Discover the New MountainBikeNI.com: Your Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking in NI
29th March 2024MountainBikeNI.com has launched its latest website iteration, cementing its reputation as an essential resource for both novice and seasoned mountain bikers across Northern Ireland. Showcasing over 150 miles of exhilarating mountain biking trails across the region's official trail centres, the site is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure. From the…
Outscape seeks local community input to measure the benefits of key trails
13th February 2024Outscape, a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making it easier for people to responsibility engage with the outdoors, has launched of a series of trail impact surveys across Northern Ireland, with specific focus on Drumkeeragh Forest, Seaforde Wood, Tobar Mhuire, and Gosford Forest Park. Utilising the innovative Social Return on…
Exciting News: We have Rebranded
14th November 2023We are delighted to share a significant milestone in our organisation’s development by proudly unveiling our fresh and vibrant new brand name and logo.  Over the past 8 years Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has undergone significant transformation, and our journey of growth continues. Our new brand is a revitalising shift…
Outscape engages with new UK mountain bike trails project
21st August 2023“SRAM partners with UK cycling and land management organisations to help create a sustainable future for mountain bike trails across the United Kingdom.â€Â  A new project, supported by an initial 3 year project manager post, has been created to support the mountain bike community, governing bodies, and land managers/owners to…
POMNI Discussed at Stormont
5th July 2023SURVEY REVEALS THAT 78 PER CENT OF ADULTS BENEFIT FROM WEEKLY OUTDOOR VISITS BUT LESS THAN HALF HAVE LOCAL GREENSPACE Outscape’s insights show 49.7 Per Cent of NI households are currently within 400m of greenspace. We shared key insights to politicians and policymakers from comprehensive data from the People in…
GreenspaceNI Map
16th June 2023A freely available digital map showing all publicly accessible green and blue spaces and trails across Northern Ireland. Outscape was provided grant aid investment from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) on behalf of the cross-departmental Strategic Outdoor Recreation Group (SORG)…
Silent Valley Mountain Park Consultation
5th May 2023Background NI Water has appointed McAdam Design to lead a multi-disciplinary consultancy team, including Outscape, to develop a masterplan for Silent Valley Mountain Park. The Masterplan will be co-designed through extensive engagement with strategic partners and most importantly the local community. The Masterplan will reimage Silent Valley Mountain Park as…
Camlough Mountain Recreation Plan
3rd March 2023Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership is working with Outscape to develop a Recreation Plan for Camlough Mountain. This follows development of the Ring of Gullion AONB Management Plan. As part of the process, Ring of Gullion Landscape Patnership and Outdoor Recreation want to hear from you about how you currently…
Have you benefitted from the Arney Battlefield Trail?
9th December 2022The key players behind the development of the Arney Battlefield Trail are seeking to gauge the benefits it has provided to the local community and beyond. A short online survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/K3YR37K Â has been developed to gain the input of those who have used the trail since its launch 12 months…
Galway / Mayo Blueway – Waterways User Survey
4th December 2022Outscape has been appointed by Galway City, Galway County and Mayo County Councils to identify opportunities for the potential development of new Blueways around Galway City, River Corrib, Lough Corrib and Lough Mask through the preparation of a feasibility study. Blueways are branded and accredited tourism experiences which offer waterscape…
Marketing Team Win PRCA Awards
8th June 2022The Marketing Team were rewarded for their work on The Right Side of Outside campaign at the PRCA Awards on Monday 6th June. The PRCA DARE Awards Northern Ireland ceremony took place at the Merchant Hotel Belfast to reward the very best PR and communications professionals. The team, who worked…
Outscape Supports New Initiative to help people ‘Get Wet…Stay Safe’
1st June 2022A new campaign called “Get Wet…Stay Safe†has been launched ahead of the expected influx of people taking to watersports this summer. The campaign is part of a joint initiative with Sport Northern Ireland, Swim Ireland, Swim Ulster, RNLI, Irish Surfing and the Outdoor Partnership, with promotional support from Outscape.…
Outscape Launches Second Phase of ‘Right Side of Outside’ Campaign with Farmer Rory Best
14th April 2022As a well-known local farmer, Rory Best OBE, is adding his voice to the 2022 ‘Right Side of Outside’ campaign, urging the public to respect the outdoor spaces used for agricultural purposes and the animals that call it their home.  Following the success of the ‘Right Side of Outside’ campaign…
Outscape Launches New & Improved Website and Campaign for people to ‘Get Out More’
