A host of new facilities have been brought to Brantry Wood in Eglish, Co Tyrone, thanks to a £140,000 investment.

This project saw recreational space created in the woodlands in an attempt to tackle isolation and improve health and well-being in rural areas. It also aims to promote participation in outdoor physical activities as well as encourage people to use forests and green spaces close to them.

This scheme was identified by Brantry Area Rural Development in partnership with Mid-Ulster District Council and is co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Speaking at the opening of the new facilities, DAERA Minister Edwin Poots said: "Our forests are an outstanding and valuable natural resource. Forest Service’s Recreation and Social Use Strategy recognises that our forests offer significant opportunities to contribute to wider government objectives in tourism, rural development, sport, health and education. Forests across Northern Ireland now attract almost five million visits each year for recreation and tourism purposes. This equates to an estimated contribution of £75million annually to the economy. I want to see more sustainable projects such as this which enhance the quality of life for rural communities.

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"The project, funded through DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme, is a prime example of my Department’s focus on addressing important issues such as isolation, loneliness and health and well-being for rural communities. The benefits of walking in our forests to our health and well-being is well recognised by both the public and health professionals.

"The excellent new facilities here at Brantry Wood are a great example of partnership working to maximise the potential of a local resource and to deliver a product which is valued by all because of the social and recreational benefits it creates for local communities and visitors."

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Martin Kearney added: "The modernising investment here at Brantry, just one of a recent number of outdoor recreation capital developments delivered by Mid Ulster District Council across the district, capitalises on the natural woodland and lakeside resources in what is an area of outstanding natural beauty, replete with historical significance since the 12th Century. The improvements completed as part of this project have made a marked difference to the recreational value of Brantry Forest, and have a positive knock-on effect on the health and well-being of those who use it."

(CM/MH)