The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails have been shortlisted in the top 30 in Ireland for the Royal Dublin Society Community Woodlands Awards 2016.
The Community Woodland Award is designed to encourage and reward projects involving community woodlands and forests which have been established and managed in a way which is sustainable and beneficial to the landscape, the local people, biodiversity and the economy.
On August 24th, 3 judges visited the Ballyhoura trails, facilitated by Tourism & Heritage Officer Amanda Slattery and Community Employment Scheme Supervisor Jim Flynn.
Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment Chairperson John Kennedy “is delighted that the trails have been shortlisted for an award” John also stresses how important it is to have a good partnership approach to the trail development and acknowledges the vital work of Coillte in their role of forest management and recreation.
Tourism & Heritage Officer Amanda states “it’s wonderful to make a shortlist in an award of this nature which is an all Ireland competition; it helps raise the profile of amazing amenities like this, giving them a real showcase opportunity”.
Winners will be announced this autumn.