Woodlands' leisure and tourism potential to be tapped

A new generation of forest parks is planned by government, as it aims to encourage more people to use the Island's woodland areas.

Recent outdoor leisure developments have seen visitors flock to South Barrule plantation, where Segway, Laser Mayhem and the recently extended Ape Mann are proving to be popular attractions.

The car park has been extended and there are plans to redevelop the former forestry depot, with ideas including camping pods, a café and shop and bicycles-for-hire all under consideration.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Richard Ronan admits it's taken some time to realise the potential of such areas: