Grace under pressure.

Over the last 10/15 years the forest has become noticeably busier. I can remember when on a weekday most parking spots would have been empty and you could go for days, or even weeks, without seeing other walkers whilst out. Both those things are a rarity now (unless you walk off piste, so to speak); it's the marketing of the forest over the last few years which is responsible. I was chatting with a ranger and they remarked that government had encouraged the National Parks Authority to increase usage to promote health and well being, and this was putting pressure National Parks Authority and the forest, and both were struggling. More footfall means more wear and tear, more maintenance of all sorts. Which maybe ties into another thing noticeable about the forest over the last decade or so, that's a subtle reduction in accessibility. I've seen several small bridges removed rather than replaced, and countless gates and stiles disappear, reducing routes across the landscape and forcing more feet onto fewer tracks. The National Parks Authority just hasn't got the resources to maintain everything, it's another example of the government trying to get something for nothing, rinsing a natural resource to make them look like they're doing something. I can't help but wonder (and worry, if I'm honest) how the forest will cope with ever increasing visitors numbers, coupled with under funding from government and the removal of the EU grants which helped fund many of the National Park's projects.