COILLTE LAUNCH INITIATIVE TO ENCOURAGE MORE WINTER VISITORS TO ROSSMORE AND BAWN

Forestry authority Coillte have launched an initiative to encourage more winter visitors to Monaghan Town’s Rossmore Forest Park and the Billy Fox Memorial Park at Bawn. Coillte point to a recent survey emphasising the importance of forests to for physical and mental health and wellbeing. They have also highlighted the positive role that forests and the cultivation of trees are making to combatting climate change. A total of 81% of the Irish public believe Ireland needs to grow more trees to help combat climate change, according to a recent Red C Research survey commissioned by the semi-State forestry company. Coillte Regional Manager Paul Jordan said, “At Coillte we recognise the importance of nature and forests in supporting our overall wellbeing and it’s encouraging to see that the majority of the Irish public agrees, as revealed in our recent survey.

“Monaghan is home to some great recreation forests including Rossmore Forest Park, and Senator Billy Fox Memorial Park and we are reminding people to take some time where possible this festive season to get out and reconnect with nature.” Highlighting the attractiveness of Co Monaghan’s forest resources, Coillte stated: “Lying just 3 km from the centre of Monaghan Town is the ever-popular Rossmore Forest Park. The park contains a number of walking trails, among them the Castle trail which takes the walker through the more historical area of the park including the ruins of historic Rossmore Castle. “A popular attraction along this walk is an avenue of old yew trees which runs for approximately 500 meters from the walled garden. The lakes trail as the name suggests takes the walker to various lakes and smaller water courses within the park. “Finally, the nature trail, which is accessible for wheelchair users, prams and buggies follows a smooth and level track through the wood starting at the car park. Families visiting the park should not miss….