Covid-19 has brought about many changes in our personal, work and social lives. For many of us it has offered a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature. Families can be seen enjoying walks in local park and in beauty spots throughout the biosphere. These activities offer the chance to blow away a few cobwebs, get some essential exercise, strengthen bonds with family and improve our mental health, not to mention taking in the majestic scenery nature has to offer.

Unfortunately the increased level of interest in our countryside has seen significant increases in littering, which is why the Government has launched a national campaign calling on everyone to take responsibility and leave only footprints.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, said: “Litter, disturbance to vegetation, water pollution, wildlife, livestock and other people are all indicators of the need to develop a national ethic that protects both natural and cultural heritage. I would encourage everyone to treat our natural heritage with the respect it deserves and to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.”

“Our National Parks and Nature Reserves encompass some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in Ireland. Since the outset of the pandemic, these sites have seen unprecedented levels of domestic visitors as people reconnected with nature.

“Our parks offer a lifeline space to support our physical and mental health providing a safe place where people can seek fresh air, exercise, and practice mindfulness while still adhering to physical distancing protocols. Unfortunately, as increasing numbers of people seek the beauty and exhilaration of outdoor recreation, our collective mark on the environment and its natural processes also increases.”

Everyone can play a part in keeping the great outdoors in pristine condition.

In our Biosphere we’re blessed to have so many groups actively maintaining our natural habitats with regular litter picks, you can check them out here.

You can do your bit to help protect our beautiful landscapes by taking your litter home with you and if you want to go the extra mile, you can always bring a bag to collect discarded litter found on your travels. You’d be doing a great service to the wildlife which rely on these places to live.

If you want to learn more about protecting the Great Outdoors, please visit the Leave no Trace website below.