Leave No Trace Ireland has refreshed its seven guidelines for accountable and considerate use of the rural landscape. The improved advice, which represents Ireland’s sole outdoor ethics programme, gives clearer instructions for those utilising the outdoors, with topics such as gaining permission for land access, conscientious dog ownership, and prevention of natural habitats from fire damage.
For several years, the programme has encouraged low-impact habits among outdoor lovers to enjoy rural and leisure spaces. The primary motive of Leave No Trace is to guarantee the conservation of natural spaces’ beauty and integrity for future generations, while encouraging the general public to responsibly enjoy the outdoor spaces such as parks, countryside, and beaches to safeguard wildlife, delicate natural ecosystems, and biodiversity.
A review was conducted by Leave No Trace to analyse the principles’ current pertinence and effectiveness. The evaluation demonstrated the need for updates such as ‘camping and traversing on sturdy ground’ and ‘limit the impacts of fire”. The updated version underscores camping access always depends on the landowner goodwill and seeking landowners’ approval before camping is critical.
In almost all situations, lighting outdoor fires should not be done without consent, the updated version cautions, highlighting the major harmful and pricy consequences of irresponsible outdoor fire use. The updated advice stresses the necessity for asking permission to bring dogs onto land and mandates that dogs should always be leashed in open and leisure spaces, especially in rural areas and near farmlands.
Dr Noel Doyle, the project co-ordinator, suggested that the revision attempted to respond to worries that the existing messages are too restricted and to seek a more inclusive and cooperative approach with concerned parties.
Maura Kiely, the Chief Executive, stated that cooperating and engaging with stakeholders such as state agencies, local authorities, government departments, tourism, recreational and agricultural interest groups was extremely critical.
“The seven guidelines stand as a supportive and educational base for promoting responsible recreation in Ireland. Yet, it’s important to frequently review and update them to mirror shifts in recreational activities, the increasing susceptibility of the natural environment, and happenings like the considerable increase in dog ownership,” states the Chief Executive. She added that Leave No Trace would undertake the equally crucial task of efficiently communicating these significant updates to the public and its collaborators.
The updated seven LNT guidelines are:
– Prepare and plan ahead
– Be mindful of others
– Respect wildlife and farm animals
Conduct your camping and travelling activities with responsibility. Ensure you leave every place untouched by not removing any natural items you stumble upon. Always follow the correct procedures when it comes to waste disposal. Make efforts to safeguard our natural environment from fires. Make sure to tune into our Inside Politics Podcast to stay informed with the most recent discussions and assessments. Subscribe to receive instant alerts and get the top news, insights and opinions delivered straight to your mobile device. Connect with The Irish Times on WhatsApp to remain updated.