Wicklow Uplands Council

Wicklow Uplands Council

4 days ago

// TODAY - 3PM - ONLINE //

'The Condition Of The Upland Paths In The Wicklow Mountains'

Following the completion of an extensive survey focussed on the current condition of many of county Wicklow’s upland paths, a special online event has been organised to discuss and share details found in its final report.

Aside from managed trails such as the Wicklow Way, there is an extensive network of informal paths that criss-cross the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands, connecting routes, peaks and popular points of interest for hikers and walkers.

Evolved through common usage over the decades, the impact of the ever-increasing footfall on these paths contribute to soil erosion and the loss of vegetation and sensitive habitats. Often scarring the landscape, the paths frequently cross fragile peat soil, leading to a loss of carbon and water runoff that affects the water quality of upland streams.

To establish an accurate understanding of the current path conditions, Wicklow Uplands Council, Wicklow Mountains National Park (NPWS) and a host of project partners that includes Coillte, County Wicklow Partnership/Rural Recreation Officer, Mountaineering Ireland, Mountain Meitheal and Wicklow County Council, commissioned a specialist survey to investigate further and to explore possible solutions to ensure that these areas are sustainably managed for future generations.

With funding received through the LEADER Programme, an extensive survey of over 160km of many of the popular upland paths located throughout the region, was recently completed by expert path surveyors ‘Walking the Talk’.

With biodiversity and landscape preservation, along with sustainable recreational enjoyment in mind, a public event titled ‘The Condition Of Upland Paths In The Wicklow Mountains' has been organised for 3pm on Wednesday the 28th of September.

Led by Chris York of ‘Walking the Talk’, the online event that includes a Q & A session on the findings of the survey, offers a great insight into how to potentially address the damaged areas, minimize future erosion and sustainably manage recreational usage into the future.

Given the importance of the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands as an invaluable natural resource for recreational activities, fresh water, conservation efforts and climate mitigation measures, both the event and upcoming release of the final report, are expected to generate considerable interest from a wide-reaching audience.

To attend the event, advance registration is required by visiting bit.ly/3SqjvAA

For further information, please visit the Wicklow Uplands Council website, www.wicklowuplands.ie or email, bdunne@wicklowuplands.ie

This project has been part funded by the EU through the LEADER/Rural Development Programme – (RDP) 2014-2020.

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Wicklow Uplands Council

5 days ago

Congratulation to each of the participants, supporters, race organisers, marshals, medics, photographers and all involved with Saturday’s hugely successful EcoTrail Wicklow trail-running race.

With over 1,200 registered participants from 42 different countries, this year’s instalment certainly marked a wonderful return to the international race calendar after a three year absence.

With four routes taking in some of the most spectacular landscape of County Wicklow, the breath-taking backdrop of the race continues to attract racers from as far afield as Singapore.

Starting and finishing on Bray Seafront, the routes ranging from 19 - 80km, featured some of the areas’ most-renowned locations like Bray Head, Killruddery Gardens, The Vartry Reservoirs, The Great Sugar Loaf, Powerscourt Waterfall and Lough Tay.

It’s not only at the finish line that the results are celebrated, with the first batch of photos published earlier this afternoon set to have a global online reach - all illustrating iconic Wicklow landscapes.

Keeping the route pristine both before and after the race, are volunteers with the Pureproject’s Pure Mile initiative who are kindly ensuring that the environmental impact of the race remains true to the principles of EcoTrail International.

Special congratulations to County Wicklow Tourism whose vision and commitment continues to bring this race series to Ireland and further enhance Wicklow’s growing reputation as a centre for outdoor pursuits.

Congratulations too

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