The National Parks and Wildlife Service: A Core Member of Leave No Trace Ireland
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) plays a crucial role in protecting Ireland’s natural heritage. As a core member of Leave No Trace Ireland, the NPWS actively promotes responsible outdoor recreation, ensuring that our most treasured landscapes remain intact for future generations. Their work spans conservation, education, and public engagement, fostering a deep connection between people and nature while safeguarding biodiversity.
Throughout 2025, we are continuing to shine a light on the incredible organisations that make up our Core Member Network. They include state agencies, government departments, and environmental groups all working together to share knowledge and advocate for responsible outdoor practices.
Leave No Trace Ireland works closely with the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) to promote responsible outdoor recreation and protect Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes.
The NPWS is responsible for managing Ireland’s seven National Parks— Wild Nephin National Park, Connemara, Glenveagh, Killarney, Wicklow Mountains, the Burren and Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara —as well as numerous nature reserves and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). These protected sites offer a sanctuary for wildlife, including the elusive corncrake of the Shannon Callows. By carefully managing visitor access and infrastructure, the NPWS ensures that recreational activities do not harm these fragile ecosystems.
Key Initiatives with Leave No Trace Ireland
In the past year, Leave No Trace Ireland has partnered with NPWS on several impactful initiatives:
✅ The Certificate in Nature Conservation and Interpretation at MTU – This is a Special Purpose Level 6 Award and has been developed to provide a foundation of knowledge in the key roles and responsibilities of someone looking to work in the conservation sphere.
✅ Love This Place Campaign – The NPWS is a key partner in our annual interagency public awareness campaign, supporting efforts to promote responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
✅ Leave No Trace courses and workshops are also delivered in many of the National Parks
The partnership between the NPWS and Leave No Trace Ireland reflects a shared commitment to fostering a culture of responsible outdoor recreation. As we explore the great outdoors, we all have a role to play in preserving these landscapes—following the Leave No Trace ethos is a simple yet powerful way to contribute.
By working together, we can ensure that Ireland’s wild places remain vibrant, diverse, and accessible for generations to come. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, kayaking along the coast, or simply enjoying a walk in your local nature reserve, remember nature takes care of us, and it’s our responsibility to take care of nature in return.
You can find out more about the NPWS here
