New Forestry Byelaws - FINES FOR BEING IN A FOREST AFTER DARK - Please read

[admin]

Article in the Down News
http://www.downnews.co.uk/latest-news/fines-proposed-on-night-time-forest-users

[sjh1]

Having had a chance to read the bylaws today my favourites are 'no singing' and 'no cursing'! Is it 1st April!?

No singing?! That's ridiculous. I like a wee sing / whistle to myself when walking.

[DryBag]

it's

no singing in such a way as could reasonably cause annoyance to other users.

I think every forest now needs to have three people sitting at a desk to judge how annoying your singing is.  XXX

[LennyJ1]

it's

no singing in such a way as could reasonably cause annoyance to other users.

I think every forest now needs to have three people sitting at a desk to judge how annoying your singing is.  XXX

lol

[RedLeader]

Shamara spotted this link:
http://www.mountaineering.ie/news/viewdetails.asp?ID=602

A very sensible take on the situation from Mountaineering Ireland.

[Kayakgirl]

Was just about to post that.. 

[RedLeader]

Sorry for stealing your thunder but it was extremely interesting

Was just about to post that.. 

[Kayakgirl]

Yep I totally agree

[Paul72]

Interesting indeed, so if I read it correctly does section 5.1 actually seem to imply that the new law will contradict itself?


I got a response from my MLA on the matter who says that they are taking the matter seriously and gave the party response to the proposals.   Apparently the use of forests after dark causes them the most concern and they have poropsed that signange is erected in forests so that at least people would be there at their own risk.

[surfnscenic]

Just read the item from MI and it is a very considered response and one which I gladly give my support.

Copy of my email:-

Basil McCrea MLA

Ref:-Proposed New Bye-Lawsb Restricting use of Forestry Commission Lands.

The Forestry Service has opened a consultation on proposed revisions to the byelaws that apply to their land. The byelaws are already pretty draconian with regard to restrictions on what you are permitted to do on forestry land but the new changes specifically ban being in one of their forests between sunset and sunrise.

I am a member of the Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum, NI Wild which caters for people interested in most outdoors activities.  Please use link to the website:-www.ni-wild.co.uk

The members of NI Wild are extremely concerned with the impact of this proposal and the views can be viewed using this link:-www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2142.0
In particular I draw your attention the considered response from Mountaineering Ireland
http://www.mountaineering.ie/news/viewdetails.asp?ID=602

I trust that this is sufficient information on which you are able to give your opinion on the value of such legislation and the usefullness of continuing with it.

I am of course happy to discuss further and no doubt members of the NI Wild forum would welcome the opportunity to express their feelings to you.

Thank you for reading this email and I look forward to your reply.

Thank you.

[Kayakgirl]

Just saw this on PSNI Holywood facebook site


We have had reports of fires being lit by young people in Redburn. Thankfully a members of the public have been putting these fires out. Please know where and what your children are up to as this type of behaviour could lead to serious injury and damage to property.


It makes me angry that we are trying to fight these bye laws and this happens..

[sjh1]

I think every forest now needs to have three people sitting at a desk to judge how annoying your singing is. 

Hmm, pretty annoying for everybody except me I suspect, that's why I go up the mountains to do it!

Just to say I support the efforts of everybody here against this ban on forest use after dark. It's a stupid idea. Personally I'll just go ahead and walk / camp / whatever but we shouldn't have to run the risk of fines.

[luresalive]

I've emailed the Minister, Dard and 3 local mp's..DUP, UUP and SDLP..the only one to get back to me Was Alban Maginness of the SDLP, he was very sympathetic to the plight and has instructed one of his collegues to write to the minister asking for a meeting to discuss this issue..Well done for him, shame on the other 2 parties for not even bothering to reply.

[Paul72]

I've emailed the Minister, Dard and 3 local mp's..DUP, UUP and SDLP..the only one to get back to me Was Alban Maginness of the SDLP, he was very sympathetic to the plight and has instructed one of his collegues to write to the minister asking for a meeting to discuss this issue..Well done for him, shame on the other 2 parties for not even bothering to reply.

I also wrote to my MLA who is UUP and did get a reply stating the party are taking action on this so I think you're a bit premature in shaming them.

[DryBag]

Thankfully a members of the public have been putting these fires out.

If the byelaws come into force there won't be any law-abiding members of the public around to put the fires out.