Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace Awareness Course Syllabus

Donegal Climbing – Wild Atlantic Way

Leave No Trace Ireland is a network of organisations and individuals with an interest in promoting the responsible recreational use of the outdoors. As increasing numbers of people seek the beauty and exhilaration of outdoor recreation, our collective mark on the environment and its natural processes, increases. Litter, disturbance to vegetation, water pollution, wildlife, livestock and other people are all indicators of the need to develop a national ethic that protects both natural and cultural heritage.

Course Overview

This certified 6-hour Leave No Trace Awareness Course introduces participants to responsible outdoor recreation principles and practical techniques for minimizing environmental impact. The course combines classroom discussion with hands-on outdoor activities in the stunning landscapes of Inishowen, County Donegal.

Course Duration

• Total Duration: 6 hours
• Format: Single day course
• Location: Malin Head and surrounding areas, Inishowen
• Group Size: Maximum 12 participants

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand and apply the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
• Recognize the environmental impacts of outdoor recreation activities
• Implement practical minimum-impact techniques in various outdoor settings
• Share Leave No Trace ethics with family, friends, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts
• Make informed decisions about responsible outdoor behavior

Course Structure

Module 1: Introduction & Context (45 minutes)

Indoor/Sheltered Location

• Welcome and introductions
• Overview of Leave No Trace Ireland’s mission and vision
• Why Leave No Trace matters in Ireland
• Environmental challenges facing Ireland’s outdoor spaces
• The role of individual responsibility in conservation
• Course expectations and learning outcomes

Module 2: The Seven Principles – Theory (1 hour)

Interactive Classroom Session

• Detailed exploration of each principle:
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Be Considerate of Others
  3. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
  4. Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
  5. Leave What You Find
  6. Dispose of Waste Properly
  7. Minimize the Effects of Fire
• Irish context and local applications
• Case studies from the Wild Atlantic Way

Module 3: Practical Field Application (3 hours)

Outdoor Journey & Activities

Station 1: Planning & Preparation (30 minutes)

• Weather assessment and gear selection
• Route planning using maps and local knowledge
• Understanding local regulations and permissions
• Emergency preparedness in Irish conditions

Station 2: Travel & Impact Assessment (45 minutes)

• Identifying durable surfaces (rock, grass, bog, sand)
• Understanding Irish terrain types
• Coastal erosion considerations
• Group movement techniques
• Path selection and creation prevention

Station 3: Wildlife & Farm Animals (30 minutes)

• Observing wildlife from appropriate distances
• Understanding livestock behavior and gates/fences
• Bird nesting seasons and cliff restrictions
• Marine wildlife considerations (seals, dolphins)
• Dog control in countryside settings

Station 4: Waste Management (30 minutes)

• “Pack it in, pack it out” principles
• Human waste disposal in various terrains
• Water source protection
• Microplastics and modern waste challenges
• Beach and coastal clean-up considerations

Station 5: Cultural & Natural Heritage (30 minutes)

• Respecting archaeological sites and monuments
• Photography ethics
• Foraging guidelines and restrictions
• Rock climbing specific considerations
• Geocaching and modern outdoor activities

Station 6: Campcraft & Fire (15 minutes)

• Irish fire regulations and restrictions
• Alternatives to campfires
• Stove use and safety
• Emergency fire considerations

Module 4: Peer Learning Presentations (1 hour)

Participant-Led Activities

• Each participant delivers a 5-minute presentation on one principle
• Group discussion and feedback
• Sharing personal experiences and challenges
• Problem-solving scenarios

Module 5: Application & Action Planning (15 minutes)

Wrap-up Session

• Creating personal Leave No Trace commitments
• Resources for continued learning
• How to share Leave No Trace with others
• Local initiatives and volunteer opportunities
• Q&A session

Assessment & Certification

• Active participation in all modules
• Successful delivery of peer learning presentation
• Demonstration of principle understanding through practical exercises
• Certificate of completion issued by Leave No Trace Ireland

What to Bring

• Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear
• Packed lunch and reusable water bottle
• Notebook and pen
• Any personal outdoor equipment you’d like to discuss
• Camera (optional)
• Enthusiasm for learning!

Pre-Course Preparation

Participants are encouraged to:

• Visit www.leavenotraceireland.org
• Consider one Leave No Trace principle they’d like to present
• Think about their own outdoor experiences and impacts
• Prepare questions about specific outdoor activities

Post-Course Progression

Successful participants can:

• Progress to the 2-day Leave No Trace Trainer Course
• Join local environmental initiatives
• Become Leave No Trace advocates in their communities
• Apply principles in all outdoor activities

Course Fee

€60 per person (includes certification, training materials, and hot beverages)

Booking Information

To book your place on the next Leave No Trace