Anti-social behaviour can be an issue in parks across Belfast especially coming into the spring and summer months when evenings are brighter and the weather is better. In most cases this can be groups of young people drinking or even setting small fires but over this can prove to be costly and have a bigger impact than some people realise.
In recent weeks the police have highlighted a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour at Colin Glen Forest Park, which has seen large groups of young people assemble at the edge of the site. On one occasion a police vehicle was damaged while there have been multiple reports of fires which saw a more than 40-year-old tree damaged.
The 200 acre forest park is run by a self-funded charity that has worked tirelessly over the past couple of decades to invest heavily into the area and ensure it remains an open and accessible wilderness in the heart of West Belfast.
Read more: Fire service attacked by youths while attending fire at forest park
Read more: Police and fire service 'attacked by young people' after large fire started in Belfast park
It is home to Ireland’s longest zip line, Ireland’s only alpine coaster, a state-of-the-art driving range and Ireland's only official Gruffalo trail, among other attractions with every penny generated by them being invested back into the forest park.
However the Colin Glen management team has warned that recent anti-social behaviour is adding further pressures on them at an already challenging time and are appealing to young people within the community to work with them and help maintain the stunning green space for future generations.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Colin Glen Forest Park chief executive Colin O'Neill said that while anti-social behaviour is something they have to manage, similar to any other park in the city, it is a " crack in the corner of a masterpiece" isolated to one small area of the vast forest.
Although, with insurance costs now being three times higher than they were three years ago and increasing overheads, it is an issue they could do without as every broken padlock or damaged piece of equipment adds up.,
Sinead said: "Anti-social behaviour is like a crack in the corner of a masterpiece—it’s something we have to manage, but it becomes more challenging as costs spiral. Every act of vandalism or damage diverts resources away from improving and enhancing the park, yet we remain committed to ensuring Colin Glen Forest Park is a safe, welcoming space for everyone. With no external funding, the support of our visitors is crucial to preserving this stunning green space for future generations.
"As a self-funded charity, we receive no government or council support. Every penny we earn comes from visitors who enjoy our attractions, helping us balance spiralling costs like insurance—now three times higher than three years ago—and rising operational expenses.
"Everything that we do is about maintaining, protecting, and enhancing our 200-acre forest park, which remains free for public use. From picnic areas and BBQ spots to toddler-friendly spaces, we ensure the community can enjoy this stunning green space at no cost.
"Our mission is simple: to serve the community by providing leisure facilities and preserving this beautiful forest for future generations. By visiting Colin Glen Forest Park, you’re not just enjoying world-class attractions—you’re helping us protect this vital green space and ensure it remains accessible to everyone."
Police have said they are aware of concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in the Colin Glen Forest Park area of west Belfast in recent weeks.
Neighbourhood Inspector Hughes, said: “We investigate every report of anti-social behaviour and our Neighbourhood Team will continue to engage with the local community, regarding concerns that have been highlighted to us.
“Patrols will continue and we also to work alongside partner agencies and local representatives in order to help resolve these issues.
“We would also ask parents and guardians to also speak to their young people and to know where they are to prevent them from engaging in behaviour which could result in injury or a criminal record.
“We ask anyone who sees any anti-social behaviour in the area, to contact 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
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