77 Per Cent of NI Public Benefit from Time Outdoors
Marking the clocks going forward for spring, Outdoor Recreation NI is encouraging people across the country to use the extra hour to ‘Get Out More’.
As days lengthen and the weather improves, there is no better time to explore some of the hundreds of outdoor trails and places across Northern Ireland.
Kerry Kirkpatrick, Communication and Training Executive at Outdoor Recreation NI, says, “Spending time outdoors is fundamental to our wellbeing. It allows us to connect with nature and to experience the beauty of Northern Ireland. We are lucky to have a plethora of amazing green and blue spaces on our doorstep and I would encourage people across the country to take advantage of the extra hour that we have gained and get out more.
“To help them do this, our OutmoreNI.com website is a vital resource for those who wish to explore the wonderful outdoor spaces that Northern Ireland has to offer.
“The site, which is easily navigated, showcases hundreds of outdoor trails, that are curated to offer something for everyone, from walkers and families to mountain bikers, cyclists, and canoeists. It also contains a vast range of information on beautiful beaches, forests, parks, and nature reserves.
“Of course, we would also encourage people to protect the environment by exploring these areas responsibly and OutmoreNI.com provides a wealth of information on how to do so through its Right Side of Outside campaign.”
Research from the People in the Outdoors Monitor for Northern Ireland (POMNI) report,* which was conducted by Outdoor Recreation NI from November 2020 to October 2021, shows that 77 per cent of people surveyed across Northern Ireland say that getting outdoors is good for their wellbeing.
41 per cent of those surveyed say that connecting with nature is a key motivator for getting outdoors, whilst 72 per cent say that their local greenspace is within easy walking distance.
Supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Sport NI, the OutmoreNI.com website showcases over 850 green and blue spaces and outdoor trails across Northern Ireland. These include those on our doorsteps, along with hidden gems further afield.
Don’t forgot when visiting an outdoor spot, you can help protect it by following a few simple steps to ensure you stay on the ‘Right Side of Outside’ such as:
- Planning ahead by checking the weather and bringing the right equipment such as clothing, footwear, map, wet suit, paddles etc.
- Keeping your dog on a lead to avoid livestock worrying and disruption to wildlife.
- Only camping or lighting a BBQ in a designated area.
- Avoid starting open fires.
- Only parking your car in designated spaces and don’t forget to consider local access
- Taking your dog waste and litter home with you.
- Get involved and protect the environment by doing things such as taking part in litter picks
To discover new outdoor trails and places to explore throughout Northern Ireland, visit https://outmoreni.com/