5th April 2022To show the people of Northern Ireland where to go in the outdoors, one of our websites, OutmoreNI.com has just launched a new campaign called ‘Get Out More’. The campaign includes its newly overhauled website which showcases the many outdoor trails and places across Northern Ireland from those on…
Open letter to First Minister and deputy First Minister calls out ‘unambitious’ Environment Strategy
18th January 2022Today Outscape joined RSPB NI and over 30 other environmental, public health and community organisations, businesses, academics, and youth campaigners to send an open letter to the First Minister and deputy First Minister highlighting concerns around the Executive’s draft Environment Strategy and how it will not adequately address the nature…
Outscape’s response to draft Environment Strategy – a great opportunity for outdoor recreation but larger challenges to be addressed
13th January 2022We are encouraging the sector to submit a response to DAERA’s consultation document on Northern Ireland’s first ever overarching Environment Strategy. The deadline for online submissions of 18th January 2022 is fast approaching.  The Environment Strategy will set out Northern Ireland’s environmental priorities for the coming decades and will…
Internationally Renowned Walking Trail Launched Across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
5th January 2022A major event has been held at the Mellon Country Inn in Co. Tyrone to mark the formal launch of the next phase of the Ulster-Ireland chapter of the International Appalachian Trail. The initiative is part of a cross border project funded by the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020…
Local communities celebrate success with launch of two new community trails
15th December 2021The achievements of the ‘Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place’ (C2C) project were celebrated on Tuesday 14th December 2021 along with the launch of two new community walking trails in the area. The innovative partnership project was community-led from the outset with the key concept and activities identified through…
Be Outdoor Smart – Leave No Trace – Love The Place
13th December 2021Updated on 13th December 2021 Although many coronavirus restrictions have eased, regulations and guidance remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Continue to protect yourself and others by following public health advice. The following information has been taken from NI Direct and applies specifically to undertaking outdoor recreation:…
Local Community invited to shape Shared Heritage Plan for Cuilcagh Mountain
6th September 2021Local communities within approximately a 10-mile radius of the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain in ​counties Cavan and Fermanagh have a fantastic opportunity to lead on the development of new heritage opportunities in the area. The inspiration for the development for a new Shared Heritage Plan has come from the recent success…
ORNI Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
26th August 2021Updated 26/08/2021 At Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI), we pride ourselves in delivering a high-quality level of service for our funders, stakeholders and clients. The recent ongoing global crisis regarding COVID - 19 / Coronavirus is providing a massive challenge to all businesses in Northern Ireland. The ORNI team…
Record Breaking Visitor Numbers for Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails
4th June 2021The popular mountain bike trails at Castlewellan Forest Park have had their busiest year ever according to newly released figures. Almost 35,000 riders were clocked on the over 20km of free to ride trails between April 2020 and March 2021 – an increase of 32% on the previous year, which…
Get Wet NI Launches for 2021
24th May 2021The Get Wet NI 2021 campaign kicks off this month with the goal of bringing people into the extremely varied and unquestionably fun world of watersports. Running in partnership between Sport NI and a range of water based National Governing Bodies, local clubs from all over Northern Ireland are opening…
 Castle Caldwell Forest – Have your say
1st April 2021Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been appointed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to prepare a Development Plan for Castle Caldwell Forest and Legg’s Wood.  Members of the public are invited to express their views on the future development of Castle Caldwell by taking part in a quick online survey.    Already offering scenic lakeside walks in a mature…
ORNI Launches New Campaign to Get People on the ‘Right Side of Outside’
29th March 2021A new nationwide campaign has just been launched by WalkNI, a brand of Outdoor Recreation NI called ‘The Right Side of Outside’ to generate awareness of a number of significant issues caused by a surge in visitors to the outdoors since the start of the pandemic. The most prevalent…
ORNI response to review of access provision
15th March 2021Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has submitted a response to DAERA's key stakeholder consultation which seeks views on the provision of access to the natural environment for outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland. In addition, the consultation will investigate how provision can be improved, while protecting the environment and recognising the needs…
