Environment

Our Impact on the Environment

Blackrock Hillwalking Club promotes conservation and protection of the environment.

In recent years the number of club members has grown which reflects a general trend across the country with numbers participating in outdoor pursuits growing each year. This of course is very positive however, growing numbers leads to increased pressure on the environment. If we are all to continue to enjoy our days in the mountains, it is imperative that as a club we are fully aware of the sources of stress on the environment and take positive steps to help alleviate them.

An example of litter in the mountains The Kerry Slug

An example of litter in the Mountains. The famous Kerry Slug

Links

Some useful links:

Mountaineering Ireland
http://www.mountaineering.ie/

NPWS to find out about the protected sites around Ireland
http://www.npws.ie/protectedsites/

Leave No Trace to learn more about responsible use of our countryside
http://www.leavenotraceireland.org/

Mountain Meitheal to find out how you can volunteer give a little something back
http://www.pathsavers.org/

What can we do?

See the table below for some of the issues and actions the club has identified and keep them in mind when you enjoying the mountains whether you are and about with the club or with your friends.

Issue	Action
Erosion	Limit numbers (ideally group size should be between 10-15) Avoid too many walks on the more common routes – consider alternative routes If a route is already eroded, walk in the centre of the path to avoid further erosion on either side Wear gaiters so you can stick to the path even if muddy Walk on rock/stone where possible
Disturbance (plants/bird/animals)	Be aware of your surroundings, consider peak growth season (vegetation) and nesting season
Litter	Never ever litter! That includes cigarette butts! Biodegradable waste (banana skins/apple cores) should never be left behind
CO₂ emissions	Car pool when possible
Put simply - Leave No Trace

Ireland’s upland areas are sensitive in nature, it is up to all of us to play our part and be responsible hillwalkers. Blackrock Hillwalking Club supports the policies set out by Mountaineering Ireland.

This year the club is planning on putting a little something back by organising a clean-up walk so keep an eye on the walk schedule if you are interested in taking part! We will also be hosting an information night for all club members, in particular, new club members, one of the topics covered will be ‘our upland environment and what we can do to help’

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

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
Minimise the Effects of Fire