Forest news and events
Forest closures and other news about public forests and country parks in Northern Ireland.
Storm Darragh
The following Forest Service managed recreation facilities are closed due to damage caused by Storm Darragh.
- Glenariff Forest Park
- Drum Manor Forest
- Portglenone Forest
- Parkanaur Forest
- Somerset Forest
- Ballypatrick Forest
Local restrictions may be in place in forests until remedial work is finished.
Visitors should follow all on-site safety signage.
Fallen and overhanging trees pose a risk to the public. Forest Service urges everyone to be vigilant and exercise caution if entering forests.
You should not approach fallen or overhanging trees.
Forest Service will work 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 the following link:
Parkanaur Forest
A section of the blue walking trail is closed for repair works. Visitors should follow on-site signage.
Donard Forest
Forest Service is to harvest a large area of mostly mature coniferous trees. The trees have been damaged by wind over recent years.
The affected area is close to a forest road and the Glen River path. The windblown and damaged trees will be harvested to allow for regeneration of the woodland and timber recovery.
After the trees have been harvested the area will be replanted in line with forest design plans which were developed after public consultation.
For a time during the harvesting a 320-metre section of the Glen River path will be closed. Forest users are asked to follow the on-site signage.
Rostrevor Forest
Forest works are planned to start in September 2024.
The forest works planned include harvesting to lessen the density of conifer trees in the canopy.
This will allow light to onto the forest floor and promote ground flora development, as well as natural regeneration of tree species.
The harvesting works target:
- thinning the conifers
- promoting native oak
- ground flora development
There are small areas of windblown trees and these will also be cleared during the harvesting.
Forest Service manages this area of woodland under a Low impact Silvicultural System (LISS). This continuous cover silvicultural system aims to improve biodiversity and resilience of the forest, whilst keeping tree cover.
Vehicle permits
Annual vehicle permits for 2024/25 are available for sale.
Permits can be bought by contacting Forest Service on 028 6634 3165, or in person from the Ranger Hut in Tollymore Forest Park.
Forest Service caravan and camping bookings 2024
The Forest Service online caravan and camping booking system opened for 2024 bookings on Monday 18 December 2023.
The caravan and campsite at Tollymore Forest Park opened on Friday 2 February 2024.
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.