Forest news and events

Forest closures and other news about public forests and country parks in Northern Ireland.

Vehicle permits

Annual vehicle permits for 2025/ 26 are available for sale.

Permits can be bought by contacting Forest Service on:

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:

Public forests in Northern Ireland | nidirect

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:

Camping and touring sites in forests

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:

Forest recreation charges

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.

Record wildlife sightings online

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