Arney River Canoe Trail – Feedback welcomed
3rd March 2021Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been working with our Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place project partners in the planning of a Canoe Trail on the Arney River in County Fermanagh. The proposed 27 mile long canoe trail will connect Upper Lough MacNean in Co.Leitrim to Bellaneleck in Co.Fermanagh and provide cross-border…
Outdoor Recreation NI Launches New Strategic Plan
2nd March 2021Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has launched a new strategic plan for 2020-2025 setting out a new vision of 'A more active and healthy society appreciating the outdoors'. As outlined in the foreword by Dawson Stelfox MBE, ORNI Chairperson, developing a strategy in 2020/21 amidst a global pandemic is certainly fraught…
Revealed: Outdoor Recreation: People, Nature and Health Survey Results
2nd March 2021New research reveals the health benefits of the outdoors are not being enjoyed equally across society with recent COVID-19 lockdown exacerbating long standing issues.  Northern Ireland’s outdoors has provided great solace to many during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the benefits of being active in nature are not enjoyed…
Arney River Canoe Trail – Public Consultation
10th February 2021Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been working with our Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place project partners in the planning of a Canoe Trail on the Arney River in County Fermanagh. The proposed 27 mile long canoe trail will connect Upper Lough MacNean in Co.Leitrim to Bellaneleck in Co.Fermanagh…
Have your say! New survey launched on the impact and value of Community Trails
25th January 2021A new survey has been launched to better understand and measure the impact and value of Community Trails to local areas and people’s lives. Due to high response for each location, the surveys are now closed. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland conducted an online survey on three sites across Northern…
Gortin Lakes and Boorin National Nature Reserve
13th January 2021Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been appointed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to prepare a Development Plan for Gortin Lakes and Boorin National Nature Reserve (NNR). Members of the public are invited to express their views on the future development of Gortin Lakes by taking part in a quick…
World Famous Walking Trail set to make its mark in Ireland with Funding Boost from RDP
5th November 2020Outdoor Recreation NI are delighted to have started working on the International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland which has been awarded significant investment from the Rural Development Programme (RDP). Over £700,000 of investment for the Ulster-Ireland segment of the International Appalachian Trail has been secured through a cross-border cooperation project between…
UFU, UFRC and ORNI Working Together to Promote Responsible Behaviour in the Countryside
21st September 2020The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) have met with the Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs (UFRC) and Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI), to reflect on the increased number of people who have been visiting the countryside during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. UFU deputy president David Brown said, “We have…
Slieve Bloom Mountains – Have Your Say
2nd September 2020Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been appointed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to prepare a Visitor Experience Development Plan for the Slieve Bloom Mountains Nature Reserve. A key element of the project is to undertake public consultation…
Support MyNI’s ‘Get into Nature’ Campaign
26th July 2020Outdoor Recreation NI has partnered up with the MyNI Team in DAERA to help promote their new campaign – ‘Get into Nature’. The 'Get into Nature' campaign aims to encourage people across Northern Ireland to get out into nature, enjoy it without damaging it, do what they can to…
Watch Back: NVTV Interview – Engaging with the outdoors during COVID-19 Lockdown
20th June 2020Outdoor Recreation NI's Elizabeth Rogers was interviewed for NVTV's The Round-Up. The in-depth interview provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the findings of ORNI's recent survey report 'Engaging with the outdoors during COVID-19 Lockdown' [embed]https://vimeo.com/429928901[/embed] Dawson Stelfox, ORNI Chairperson also provided further comment in a recent Newsletter article…
ORNI Supports Call For Green Recovery
28th May 2020Over recent weeks, the Northern Ireland Executive have started to implement plans for the country’s Roadmap to Recovery, outlining how to emerge from lockdown and re-start the economy. The decisions made by the Northern Ireland Executive now, will have lasting impacts on our natural environment. ORNI is proud to…
New survey highlights importance of accessing outdoors safely during COVID 19.
