In 2021, Leave No Trace Ireland and Gas Networks Ireland joined forces to launch the first Hot Spot Programme in Europe.
This project addressed areas impacted by increased outdoor recreation. Alongside the Burncourt Community Council and Coillte, we worked to restore the native landscape of Glengarra Woods, in Co. Tipperary. This iconic woodland had been severely impacted from littering and the spread of invasive species. As the forest became a more and more popular outdoor recreation space, the importance of environmental education became clear. The purpose of our Hot Spot Programme is to teach people how to make responsible decisions when participating in outdoor activities; to promote a sense of stewardship for the natural world; and an understanding of how to reduce your carbon footprint.
To achieve this community-led restoration, the programme ran three impact days that focused on a variety of topics and goals: environmental awareness, improvement and maintenance of access and trails, removal of waste through litter picks, as well as the management of invasive species
By removing rubbish from the area through litter picks, we worked towards creating a healthier environment for all – the animals that live there won’t eat hazardous materials, and the people visiting won’t come into contact with possibly harmful waste. By removing the visual impact, other visitors will also be encouraged to keep the forest clean.
We conducted “BioBlitz Surveys”, which involved surveying all the plant life that we could find within the forest. This helps us know what native species are growing, and also identify the invasive species. Depending on what invasive species we encounter, we have different methods for removing them. Different plants have unique ways of taking hold of an environment, such as deep, strong root systems. This is why catering the treatment is so important. The result of all this work is to create a sustainable outdoor area that is on the road to recovery.
Through the hotspot programme, the local community has been given the tools to take this care into their own hands. When we know the names of the trees, or have talked to others about our favourite moments in such places, we all become more connected to our outdoor spaces.
This project has been amazing – the sense of community and place that was created throughout this year-long project means that hopefully the education and impacts of this programme will be long lasting and passed onto others in the future. This has been the first project of its kind in Europe, and we cannot wait to take all we have learnt forward into our future projects.
Throughout the process of the project we’ve documented the events through videos, which you can find here.
