Leave No Trace Ireland awarded Heritage Council funding 

Leave No Trace Ireland is delighted to announce it has received funding through the Heritage Council Organisations Support Fund 2025 – a key initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of heritage organisations to deliver sustainable and impactful projects across Ireland. 

This funding, awarded by The Heritage Council, will enable Leave No Trace Ireland to expand its core education programmes, enhance organisational capacity, and drive innovative initiatives that merge environmental sustainability with heritage preservation. 

Maura Kiely, CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland, expressed her enthusiasm:
“We are delighted to receive this funding, which will allow us to expand our educational reach, strengthen collaborations with key heritage and biodiversity organisations, and continue fostering responsible stewardship of Ireland’s natural heritage. Meaningful change happens through partnership, and we look forward to engaging with communities, educators, and policymakers to create a sustainable future for Ireland’s heritage, biodiversity, and outdoor spaces.” 

Key Areas of Impact for 2025 

The funding will support a wide range of impactful initiatives, some of which include: 

• Growth of Leave No Trace Education Programme
  Funding will expand Leave No Trace’s educational initiatives across Ireland, supported by our Education Executive and Training Administrator roles to enhance coordination and delivery through over 150 accredited trainers and 17 centres nationwide. 

• National Heritage Week  

Guided walks during National Heritage Week will offer participants a hands-on opportunity to explore the connection between outdoor recreation and heritage, inspiring a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship. 

• Green Skills for Life Programme
  In partnership with MSL ETB and Achill Outdoor Education Centre, this programme will provide individuals with valuable skills in heritage conservation and outdoor recreation, supporting career development in green industries. 

• Expansion of Primary School Programme 

• Bringing hands-on outdoor learning to more schools, fostering a love for nature and environmental responsibility from an early age. 

• Youth Programmes
  Leave No Trace will strengthen partnerships with Scouting Ireland, Gaisce, and other youth organisations to integrate Leave No Trace principles into youth development initiatives. 

• Development of Educational Resources
  New biodiversity-focused educational materials will be created to support trainers and community groups in engaging with Ireland’s natural heritage. 

• Advocacy for Responsible Heritage Practices
  Championing responsible outdoor recreation at the national policy level, ensuring the long-term protection of Ireland’s natural heritage.  

Maura Kiely concluded “By strengthening partnerships, developing innovative educational resources, and engaging diverse communities, we are making a tangible impact in fostering a deeper connection to Ireland’s natural heritage. We would also like to congratulate all the other organisations who were successful in this highly competitive funding process.” 

Ends 

For further information, please contact: 

Julie Carr
Communications Officer
Leave No Trace Ireland
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +353 (0)864077224 

 

Further Information for Editors:   

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.
Website: leavenotraceireland.org 

The Heritage Council is a public body whose mission is to develop a wide understanding of the vital contribution that our heritage makes to our social, environmental & economic well-being. The 2025 Heritage Capacity Fund aims to build the capacity of non-governmental organisations, with a demonstrated national relevance, working in the heritage sector by providing funding towards their core costs. 
Website: heritagecouncil.ie