20th May 2020Nearly half (47%) the population of Northern Ireland are spending more of their free time outdoors now, than they did this time last year and 51% expect to do more after lockdown. A recent survey* conducted by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, has highlighted an unprecedented rise in the use…
Lough Navar Forest – Have Your Say
14th May 2020Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been appointed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to prepare a Development Plan for Lough Navar Forest. A key element of the project is to undertake public consultation on the proposals for future development of Lough Navar Forest as a space for outdoor recreation.…
Important survey launched on use of outdoors during lockdown
4th May 2020< Survey Closed on 11th May 2020. Initial results available shortly > A new survey has been launched to find out how the public in Northern Ireland has been able to exercise and engage with the outdoors during the COVID-19 lockdown. Since the 23rd March 2020, Government rules have…
Walk NI Facilitates ‘Miracle Cure’
28th February 2020What if you found out there was a free ‘miracle cure’ proved to be more effective than many prescribed drugs for a wide range of conditions? Research(1) by the Academy of Royal Medical College has recognised that regular exercise such as walking can offer important health and wellbeing benefits including prevention…
Have your say in shaping DAERA’s Innovation Strategy
13th January 2020The Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking your views on how the Department can stimulate and support innovation by businesses and organisations operating in the sectors for which DAERA has responsibility. Publishing the consultation, DAERA Chief Scientific Adviser, Dr Alistair Carson said: “There is a…
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens; Creating Quality Outdoor Experiences
20th December 2019On 11th December 2019, and 13th February 2020, we hosted training seminars ‘Creating Quality Outdoor Experiences’ at the beautiful Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. These seminars were the first in a series of training events to be organised by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI) over the next four years, that…
Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive Returns for 2020
22nd November 2019Online entries have opened for the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive 2020. The event will take place on Saturday 20th June and again offer participants a choice of four routes (35 miles, 60 miles, 85 miles and 115 miles). This will be the 10th year of the event organised by Outdoor…
Northern Ireland’s First Walking Conference Champions the ‘Power of Walking’
18th November 2019On Wednesday 14th November, we hosted a ‘Power of Walking’ conference with The Public Health Agency and Sport NI, in Queen’s Riddle Hall Belfast, to demonstrate how achieving a stronger culture of walking has the power to offer enormous benefits for the local population in Northern Ireland. The conference…
Environment Strategy for Northern Ireland – Consultation Open
16th October 2019You are invited to have your say on Northern Ireland’s first Environment Strategy. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking views on the potential scope, scale and ambition of this future Environment Strategy. To help ensure that outdoor recreation, and its many environmental, societal and…
New WalkNI.com Website Inspiring Walkers To Get Outside
16th October 2019We have launched our new WalkNI.com website packed full of inspirational content and bespoke new features. The website which is used by over half a million walkers annually has been created to ensure planning your next walk has never been more enjoyable. Taking the best of the original well-loved…
New Community Walking Trail for Ballynahinch
27th September 2019A new community walking trail for all the family to enjoy has been opened at Ballynahinch RFC. The 1.3km 'Hinch Trail' located on the grounds of Ballymacarn Park, the home of Ballynahinch RFC, was officially opened on Wednesday 25th September by Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairperson Charlie Casey. The…
Outdoor Recreation 2030: Future Trends and Insights Conference – Early Bird Booking Now Open
22nd August 2019What do past and current trends in outdoor recreation tell us about how to prepare for future? What determines the next "big thing" in outdoor recreation? What role will the outdoors play in contributing to good health and wellbeing? These questions will be explored at the upcoming Outdoor Recreation…
The Power of Walking Conference – Save the Date
25th July 2019The Power of Walking Conference will take place on Thursday 14th November 2019 at Riddle Hall, Queen's University Belfast. Please save the date for now and further details will be available in September 2019.
