A forest park in Co Tyrone is to undergo improvement works in the new year, to include the installation of new walking trails and the upgrade of its play park.
The enhancement works to leisure and recreational amenities at Ecclesville Forest Park in Fintona will get underway in the new year.
The works are being delivered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and are due to start in January 2022 and are designed to improve biodiversity and overall visitor experience.
7,000 native broadleaved trees including oak, birch, rowan and willow are to be planted in the park.
According to the council, the removal and replanting of trees in the park will allow increased light to reach the forest floor which will help to protect any remaining ancient woodland features and encourage them to develop and expand in the long term.
In addition, new walking trails will be installed within the forest park to improve overall access to the forest while a number of existing walking trails will be upgraded as part of the planned works.
New visitor signage and interpretation panels, providing information on local history and biodiversity will also be installed throughout the forest park. An upgrade to the playpark is also scheduled to take place in 2022.
Speaking about the works that will take place at the park, council chair Errol Thompson, said it was important to protect the local environment during the enhancement works.
“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring the district and its people are the best they can be while protecting and enhancing the local environment," Cllr Thompson said.
"These improvement works will ensure Ecclesville Forest Park is a sustainably managed, cherished space where everyone can enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature while supporting overall health and wellbeing.
"They also complement the Council’s commitment to climate action and increasing tree cover with native species to capture carbon, support biodiversity and improve soil quality.”
With the works due to begin in January, the park will remain open through their duration.
