May the forest be with you!

Walking shoes have been put to good use with new figures showing a large increase in visitor numbers to some forest parks.

Two of Coillte’s forest parks in Cork track visitor numbers, Gougane Barra forest park and Farran forest park. These recorded 20,872 visitors between June and August which was a significant increase on visitor numbers in April and May, during the height of Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Imelda Hurley, Chief Executive of Coillte, said: “Since restrictions were eased and people could move more than five kilometres from their homes, we unsurprisingly saw an immediate large increase in visitor numbers. In fact, there was a significant increase in visitor numbers in two of Coillte’s Cork forest parks since lockdown restrictions were eased in June, Gougane Barra and Farran forest park.

“This continued, steady increase is heartening for all of those who cherish our amenities. Access to nature is very important for the body, mind and spirit and that is why we work hard to maintain our tracks, parks and outdoor recreational facilities across Cork.”

During March and April 2020, when Covid-19 restrictions were at their most limiting, Coillte saw a large drop in visitor numbers as non-essential travel was restricted. However, since travel restrictions were lifted on 19 June, visitors have begun returning to Coillte’s forests across Ireland.

Ms Hurley added: “As we approach the end of August, and people take time to enjoy our forests, we ask that visitors continue to adhere to the social distancing rule of two metres when meeting others outside of their household, as well as the other guidelines on outdoor gatherings announced by the Government.

“I want to thank the public for adhering to the Government’s travel restrictions during the Covid-19 lockdown. If we continue to remain vigilant, we can all play our own part in protecting our communities.’’