Path Erosion – A Growing Issue

The growth in the popularity of hillwalking and other outdoor recreation activities is having an impact on Ireland’s upland environment. Once-faint paths have evolved into worn and muddy lines, with the worst damage on blanket peat and steep ground. Concern that we respond appropriately prompted Mountaineering Ireland to launch the Helping the Hills initiative.

Helping the Hills Network

In January 2021 Mountaineering Ireland hosted an online Helping the Hills Network meeting for people with an involvement in addressing upland path erosion and related recreation management issues.

The main input at the online meeting was from the Croagh Patrick Sustainable Access and Habitat Restoration Project. As part of the event, participants helped define the role of an upland path network for the island of Ireland.

The purpose of the Helping the Hills Network is:

· To advocate a considered, quality approach to addressing upland path erosion, to raise the profile of upland path management and highlight the need for investment in this area, including in ongoing maintenance.

· To facilitate connection and information-sharing between interested organisations.

· To help develop capacity to deliver quality upland pathwork on the island of Ireland.

· To build on the Helping the Hills Guiding Principles and support the development of a shared understanding of good practice in upland path management.

To learn more about the Helping the Hills initiative, visit www.helpingthehills.ie