Saul Family Trail Launched
4th July 2019Saul Family Trail was officially launched on Thursday 4th July by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) Chairperson Cllr Charlie Casey. The 0.7km trail on the grounds of Saul GAC is an output of the Community Trails project undertaken by Outdoor Recreation NI on behalf of NMDDC. Eddie Harney, Vice-Chairperson…
DAERA – Environment Fund – Potential Capital Funding Call
28th May 2019The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is currently seeking feedback to gauge if there sufficient interest in a Environmental Challenge Fund for capital projects. DAERA suggests there may be an opportunity to secure capital funding this financial year (year ending 31st March 2020) Feedback is required by…
Downhill Demesne Masterplan Public Consultation & Drop-In Session
28th January 2019Outdoor Recreation NI is working on behalf of the Binevenagh & Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Scheme to look at ways to develop the outdoor recreation product, enhance the visitor experience and improve connectivity between different parts of the historic Downhill Demesne and surrounding local area. The historic Demesne incorporates…
Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place – Ready for Launch!
25th January 2019The ‘Cuilcagh to Cleenish: A Great Place’ project will be launched on Thursday 31 January 2019 in Arney Millennium Hall at 7.00pm. The innovative partnership project was community-led from the outset with the key concept and activities identified through consultation with local community groups. Running until March 2021, the…
Launch of New Environmental Training Programme for Outdoor Users in Donegal
22nd November 2018Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been appointed to deliver a new training programme to create awareness and educate outdoor recreational users in Donegal on responsible use of their environment. The programme was launched in Letterkenny on Thursday 8th November. This new training programme is led by Leave No Trace Ireland,…
Outdoor Recreation Network Conference – Social Value of the Outdoors
27th September 2018Both the Outdoor Recreation Network and Tollymore National Outdoor Centre celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018. To mark the double celebration Tollymore amidst the beautiful Mourne Mountains is hosting the Outdoor Recreation Network (UK and Ireland) annual conference - 'Social Value of the Outdoors' on 11th & 12th October. Over the past 50…
Chain Reaction Cycles to Champion NI Mountain Bike Trails
3rd August 2018Chain Reaction Cycles is to continue its vital support of Northern Ireland’s official mountain bike trails. The sponsorship agreement with MountainBikeNI will see the online bike retailer support the promotion of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres including Rostrevor and Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails in the Mourne Mountains and Davagh Forest in Mid…
Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland Launches New Website to Get Northern Ireland More Active
3rd August 2018A new website dedicated to providing people all over Northern Ireland with detailed information and interactive mapping on the country’s outdoor trails, community walking paths and outdoor venues has been launched. Cool FM presenter and keen outdoor enthusiast Paulo Ross attended the launch and believes the website will be an…
Trail Officer Opportunity at Coillte
29th March 2018Coillte is currently seeking applications for a Trail Officer position based in Limerick / Cork area. The role objective is to support the development of a positive operating environment for Coillte Forest by optimising recreation resources. This will be achieved by providing advisory, technical and project management services to BAUs…
New National Lottery scheme to make Arney River a Great Place
29th March 2018Communities along the Arney River in County Fermanagh are celebrating an investment of £270,000 to help shape their future development. The award is part of a total £1m injection made through the National Lottery’s ground-breaking Great Place scheme, and is one of the first to be made in Northern Ireland.…
Outdoor Recreation & Your Community Seminar
14th March 2018Outdoor Recreation & Your Community is a networking day and seminar to explore connections between outdoor recreation, community planning and the SportNI Everybody Active interventions. The event will take place at An Creagán Centre, Co Tyrone on Tuesday 27th March 2018. The day will explore how community planning and outdoor…
Join the ORNI Team!
