Cairn Wood has underwent a programme of improvement works thanks to nearly £1 million investment.

The County Antrim forest was enhanced with the addition of four new trails as well as a new car park and toilet block.

These works were part-funded by DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation fund, with additional funding from Ards and North Down Borough Council.

As part of the first phase of improvement works, an extension to the car park and the installation of a new toilet block were completed in November 2020. This was followed by the delivery of two lower section trails in 2021 and finally two complimentary upper section trails were completed earlier this year.

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The Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, said: "The new and improved facilities at Cairn Wood are a welcome addition to the Borough. There has already been an increase in visitor numbers to the area as a result of these works and with the completion of the final two trails, Cairn Wood will be able to cater for even more people who decide to visit this beautiful location."

Welcoming the completion of the work, Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA commented: "Our forests are an outstanding and valuable natural resource. The excellent new facilities at Cairn Wood are a great example of partnership working delivering a living, active landscape valued by all through the social and recreational benefits it creates for local communities.

"The need for safe walking trails in the forest was identified by the local community and I am delighted that my Department, through the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme, was able to help bring this project to fruition. This scheme, together with the first phase which was completed in November 2020, represents an investment of over £630,000 by DAERA. It is a game changer which will help improve the health and well-being of locals and visitors alike by providing a safe, off-road environment for walking and running through the forest."