BALLYMARTLE  Woods welcomed the official opening of its latest trail as Cllr Marie O’Sullivan cut the tape on what is an essential community amenity.

Sunday was a proud day for the hardworking local volunteers who had campaigned to persuade Coillte to invest in the forest, which had previously faced the prospect of coming under the auctioneer’s hammer.Speaking to a large audience that included Cllr Ann Bambury, Hamish Adams outlined the cost of the project — €30,000 — funded through an outdoor recreational grant and donations from the local community and beyond.

Among the contributors were Centra Riverstick, Eli Lilly, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cork, Moog Ireland, Heart Angel, and Adams Donnelly Solicitors.

In addition to the new trail, a new information board has also been erected on the site, featuring local history written by Fergal Browne.

For Cllr Marie O’Sullivan, it was an especially important morning, as it demonstrated how all stakeholders can work collectively for the good of the community.

She had special words of praise for the local community, commending their role in ensuring the project’s success, and promised that funding for additional works would be pursued by herself and Cllr Bambury.

For Coillte representative Bernard Burke, it was also a significant day, as he acknowledged the success of the project through collaboration between Cork County Council and the members of the Ballymartle Woods Group.

He publicly paid tribute to Hamish Adams and the group, as well as thanking the efforts of the local Coillte team and contractors Michael and Jerry Crowley.

Describing the local amenity as one of natural beauty and a quiet treasure, he said the new trail allows visitors to enjoy the woods in a whole new way.

He concluded that the trail not only promotes health and wellbeing but also fosters a deeper connection with nature.