Leave No Trace (LNT), Ireland’s outdoor ethics programme has issued a revision of its seven principles for the responsible and ethical use of the outdoors, including guidelines for bringing dogs onto land.
The principles focus on providing greater clarity and focused advice on travelling, seeking permission when accessing land and camping, and how to effectively protect nature from fires.
The Leave No Trace 7 Principles has served as a “cornerstone” for promoting minimum impact practices for outdoor enthusiasts in the use and enjoyment of the countryside and recreational spaces, according to those involved in the campaign.
Leave No Trace Ireland undertook a review of the ‘7 Principles’ to assess each principle’s current relevance and effectiveness and identify implementation gaps at various levels.
The 7 Principles are:
- Plan ahead and prepare;
- Be considerate of others;
- Respect farm animals and wildlife;
- Travel and camp responsibly;
- Leave what you find;
- Dispose of waste properly;
- Protect nature from fire;
LNT CEO, Maura Kiely said:
“The 7 Principles are the guidance and educational foundation upon which responsible recreation has been promoted in Ireland.
“We need to ensure that the principles are kept under review to reflect changes in recreational activity.”
She also said that they will make significant changes to the website such as content related to land access, pet management outdoors, and fire safety.
The aim of the Leave No Trace Ireland is to ensure that natural spaces are preserved for future generations, while urging the public to enjoy outdoor spaces with respect to protect wildlife, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Advice for bringing dogs onto land
The review highlighted the necessity for updates regarding the wording of the two principles – ‘Travel and camp on durable ground’ and ‘Minimise the effects of fire’.
In a further general update of its advice, Leave No Trace Ireland has emphasised that permission should be sought to bring dogs onto land and that dogs “must always be on a lead” in recreational spaces, particularly near farmland.
LNT Project Coordinator/Researcher, Dr. Noel Doyle said:
“This revision process underscores a major effort to foster greater collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders involved.
“Specific items were identified for revision – access to recreation and private land, the restricted use of fire, and the management of dogs in the outdoors.”
The revised principles now emphasise how camping and access are always at the goodwill of the landowner and that landowners’ permission “should always” be sought before camping.
Regarding lighting any outdoor fire or campfire, the Leave No Trace Ireland revised principles warn that in nearly all circumstances, fires “should not be lit without permission”.
The revised principle highlights the damaging and costly impact of “irresponsible use” of outdoor and camp fires in the countryside and in any recreational space.