13th March 2018We are seeking driven and enthusiastic team players to join our dynamic team leading the strategic direction of outdoor recreation development across Northern Ireland. A passion for the outdoors will help, but first and foremost ORNI is seeking candidates who reflect the ambition, drive and dedication to producing a first-rate…
UFRC Host Successful Spring Gathering
9th March 2018On Saturday 3rd March 2018 the Ulster Federation of Rambing Clubs (UFRC) held their second Spring Gathering at Greenmount College, Co. Antrim. Despite the snow 87 people representing affiliated clubs from across Northern Irleand attended and enjoyed a day of inspirational talks, great food & engaging workshops. This years keynote…
Ecclesville Forest – Have your say
8th February 2018A consultation on the future use of Ecclesville Forest, Fintona is being undertaken by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. The online survey will close on Wednesday 28 February 2018. Members of the public are invited to have their say on the public consultation by completing the survey at:Â bit.ly/Ecclesville Organised by…
Slow Adventure Weekend Set for Derry and Strabane
19th September 2017Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been commissioned by Derry City and Strabane District Council to help promote the area's Slow Adventure offering. If you want to get away from it all, slow things down and reconnect with nature Derry and Strabane is the place to be on 23rd & 24th September.…
Upcoming 25th Anniversary of the first Irish Ascent of Everest
9th August 2017A talk will be held at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre next month. The event, which will take place at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre on 8 September, will discuss the history of the 25+ years of the Belfast Association of Rockclimbers & Fellrunners. This will be followed by a talk by Outdoor…
Flotilla celebrates NI Watersports on Lough Erne
2nd August 2017A celebration of the wide range of waterposts available in Northern Ireland took place on Saturday 29th July with an impressive Flotilla of 66 people sailing, paddling and rowing Upper Lough Erne. Â An array of boats including kayaks, canoes, skiffs, rowing boats, a Curragh and giant Stand Up Paddle Board…
Community Trail Opens Up Access to Slans Graveyard
26th July 2017A new community trail has been officially launched to formalise public access to Slans Graveyard and its incredible panoramic views overlooking Cloughey, the surrounding countryside and coastline. Jenny Ingram, Ards and North Down Borough Council Countryside Recreation Officer, expressed her delight at the new access to the locally important heritage…
Prime Time BBC showcase for Lower Bann Canoe Trail
11th June 2017BBC flagship programme ‘Countryfile’ showcased the Lower Bann Canoe Trail on Sunday 11th June 2017. Ellie Harrison joined Outdoor Recreation NI’s Chris Scott for a short journey along the trail from Toome to Portna. Conditions were perfect with a following breeze and temperatures reaching 18 degrees Celsius, providing the perfect…
Chain Reaction Cycles continues sponsorship of Northern Ireland’s Mountain Bike Trails
22nd May 2017Chain Reaction Cycles has confirmed their continued sponsorship of Northern Ireland’s official mountain bike trails. The sponsorship agreement with MountainBikeNI will see the online bike retailer support the promotion of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres including Rostrevor and Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails in the Mourne Mountains and Davagh Forest Trails…
Have your say – Outdoor recreation, open spaces and access in Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands
10th April 2017Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have commissioned Outdoor Recreation NI to develop an Outdoor recreation, open space and access audit for Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands. It is well known that attractive, safe and accessible outdoor spaces such as forests, rivers, and beaches, deliver…
Get into Watersports with Get Wet NI
4th April 2017Always wanted to have a go at watersports but didn’t know how to get involved? Get Wet NI is the perfect way to try something for the first time and see if it’s for you. During May Watersports clubs throughout Northern Ireland will be opening their doors to members of…
Have your say on the development of Outdoor Recreation in South Armagh
