Upgraded Path at Nugent’s Wood in Portaferry to Cater for Increased Footfall
19th December 2022
Further works have been completed at Nugent’s Wood in Portaferry with the resurfacing of the walking trail path to help cater for a tenfold increase in the number of visitors to the site.
Funded under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA’s) Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme, with matched funding from Peninsula Healthy Living as well as Ards and North Down Borough Council, 900 metres of pathway have been resurfaced with stone to help cater for the higher footfall now being experienced at the National Trust managed site.
It was in 2016 that the Council, in partnership with the Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership and Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, first identified Nugent’s Wood as an ideal location to become a Community Trail. A project was subsequently completed as part of the EU’s PEACE IV Programme when additional drainage was installed together with new seating, sculptures and entrance signage.
As a result, footfall to the facility has increased from 5,000 visitors in 2019 to more than 50,000 during the past 12 months. This latest project has continued the improvements with a resurfaced path, making it more durable and sustainable.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said:
“With so many people now visiting Nugent’s Wood, it is important to ensure that it can cater for the increased footfall. It is a beautiful location with stunning views that residents and visitors can enjoy, giving everyone an opportunity to get some exercise and a breath of fresh air in beautiful surroundings. I am delighted to see these continued improvements and encourage everyone to visit this stunning location.”
Teresa O’Neill, Director of Rural Affairs at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said:
“This project, funded through DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme, is a good example of the Department’s focus on addressing important issues such as isolation, loneliness and health and well-being for rural communities.”
Sheila Bailie, Manager of Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership, said:
"Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership is delighted to have provided some funding towards the upgrade of this beautiful trail and will continue to work with our partners to develop more of our planned community paths across the Peninsula.”
Andrew Upton, National Trust Coast and Countryside National Manager, said:
“National Trust has been working in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and the local community to complete the community trail at Nugent’s Wood, Portaferry. Through this funding, we have been able to resurface the remaining 900 metres of path and improve access conditions for visitors to this special place. The success of the community trail is demonstrated by the increase in visitor numbers which have grown from 5,000 in 2019 to over 50,000 in the past year.”
For more information, visit ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/parks.
Pictured at Nugent's Wood are Aidan O'Kane (Ranger, National Trust), Sheila Bailie (Manager, Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership), Mayor Karen Douglas, Jenny Gingles (Chair, Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership) and Will Thompson (WTS Contractors). Picture: Graham Baalham-Curry.
