A FOREST park in Co Armagh has been declared the best community woodland.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park beat other regional winners from Wales and England to win the the Royal Forestry Society's (RFS) top community award.
The park, set in the grounds of an old estate a few miles from Newry, is a haven for wildlife, particularly red squirrels and pine martens.
It also features an adventure play park and an interactive trail based on the Giant's Lair story. Over the last 20 years, annual visitor numbers have increased from 20,000 to around 500,000.
The award was presented by the RFS, a charity which promotes the management of trees and woods in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
RFS chief executive Christopher Williams said Slieve Gullion is one of the best attractions in the north.
"Research has shown how access to woodlands is beneficial to health and wellbeing," he said.
Community woodlands provide that access.
"Slieve Gullion Forest Park has been successful in engaging many different people in a variety of activities. It has seen visitor numbers rise steeply to become one of the premier countryside attractions in Northern Ireland."
The forest park is owned and managed by the Forest Service, an agency under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).
Clanrye Group Services, based in the site's courtyard, provide education and training programmes, including for young adults with learning difficulties or social issues.
Forest Service chief executive John Joe O’Boyle said the award "exemplifies the positive and effective partnership between Forest Service, Newry and Mourne and Down District Council, working with the Clanrye Group Services".
"It recognises the importance of the woodland and the site, in meeting the four criteria assessed under this Royal Forestry Society community award which relate to: place; people; community, and environment," he said.
"This is undoubtedly the outcome of a very successful partnership which has developed a strong sense of engagement with the natural environment and how people embrace forest based activity to promote and experience the value to their health, wellbeing and wider community benefits."
