Derrynoyd and Drumcairne ready for spring
Another two outdoor recreation opportunities have been added to the growing list of spaces in the Mid Ulster area for residents and visitors to get out and about this spring and summer. Derrynoyd Forest, on the outskirts of Draperstown, and Drumcairne Forest, situated just outside Stewartstown, have both recently been revamped to make access easier for those using the forest trails.
The work, carried out in partnership with Forest Service NI, benefitted from investment from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme, The UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Mid Ulster District Council.
Speaking at the official opening of the trails, Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Meta Graham said
The work that has been completed here at Derrynoyd, and at Drumcairne, has increased access to these underutilised forest sites, providing residents and visitors alike with safer and more pleasant trails. There is no doubt that opening up these spaces has provided new opportunities to our local community on their doorstep, which are free to access, and which have health, wellbeing, and wider community benefits.
The work completed includes the restoration of two-looped 1.5km and 3.25km trails at Drumcairne and the upgrading of approximately 5km of existing trail network at Derrynoyd to provide multi-use trails.
At both sites, a formal layout of car and bicycle parking and road passing points has been installed. Visitors are now helped to find their way around the trails and find out about the history of the sites, through new signage provision that includes way-marking, signage, and interpretation.