Silent Valley park partially reopens months after Storm Éowyn

The Silent Valley Reservoir near Kilkeel, County Down has finally reopened its gates to the public after being closed for more than nine weeks because of damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

But it is only a restricted opening because some of the walking trails and nature trails are still considered to be unsafe for people to use.

Gary Presho from NI Water says the roots of trees that fell in the storm tore footpaths up, and it is unclear when work can take place to make the paths accessible again.

“It’s going to take a long time and at this stage I wouldn’t like to put a time scale on it,” he told BBC News NI.

Mr Presho says he has been “counting the days” to get the park reopened.

It’s taken this long, he says, because of “the amount of destruction across the woodland and the number of trees we have had to clear from main access areas.”

He’s aware that local people have been “very keen” to visit again, especially now good weather is returning.

For Ruth McClenaghan, who runs Silent Valley Café, it has been “a long wait, a very long wait.”

She was forced to close for more than two months until the park reopened this week and admits it was a “struggle”.

“This is my main job, my business. We have a farm as well but this is the main income,” she said.

Ms McClenaghan says she’s really glad to be back and hopes she never sees another storm like Storm Éowyn.

Many of the people who visit Silent Valley live locally and not having access for the last two months has been a big loss.

Joanna Laffin lives within walking distance from the park and was among the first back through the gates when it reopened.

“I really missed it,” she told BBC News NI.

“I have a childminding business and we come here three times a week. A visit to the ducks and a go on the swings.”

Martha Spears couldn’t wait to bring her great-grandson Caleb back to the park.

“I’m here at least once, maybe twice, three times a week.

“I just love it. It’s my favourite spot.”

Cathy Gardner said she understood they had to close the park “for health and safety reasons “but said it was “sorely missed” and she was so glad to see it open again.

Cathy’s daughter Rachel Gardner, who also lives locally, said before the closure they would have been there “all the time”.

The destruction caused by Storm Éowyn continues to affect outdoor sites across Northern Ireland.

• Some locations, including Mount Stewart and Castle Ward, still have significant trails that remain inaccessible due to storm damage. Restoration efforts are underway, but it will take a few months to ensure these areas are safe for visitors.

• Outdoor visitor sites have fully reopened following Storm Éowyn.

• Cairn Wood has partially reopened. Some trails and areas within the site will remain closed. On-site signage will advise visitors to stay on the paths for their safety.

• Gosford Forest Park – horse and bike trails remain closed
• Darkley Forest – closed
• Keady Glen – closed
• Loughgall Country Park – some trails remain closed
• Oxford Island – some trails remain closed

• All locations are open. Attractions such as Belfast Zoo, Belfast Castle, Malone House and Tropical Ravine are all open as normal too.

• Pans Rock foot bridge/walkway Ballycastle remains closed due to structural damage arising from tidal surge during the storm.
• Some sections of the Red mountain bike trails at Garvagh Forest remain closed due to the volume of fallen timber.

• Repair works on trees and fences across some of our green spaces and parks ongoing.

• Gortin Glen Forest Park, the horse Trails and Scenic Drive are currently closed, however, it is anticipated that the Scenic Drive will reopen by Saturday 05 April 2025.
• Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark staff along with partnering agencies, have been working diligently to assess and safely reopen sites impacted by the storm. Recreational trail access is open in all sites in Fermanagh with two exceptions, Belmore Forest and Lough Navar Scenic Drive.
• All other Council owned forest parks are open, however, there may be some localised restrictions in place where works are ongoing.

• All council owned outdoor visitor sites have been reopened following Storm Éowyn in January

• Mid & East Antrim Borough Council does not have any outdoor visitor sites that are closed or partially closed due to Storm Éowyn.

Status of outdoor visitor sites and open spaces available on the Council’s website.

• Glenmore – Open – Partial closure on one trail remains until further notice
• Drumcairne Forest – Closed until further notice
• Maghera Walled Garden Walk – Largantogher walkway open
• Iniscarn Forest – Walking Trails now open. Play Park remains closed until further notice
• Derrynoid Riverside Walk – Closed – Contractor on-site. Expected to reopen soon
• Davagh Forest Mountain Bike and Walking Trails – Solar Walk open. Contractor on site. All trails except Beleevna, Wolf’s Hill, and Big Wig Jig, are expected to reopen soon
• Pomeroy Forest Park – Open – but Grace Drennan trail remains closed. Expected to reopen soon

• Kilbroney Park – Remote walking trails are partially closed, cross country mountain bike trails remain closed, forest drive opens weekends only due to commercial works
• Slieve Gullion Forest Park – only the Giant’s Liar remains closed
• Castlewellan Forest Park – 70% remote walking trails remain closed, 75% cross country mountain bike trails remain closed, horse trails remain closed, Annesley Walled Garden & Arboretum remain closed
• Drumkeragh Forest Park: 20% of remote walking trails remain closed
• Seaford Walking Trail: 20% of walking trails remain closed.
• Tievenadaragh Wood remains closed