Plans Lodged For New Signage At Downhill Forest

A planning application has been submitted for new signage at Downhill Forest, marking the latest stage in efforts to transform the historic woodland into a leading family-friendly visitor destination.

The move forms part of a wider vision to revitalise the Downhill Demesne — the 416-acre estate once owned by the 18th-century Earl Bishop, Frederick Hervey. The site, which includes the forest, the ruins of Downhill House and the iconic Mussenden Temple, was the subject of a 2019 masterplan by Outdoor Recreation NI.

Located south of the main road, Downhill Forest is owned by Forest Service NI. While part of the site operates as a commercial conifer plantation, the remainder — with its ancient woodland and ornamental lake — is already popular with local walkers.

However, the masterplan identified what it described as “significant potential” to develop the area into a “prime outdoor recreation family destination” on the North Coast.

Access to the forest is currently free, via a lay-by opposite the Bishop’s Gate entrance. The report noted that it is used mainly by local residents.

Among the forest’s key heritage features are the remains of a historic sawmill, a water wheel, a mill race, the Promontory Fort, Dungannon Hill, and a series of natural waterfall and cascade features.

“Downhill Forest South is a beautiful woodland,” the report stated. “It forms part of the overall pleasure grounds of the historic Demesne, with many of its original features still visible in the landscape. The woodland and lake are also a haven for birds, wildlife and a variety of rare and protected plant species. Together they form a highly valuable and historically significant site.”

The report went on to recommend that the National Trust take over management of the forest, suggesting the charity was best placed to oversee its development and conservation. The Trust, it said, had expressed interest in doing so and pledged to maintain existing public access.

“Downhill Forest presents a strategic asset to the National Trust,” the report added. “It has the capacity to accommodate large visitor numbers and to encourage people to spend more time in the area by providing a wider range of experiences.”

Among the key recommendations were the creation of walking and family cycling trails — and an overhaul of the site’s signage.

“The entrance and sense of welcome is poor at all formal and informal entry points, detracting from the visitor experience,” the report observed. “Although functional, the current signage lacks aesthetic quality and would benefit from an upgrade.”

The National Trust is now one of two co-applicants for the proposed signage improvements, alongside the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust.

Their planning submission seeks approval for 22 new signs, including a main threshold railhead sign, interpretation panels and waymarker posts.

Supporting documents explain that Downhill Forest currently has two waymarked paths — one just over half a mile long and another around one mile — both featuring basic trailhead signage. The Ulster Way also passes through part of the forest.

The new proposal aims to introduce a coherent system of directional, information and interpretation signs to enhance navigation and storytelling along the existing walking routes in Downhill Forest South.