22nd March 2017Newry Mourne and Down District Council through the Ring of Gullion Partnership have commissioned Outdoor Recreation NI to develop an Outdoor Recreation Action Plan for South Armagh. It is well known that attractive, safe and accessible outdoor spaces such as forests, rivers, and the uplands, deliver a wide range of…
Public Consultation – Garvagh Forest Trails Development
25th January 2017Outdoor Recreation NI and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will be hosting a public consultation on Wednesday 1st February 2017. This will be to provide an update on the current project taking place at Garvagh Forest, and allow local residents to provide feedback on the proposals to develop mountain…
Hazzard’s announcement offers “A major boost for walkingâ€
17th January 2017Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard’s ‘3-five-10’ plan ‘to place walking, cycling and public transport at the heart of the north’s transport policy’ has been warmly welcomed by Outdoor Recreation NI (ORNI), a not for profit organisation whose role is to develop, manage and promote outdoor recreation across Northern Ireland. ORNI…
Mid Ulster District Council Public Parks and Play and Outdoor Recreation Strategic Plans
17th January 2017Outdoor Recreation NI has recently been engaged by Mid Ulster Council to develop a Parks and Play Strategy and an Outdoor Recreation Strategy for the Mid Ulster area. It is well known that attractive, safe and accessible parks and outdoor spaces such as forests, rivers, and the uplands, deliver a…
Volunteer Ranger Winter Walk
14th November 2016Twenty three of Outdoor Recreation NI’s volunteer rangers attended the annual winter walk on Saturday 12th November in the Mournes with one of the rangers coming from as far as Bushmills to attend. The group started off the day by fueling up at Nikki’s Café in Newcastle before heading to…
Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme
14th November 2016The third year of the Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme will help communities, schools and groups to take practical action to improve their local environment and support the growth of civic pride throughout Northern Ireland. The environmental charity, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful will be working with the Department…
British Orienteering Are Hiring!
10th November 2016British Orienteering is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic individual to the post of Active Clubs Coordinator. The role is full time and funded by Sport Northern Ireland until March 2019 with the possibility of extended funding to March 2021.The role is home based with travel required across Northern Ireland. British…
Outdoor Recreation NI welcomes Greenways Strategy
9th November 2016Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has welcomed the launch of a major Strategy which aims to develop a 1000km network of greenway paths across Northern Ireland. The not-for-profit organisation which has the vision of ‘Placing outdoor recreation at the heart of society’, believes the Strategic Plan for Greenways has the potential…
Portstewart Outdoor Recreation Fund (PORF) 2017
31st October 2016The Portstewart Outdoor Recreation Fund (PORF) has a passion for people, the outdoors, recreation and health, and ultimately Portstewart. If you have an outdoor recreation project in Portstewart that requires funding, the PORF application form and guidance notes are available on the link below. If you have any further queries…
DAERA NIEA Challenge Fund 2016/17
27th October 2016The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has announced the launch of a Challenge Fund for 2016/17. The Challenge Fund is an environmental funding programme. It was established in 2011 to enable groups from the community and voluntary sector deliver a range of environmental projects. The programme is very…
Waterworks Park to Host First ‘Walk @ parkrun’ in Northern Ireland
20th September 2016Walking in Your Community in association with parkrun UK are pleased to announce the launch of ‘Walk @ parkrun’. The free, 5km walk in the park is set to run weekly in association with parkrun at the Waterworks Park Belfast from Saturday 24 September 2016 at 9:30am. Non-competitive and lots…
Flotilla Celebrates European Week of Sport
19th September 2016An impressive Flotilla of over 100 people sailed, paddled and rowed down the Foyle to Derry-Londonderry on Saturday 17Â September to celebrate the European Week of Sport. The Flotilla was one of over 8,000 events which took place throughout Europe between 10Â -17Â September, promoting sport and physical activity. A range of watersports…
Love All Things Heritage?
