Forests to open today to pedestrians only
But car parks will not be opened to prevent crowds gatherings of large crowds and to stop people turning up to have picnics.
Forest parks have been shut as part of the lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus as part of social distancing measures.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster, Minister Poots said: “Our car parks will not be open.
“We are not encouraging people to drive but for local communities having that facility on their doorstep is something they will be able to utilise for walking purposes only.
“Not for picnics, not for gatherings, not for anything else.
“For walking purposes only, a bit of exercise – good for your mental health, good for your physical health.”
Forest parks were closed to the public last month, just days after parking charges were waived to give people greater access to them during the Coronavirus outbreak.
At that time, Mr Poots said it was necessary after social distancing advice was ignored.
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