The Love this Place campaign, run by Leave No Trace Ireland and other sporting, tourism and outdoor organisations, was launched on 30 May, 2022. The initiative promotes good outdoor ethics this summer, with special emphasis on managing dogs and preventing livestock worrying.
CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland, Maura Kiely, commented that, “this summer, we are highlighting pressure points that are bearing the brunt of the increase in outdoor activities. These include an increase in dog fouling and worrying of farm livestock as the numbers of pet dogs continues to grow.” She added that these impacts can be reduced if people follow “leave no trace principles” while enjoying the outdoors.
The campaign is requesting that people to plan ahead by bringing poo and rubbish bags and taking these home if they cannot be disposed of in the appropriate bins.
Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development, spoke at the launch of the campaign, saying that more people than ever are enjoying outdoor recreation, and that it is vital that these areas are enjoyed responsibly.
Barbecues and campfires are another focus of attention, and people are being asked to never light a fire unless it is “on a designated site in a suitable, low risk location”.
According to Kiely, “99% of wildfires in Ireland are the result of human activity in the outdoors”. To encourage people to take care with fire, the campaign is asking people not to use portable barbecues in the countryside and to consider packing a picnic instead.
For more information on the Love this Place campaign see here.