26th November 2021
Leave No Trace Ireland (LNT) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are delighted to announce that the 2021 Community Engagement Project is a bespoke project to undertake vital restoration work in the Special Area of Conservation at Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve, Co. Wicklow.
The purpose of the Community Engagement Project is to educate 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 their carbon footprint.
This project is possible thanks to the generous funding from The Community Foundation For Ireland.
Welcoming the selection of this year’s project Tina Roche, Climate Change and Biodiversity lead – The Community Foundation For Ireland said:
“One of the big questions we face is how we manage to conserve and enhance the habitats of our declining biodiversity and yet allow people to enjoy nature. Leave No Trace, the national organisation dedicated to protecting the outdoors, is examining how this might happen in Knocksink. We, at The Community Foundation for Ireland, look forward to the outcome and how it might be applied elsewhere.”
The Community Engagement Project is an initiative designed to address areas impacted by outdoor activities and heavy use. Using Leave No Trace solutions, these areas can be restored and thrive again. The chosen location receives a unique, site-specific blend of training, expert consulting, education programmes, service projects, monitoring programmes and more. With site-specific Leave No Trace measures in place, along with the support of the local community, the area is equipped to bounce back from impacts and recover its natural qualities. The result is a sustainable outdoor area that is on the road to recovery.
Site Manager and NPWS Conservation Ranger, Andrea Webb, said:
“Knocksink Woods is a gem of a site, but it is under a lot of pressure. I am delighted that Leave No Trace Ireland are working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to raise awareness of the conservation value of the woodland”.
Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Nature Reserve, but has unfortunately been severely impacted by littering, camping, and tree damage. Local community members and visitors to the wood will get involved in multi-day actions for biodiversity, working in collaboration with the NPWS, National Biodiversity Data Centre, and local councillor Melanie Corrigan to restore this area of natural beauty.
Cllr Melanie Corrigan (Bray West) said she was delighted to have the opportunity to be involved and support this project and work with Leave no Trace Ireland, The Community Foundation For Ireland, and The National Parks and Wildlife Service.
“This is a great opportunity for the amazing Community of Enniskerry and visitors to come together to learn about the wonderful natural asset of Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve, that we have on our doorstep. The Local Community is very passionate about preserving the biodiversity of this area, and protecting it, and are delighted to have this opportunity to be involved.”
The Knocksink Wood project will combine on-site working to reduce impacts currently affecting the site, increased awareness, and a sense of ownership through citizen science projects with the creation of several educational resources such as a podcast series, technical tips videos, and more.
The team, along with visitors to Knocksink will spend several days on-site working to undo damage to the site, clear access for recreation, and remove litter and waste. The team will also carry out a BioBlitz with the data being fed into the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s Database. This will involve recording all species sightings and collating them into one database to complement the development of the biodiversity action plan.
Padraic Creedon, Ecologist with Leave No Trace Ireland said :
“Leave No Trace are very excited to be a part of this project. From a personal point of view Knocksink holds a special place in my heart. I grew up nearby and went there often as a child, and it is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. To be working with the NPWS and the local community now to help this wonderful woodland is such a pleasure and goes to the health of the Leave No Trace vision to protect and enhance our outdoor recreational spaces.”
The Leave No Trace Ireland Community Engagement Project with the National Parks and Wildlife Service will take place from late 2021 – early 2022, with on-site Impact Days planned for January and February 2022.
Join our webinar on Tuesday 30th November from 19:30
For further information contact:
Padraic Creedon
Leave No Trace Ireland | F28 KD63
P: + 353 (0)1 9059009
W: www.leavenotraceireland.org
Notes for Editor:
Leave No Trace Ireland is Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme, which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors. Through education, research and partnerships, Leave No Trace Ireland enables and supports individuals, communities, organisations and companies in reducing the environmental impact of outdoor activities.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is part of the Heritage Division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage who are responsible for managing the Irish State’s nature conservation responsibilities under national and European law.
The Community Engagement Project is an initiative that implements successful programmes at geographically and environmentally diverse areas across the country experiencing severe impacts caused by recreational use through engagement with local communities and the creation of educational resources.
