A wide range of activity and recreation providers the length of the Lower River Bann have formed a group of willing participants who are keen to proactively market their services together for the greater good of the whole area.

Keen to encourage tourism targeted to the Lower River Bann area, Imelda Warnes, Lower Bann Partnership, says; “A selling point of water based activities like angling, boating, canoeing and waterskiing, in particular, is that you can enjoy them come rain or shine. Many of them are more fun when you get wet, anyway!

“The new activity guide also outlines a number of non-water based activities such as cycling, cart racing, paintball, golf, horse riding, family activities, sky-diving, spa retreats, craft workshops, and guided tours, to name a few. So, you don’t have to be a water sports fan to enjoy the river; you can have a peaceful stroll beside it or take in a nature trail. Your break to the Lower Bann area can be as restful or as active as you want to make it.”

Delighted to help market the joint initiative, Lisa Simpson, Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism, says; “Although we want to attract people to make use of this beautiful stretch of waterway we also want everyone to be mindful to ensure they do what they can to take care of the river and minimise the environmental impact of any activity. The guide highlights ways to take care of the River by endorsing the principals of Leave No Trace, an outdoors ethics education programme, which are: plan ahead and prepare; be considerate of others; respect farm animals and wildlife; travel and camp on durable ground; leave what you find; dispose of waste properly; and minimise the effects of fire.”

The new activity guide has been produced by Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism and the Lower Bann Partnership.

The project was part funded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity programme.

Further information is available at www.riverbannireland.com.