Forest news and events
Forest closures and other news about public forests and country parks in Northern Ireland.
Storm Amy
The Met Office has given weather warnings for high winds from Friday 3 October 2025 until Saturday 4 October for Northern Ireland.
DAERA is advising the public not to visit forests, country parks and nature reserves in the affected areas until the high winds pass because of the increased risks from falling branches and debris.
The following Forest Service managed car parks and associated facilities will be closed from 12.00 pm on Friday 3 October and will stay closed until post-storm inspections are finished.
- Glenariff Forest Park
- Drum Manor Forest
- Portglenone Forest
- Parkanaur Forest
- Tollymore Forest Park
Forest Service will try to re-open public access at any sites affected by the high winds as soon as possible.
In forests where recreation is managed by partner organisations, you should contact the relevant organisation.
Information on the management of recreation in forests is available at the following link:
Vehicle permits
Annual vehicle permits for 2025/26 are available for sale.
Permits can be bought by contacting Forest Service:
- phone: 028 6634 3165
Or, you can buy them in person from the Ranger Hut in Tollymore Forest Park.
Storm Éowyn
Following significant damage caused by Storm Éowyn, Forest Service are urging all visitors to exercise extreme caution if they are visiting forests.
All visitors should :
- always follow signage
- stay well away from work areas
- turn back if a trail or path is blocked (if you can’t get through easily neither can emergency services)
- avoid approaching, climbing over, or passing under fallen trees
Forest Service are working to reinstate access at any sites affected by storm damage as soon as possible.
In forests where recreation is managed by partner organisations, visitors should contact the relevant organisation or consult their social media channels. Information on the management of recreation in forests is available at:
Caravan and camping online booking
The Forest Service online caravan and camping booking system is open for 2025 bookings.
More information about Forest Service camping and touring sites is available on the following page:
Hillsborough Forest
Timber extraction and haulage will start in May 2025 for a period of two months.
Donard Forest
Timber haulage is ongoing and will be finished by June 2025.
Forest recreation charges
On event days, some charges apply to particular forests.
There are also charges for the use of extra facilities in some forests - these apply to vehicles, people and to some activities and organised events.
You can get details of concessions for charities and community groups, caravanning and camping at this link:
Report wildlife sightings online
In Northern Ireland, the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) collates wildlife records for both native and non-native species.
You can record your sightings on its website either as a single record event or you can register with them and send details through a free online account.