The National Trail Conference – Celebrating Ireland’s Trail Network, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim
About this good practice
There is a fragmented approach to trail maintenance in Ireland, with more collaboration needed
The Conference was organised by Leitrim Development Company, the Irish Local Development Network and Rural Recreational Officers.
The Conference enhances knowledge to improve existing and build new trails, with objectives including
• inclusion and accessibility; encouraging use by marginalised groups
• better mental health through trail improvement
• sharing knowledge and learning best practices for the region.
The Conference included
• Keynote speech Psychologist Shane Martin-Mind Over Trails: Becoming more ‘grounded’
• Presentation by Slow Adventure advocate
• Demonstration of Adaptive Mountain Bikes for people with limited mobility.
• Panel discussion:Breaking Barriers- Embracing Diversity and Inclusion on Trails
• Walk organised by Trail Criú/ Trail Run Trial (an inclusive trail walking club)
• Learning Workshops
• Creation of Recreation Forums for discussion on policy changes
The main stakeholders are Leitrim County Council, the Irish Local Development Network, Rural Recreation Officers, Sport Ireland, the Department for Rural and Community Development, Fáilte Ireland, Local businesses, Leave No Trace Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland, North West of Ireland County Councils, Leitrim Tourism, Waterways Ireland, Coillte, Get Ireland Walking.
The main beneficiaries will be all users of trails in Ireland, with a particular focus on trail users with limited mobility.
Resources needed
- €72000 budget for 4 day event
- 20 Rural Recreational Officers,, 40 Leitrim Development Company Staff involved in hosting the event
- Collaborations between RRO network, local authorities, businesses and schools
Evidence of success
There were the usual organisational challenges of a large event, such as limited and delayed funding, an unexpectedly high turn-out and the unreliability of some volunteers staff
Overall, the Conference was considered a success, based on:
-The number of attendees, (2700 over 4 days)
-The feedback forms (97% 5 star rating)
- Stakeholder/funder feedback, which was also entirely positive.
Further success will be assessed by the collaboration and stakeholder engagement that follows the conference
Potential for learning or transfer
The National Trails Conference is transferable to all EU regions. Countries considering hosting a similar conference could focus on some or all of the below themes:
• Inclusion (Improve accessibility – exchange of ideas leading to hikers of all abilities enjoying trails)
• Education (For hikers about trails maintenance, conservation practices, and the latest trends in outdoor recreation, enhancing overall experience, connection to nature and physical and mental health and wellbeing)
• Encourages (Sense of community among hikers: creates opportunities for shared outdoor activities)
• Networking (For those considering a career in trails maintenance)
• Promotes conservation (Collaboration leads to better strategies for conserving natural landscapes and wildlife, ensuring that trails remain pristine and accessible for future generations)
• Maintains (Allows outdoor enthusiasts, trail planners and officials to discuss the future of Ireland’s trail networks)
Further information
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Good practice owner
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