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  1. Home
  2. Environment and the outdoors
  3. Forests and outdoor recreation
  4. Outdoor recreation

Parks and green spaces

There are many green open spaces in Northern Ireland - from small local parks to the vast landscapes of the Mourne and Sperrin mountains.

Coasts and beaches

Along the Northern Ireland coastline, there is so much to explore, see and do. 

  • Coasts and beaches
  • Beaches

Parks and public playing fields

Good quality parks enhance the quality of life in towns and cities. Parks give a focal point for communities and a place for relaxation or recreation. They also offer the opportunity to experience nature in an urban environment.

Most parks and public playing fields are managed by local councils. For more information about parks in your area, visit your council's website.

  • Local councils in Northern Ireland

Country parks

Explore the countryside at one of Northern Ireland’s country parks. It won't be a dull day out with:

  • woodland and mountain walks
  • cycle trails
  • fabulous beaches
  • excellent visitor centres 
  • Country parks

Forests

There are over 100 public forests in Northern Ireland where you can enjoy  walking, running or orienteering. In some forests you can organise events or enjoy:

  • cycling
  • camping
  • caravanning
  • picnicking
  • horse riding
  • Forests

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

There are several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Northern Ireland. Each AONB is a distinct and spectacular landscape, such as the Lecale Coast, the Mournes or the Ring of Gullion.

  • AONBs 

Nature and wildlife

Ulster Wildlife

Ulster Wildlife runs campaigns and events for you to learn more about your local wildlife, including summer schemes for children. For more information, visit the Ulster Wildlife website.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

There are also nature reserves owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). These are ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers. Some offer a wide range of facilities suitable for family days out, while others have only minimal services.

To find out more about RSPB Nature Reserves, visit the RSPB website.

Nature reserves

Northern Ireland has many nature reserves open to the public every day of the year and free to explore.

  • Nature reserves

Green Flag Award

The Green Flag Award recognises high standards in the management and maintenance of public parks and green spaces. Getting involved is voluntary. Awards are made annually.

  • Green Flag Award

Stormont Estate

Stormont Estate has been awarded its seventh consecutive Green Flag award.

  • About Stormont Estate

OutmoreNI

Discover parks, hundreds of outdoor trails and places to visit across Northern Ireland.

  • Outmoreni

More useful links

  • The Countryside Code
  • WalkNI website
  • National Trust
  • Belfast Zoo
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Outdoor recreation

  • Angling
  • Coasts and beaches
  • Country parks
  • Enjoy healthy and inspiring visits to our outdoors
  • Football banning orders
  • Parks and green spaces
  • Public rights of way
  • River Lagan
  • Spectator behaviour at sporting events
  • Sport and leisure
  • Stormont Estate
  • The Countryside Code
  • Waterways
  • Wildfowling

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Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to anglingcorrespondence@daera-ni.gov.uk 

If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit.  Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

Carer's Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912
Email 
dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Call 0800 587 2750 
Email 
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Disability Living Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912 
Email dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

Employment and Support Allowance

Call 0800 587 1377

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

Personal Independence Payment

Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to bluebadges@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

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If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk and for queries about your certificate, email covidcertni@hscni.net.

For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email ani@accessni.gov.uk

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  • Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN
    contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea
     
  • Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing
    contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk.

 

For queries or advice about passports, contact HM Passport Office.

For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email dcu@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

For queries or advice about pensions, contact the Northern Ireland Pension Centre.

If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section.

If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads.

For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service.

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