Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace Ireland Proud Member Sticker

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is an official member of Leave No Trace Ireland and is committed to promoting the Leave No Trace Seven Principles to ensure the district is a great place to live, work and visit.  Signing up to Leave No Trace Ireland also underpins the Council’s approach to long term sustainability and care for our environment.

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are designed to protect and conserve the natural landscapes and ecosystems as well as the cultural heritage to ensure that everyone can enjoy and benefit from being outdoors.

The seven principles are:

  1. Dispose of waste properly – litter can be harmful to the environment and animals and it also negatively impacts on the beauty of our landscapes.
  2. Respect wildlife and farm animals – observe from a distance, don’t feed the animals, be aware of seasonal impacts and keep dogs on leads.
  3. Leave what you find – it is important to leave the natural and built heritage for others to enjoy and ensure ecosystems are maintained.
  4. Be careful with fire – try to use a stove where possible, however, if you need to build a fire, ensure it is on an area which has been used previously and that it is manageable.
  5. Plan ahead and prepare – research the trail information including any restrictions and ensure you wear the appropriate clothing and have a map and first aid kit.
  6. Be considerate of others – respect those who live in the local area as well as others using the trail to ensure everyone has a positive experience.
  7. Travel and camp on durable ground – avoid creating new trails and campsites and park in designated car parking spaces to help reduce the damage to natural vegetation.

Although Leave No Trace has its roots in the countryside, the principles have been adapted so that they can be applied anywhere – from remote areas to local parks and residential areas.  They also apply to almost every recreational activity.

One of the benefits of membership is that the Council can avail of a range of educational opportunities to help embed the principles within our communities for people of all ages.  For more information on the educational and recreational activities, contact Ryan Hanna, Countryside Access Officer on 0300 303 1777.