19th September 2016The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) are looking to appoint at least two committee members to their Committee for Northern Ireland. Committee members are passionate about the UK’s heritage, whether it’s conserving an ancient building, supporting plans for a new gallery in a local museum, sprucing up a well-used local park…
Everest explorer encourages MLAs to Walk the Walk
9th May 2016Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, the strategic body responsible for developing, managing and promoting outdoor activities in Northern Ireland, is urging Party leaders to prioritise a Walking Strategy for Northern Ireland in the forthcoming Programme for Government negotiations. Â Dawson Stelfox MBE, Chairman of Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland and first Irishman…
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council keen to hear views on countryside access
25th April 2016Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has organised two public meetings to gather views from residents to help shape the development of outdoor recreation within the district. The public meetings will take place at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 May in Omagh Leisure Complex and the Bawnacre…
MountainBike30 Campaign Goes Live
20th April 2016Outdoor Recreation NI, on behalf of the MountainBikeNI.com Consortium, is currently delivering a digitally-focused corporative marketing campaign with Tourism Ireland GB in partnership with P&O Ferries and over 30 MTB-Friendly Accommodation Providers across Northern Ireland. This campaign is specifically targeting mountain bike enthusiasts living in Scotland and Northern England…
Go with the Flow
19th April 2016Outdoor Recreation NI is delighted to be delivering the ‘Flow – Get Into Watersports’, a new national campaign with the aim of getting more people into watersports. Northern Irish Olympian, James Espey took time out of his busy training schedule to launch ‘Flow’.  The 32 year old Bangor man competed…
Lower Bann Study Consultations and Surveys
8th April 2016Outdoor Recreation NI is delighted to be part of Business Tourism Solution's Team in delivering a study of the Lower Bann Corridor. The Lower Bann River is navigable for 60km from the sea at the Barmouth to Lough Neagh. It is enjoyed by many recreational groups – from boat cruising,…
Further Enhancements at Bunkers Hill
30th March 2016Further enhancements have been made to Bunkers Hill in Castlewellan to improve disabled access and provide shelters along the multi-use trail. On a recent visit to the site, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Mickey Ruane commented “Bunkers Hill has proved a fantastic resource for the local…
Outdoor Recreation NI hosts BBC Countryfile
6th March 2016One of BBC’s flagship programmes ‘Countryfile’ showcased the Ulster Way in their Sunday 6th March broadcast. Presenter Anita Rani was ably hosted by Outdoor Recreation NI Board Member Reg Magowan MBE who reflected on the history of the long distance walking trail explaining how we owe it all to a man…
Conference to celebrate 50 years of Outdoor Education in Ireland
3rd February 2016GMIT Castlebar is hosting a conference to celebrate 50 years of Outdoor Education in Ireland and 20 years of Outdoor Education at GMIT. The conference will take place on Friday 22nd April with the theme of 'Learning Outdoors in Ireland – Looking to the Future' For the full programme and…
The Loughs Agency announce funding programme
2nd February 2016The Loughs Agency has formally announced the opening of their 2016 Sustainable Development Fund Programme. The Agency is encouraging applications from the public, private, community and voluntary sectors for financial assistance to support angling development, conservation and protection of fisheries and marine tourism in the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. The…
Invaluable support from Volunteer Rangers
25th January 2016Outdoor Recreation NI’s Volunteer Rangers have once again demonstrated how invaluable they are to the work of the organisation. As the 2015/16 Volunteer Ranger audit season draws to a close, Outdoor Recreation NI’s Volunteer Rangers have literally been walking and canoeing the length and breadth of the country. Diane Crookes,…
Davagh Forest provides best practice showcase
2nd December 2015The success of Davagh Forest Trails was showcased during the recent visit of the Outdoor Recreation Group for Northern Ireland. The group made up of outdoor recreation experts from within local councils and wide range of other organisations across Northern Ireland was hosted by Sperrins Gateway Landscape Partnership and Mid…
Chairperson sought for National Outdoor Recreation Forum
17th November 2015The National Outdoor Recreation Forum was established by Sport NI as a direct output from the Outdoor Recreation Action Plan for Northern Ireland. The Forum brings together key stakeholders outside of government to provide a clear and joined up voice for dealing with issues that cannot be resolved at a…
Northern Ireland’s Mountain Bike Trails Global Showcase
16th October 2015Earlier this summer, Outdoor Recreation NI invited PinkBike.com, the world's largest online mountain bike platform to visit Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres in Rostrevor, Castlewellan and Davagh Forest. Boasting over 3 Million active monthly users, PinkBike.com is a truly global mountain bike community with approximately 200,000 riders connecting via this website every single…