with a contributor from Sweden: "I have spent many nights in the woods of Ireland and would love to come and do it again.

"Tell 'them' that its not only unhealthy proposition for the people of the island it will also scare tourists away," one contributor said.

Yesterday, Co Down-based Jonathan Stewart told www.4ni.co.uk: "The sun sets at 4pm in winter so people wouldn't be allowed in a forest in late afternoon for any legitimate reason, even to walk your dog or let the children play.

"Access to the Mournes would be severely restricted as the main, easiest routes are from Newcastle through forests.

"That [proposal] is simply foolish - given the mountain range is a huge tourist attraction."

The avid rambler said that effectively banning all activities after sunset is a step too far: "It is heavy handed and draconian.

"Basically the Government acts with the attitude that it's easier to ban something than try to find a way to allow it sensibly," he continued, noting that if there is a problem activity that needs curtailed then it should be targeted directly.

"Instead, this will punish people legitimately enjoying the forests more than it will the troublesome element," he said.

Concerns

The Forestry Service are believed to have a concern relating to gorse fires and the spread of the Japanese Larch disease and they are keen to ensure the safety of groups while they are on expedition.

They are also seeking to get organised groups to use public pathways and rights of way within a forest, while 'Wild Camping' is no longer to be permitted within Forestry Service property.

The current 'Consultation on Forestry Land Byelaws' comes on foot of a bid to change legislation under the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 and will replace the Forest Parks and Forest Recreation Areas Byelaws (Northern Ireland) 1979.

At present, DARD is seeking views on the draft Byelaws and on any specific issues relating to them.

Yesterday, the NI Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill said the Forest Service is working with a range of stakeholders and partners in expanding opportunities, but added: "The Forest Service has proposed daylight access hours on grounds of health and safety and the practicalities of on-the-ground management and enforcement."

However, she added: "This is certainly not a blanket prohibition and we will listen carefully to stakeholders' views emerging from the consultation, before making any decisions."

See: Forest Trails To 'Be Closed To Hikers'

See: facebook

(BMcC/GK)