Council opens consultation on Ecclesville Forest Management Plan

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is currently consulting on the review of Fintona’s Ecclesville Forest Management Plan. The consultation opened on Wednesday 24th May and will close on Wednesday 21st June.

The Forest Management Plan has been developed to help to deliver the current and future benefits that residents of, and visitors to, the District can derive from the Forest. The Plan is also intended to enable sustainable wood production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and recreational opportunities.

The Plan is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains current and continues to meet the diverse, and sometimes competing, needs of people, wildlife and the environment.

The Council is inviting individuals and organisations to have their say on eight key topics:

The Council also welcomes other views on any specific interests or concerns regarding Ecclesville Forest that may be relevant to the Forestry Plan.

Speaking about the consultation on the review of the Forestry Plan, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “Ecclesville Forest is an excellent resource for the Fintona and wider West Tyrone area.

“This consultation will provide people with the opportunity to have their say to ensure the forest delivers key benefits for everyone whilst protecting the local biodiversity within the forest.

“I would actively encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have their say and help to shape the future aims, development and potential for Ecclesville Forest. A real gem in our Council area for sure.”

The Council continues to work to ensure that its natural and built heritage is cherished and sustainably managed and is committed to the objectives and actions set out in its Climate Change and Sustainable Development and Biodiversity strategies.

The Ecclesville Forest Management Plan is aligned to these key strategies to ensure our natural environment is protected for the future.

The consultation survey is available on the Council’s website (www.fermanaghomagh.com) and queries can also be emailed to ephelpdesk@fermanaghomagh.com by the closing date of 5pm on Wednesday 21 June 2023.