Jim Chestnut (General Manager, Fermanagh National Trust), Heather Thompson (Regional Director, National Trust), Councillor Thomas O’Reilly (Chairman, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council) and Malcolm Beatty (Chief Executive, Forest Service) RMG10
IT is hoped the new state-of-the art visitor centre at Florence Court that was officially opened at the weekend will help attract almost 80,000 visitors a year to the park by 2016.
The centre, which is now the entrance point for all visitors to the much-loved National Trust site, was part of an investment of nearly £300,000, which also saw the development of parking facilities as part of a collaborative partnership with the Forest Service.
The new centre, which first opened last summer, is the new hub for visitors to the popular park, which already attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. It features toilets and a shop, as well as bike-hiring facilities, and is completely eco-friendly with a biomass heater and a focus on renewable energy.
Jim Chestnutt, National Trust general manager in Fermanagh, said: “The development of improved visitor facilities is part of a number of ongoing projects to enhance the overall visitor experience here and create much stronger connections with the outdoors.
“We now have a space where visitors can discover all there is to see and do at Florence Court, grab a coffee or snack, check out our range of outdoor retail products and book a tour of the 18th-century mansion.”
Mr Chestnutt said he wanted to thank the Forest Service for funding this initiative and enabling the National Trust to manage the forest park trails, providing even more ways for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.
“Currently 40,000 people visit Florence Court each year, and with the new visitor centre and trails the National Trust aims to double the number of visitors to Florence Court over the next 10 years providing a boost to the local economy,” said Mr Chestnutt.
Trails on in the park include a bridle path for horse riders to enjoy a canter through, longer trails which take in the famous Florence Court yew tree, forest walks, and gentle trails through the Walled Garden, Rose Garden and Pleasure Grounds.
Last Friday’s official opening of the visitors centre was attended by Malcolm Beatty, chief executive of Forest Service.
Mr Beatty said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the National Trust to open the new Visitor Centre and upgrade the 3,500 hectare Forest Park.
“With 10 miles of forest trails there is now something for adventurers of all abilities, from experienced hikers to keen cyclists, to those wanting a gentle stroll.”
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