Colin Glen Forest Park
In 2009, Colin Glen Forest Park celebrates its 20th anniversary of dedicated conservation by the Colin Glen Trust, the managing body of the park. The park exemplifies a successful regeneration programme, transforming over the years from a mis-used river and glen to a thriving native woodland full of natural beauty. The outstanding quality of the park was recognised in 2008, when it became the first community forest park in Northern Ireland to be awarded a Green Flag Award.
The magic of Colin Glen Forest Park is that it links the city to the Belfast Hills. Conveniently located minutes from the M1 and with easy access to public transport, this linear park reaches down from the Hills to draw people in. Upon entering the forest, the proximity of the city is evident. However, after just a few minutes walk, the forest suddenly opens up and the hustle and bustle is replaced with birdsong in the trees and water dancing over the rocks.
In addition to the attributes of the Colin River and native woodland, Colin Glen Forest Park has extensive natural and cultural heritage. With help from the Heritage Trail Guide (Summer 2009), visitors can walk through the history of the park including the regeneration of the park, past land owners, use of the river in the linen industry and brick works and geological features from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. While the park does not have a designated play area, there are endless opportunities to explore the wonders of nature within the park.
Colin Glen Forest Park is open 365 days a year. The secure car park is open from 9 am - 6 pm in the summer and 9 am - 5 pm in the winter. The Forest Park Centre is currently open on weekdays only, while renovations occur to the cafe. The cafe is due to open in April 2009 and will run through the peak season until September. The Forest Park Centre also houses exhibitions, information on the park and surrounding area as well as educational and toilet facilities. The paths within the park are wheel-chair friendly. Dogs are welcome in the park, but please keep them on a lead.
Throughout the year, visitors also have the option of participating in our fun-filled and educational events including:
• Grow Your Own Vegetable demonstrations
• Dinosaurs of Colin Glen
• Conservation Days
• Guided walks focusing on heritage, bats of the glen or fungi of the glen
• Natural Christmas Creations.
These events require a small admission fee.
