LEAVE No Trace Ireland has launched its annual Love This Place campaign, calling on the public to come together to protect Ireland’s rich natural landscapes, so we can all enjoy them responsibly as we navigate the summer season.
With more people than ever seeking connection with nature – through hiking, swimming, dog walking and exploring – this year’s Love This Place campaign reinforces the simple message: “If you love this place, leave no trace.”
The need for protection
Ireland’s great outdoors has seen a sharp rise in popularity in recent years, with more than 98% of residents valuing time spent in nature. However, increased footfall has also brought challenges: trail erosion, littering, dog fouling, wildlife disturbance and an increase in wildfires, 96% of which are linked to human activity.
“Our message is clear,” said Maura Kiely, CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland. “We all have a part to play in preserving the places and wildlife we love. This campaign invites everyone enjoying the outdoors this summer, from seasoned hikers to dog owners, to take simple, mindful steps to protect our natural landscapes.”
Campaign highlights
Throughout the summer, Love This Place will roll out a digital storytelling campaign featuring voices from across Ireland: farmers, walkers, dog owners and community groups, as well as on-the-ground events and clean-up days co-ordinated with local authorities and environmental groups. Plus, education initiatives and social media toolkits for influencers, schools and tourism partners.
Take action
The Love This Place 2025 campaign shares three tangible actions for the public to take:
- Be responsible with your dog. Keep dogs on a lead, especially around farm animals and wildlife and always clean up after them.
- Protect wildlife and wild places. Take all litter home, don’t feed wild animals and watch wildlife from a safe distance.
- Stay on the path. Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging habitats or disturbing animals, both seen and unseen.
A shared responsibility
“Our land is not just scenic – it’s living,” added Kiely. “It feeds us, shelters biodiversity and connects our communities. Respecting it is not about restriction, but about care and responsibility. We’re so grateful to the public and our partners for supporting Love This Place and we ask everyone to take action and join the campaign.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said: “Respect for the natural environment is at the centre of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. The Love This Place campaign plays a key role in reminding us all of our shared responsibility to care for these places. As more people embrace the outdoors, it’s essential that we do so in a way that protects the environment for future generations and we must ensure that our actions, particularly when it comes to our dogs, do not cause harm or loss to the environment or others.”For more info: www.leavenotraceireland.org/love-this-place
