Ecotrek Ballybunion Leave No Trace Policy

 

All visitors to Ecotrek Ballybunion will be advised to plan their visit ahead and know the regulations of the natural areas where they will visit. This Information will be available on the Ecotrek Ballybunion web site.

Visitors are asked to make preparations for a change in weather while on tour.

All foods must be repackaged during tour to minimise waste.

Excursions with a map compass and guide book is advised.

Walking Surfaces
Visitors are asked at all time to use the tracks already in position even if the  
Kerry weather changes this is to avoid unessisary track widening. Minimal Impact at all times in the areas of Ballybunion and Rathona and Cashen.

Please Note that in all area of conservation local authorities are working to improve the tracks, if the track is muddy please use a trek pole firsts to check the dept of the muddy patch then wade through the central part according to experts this will safe the particular areas from track widening.

Protecting Flora & Fauna and Plant life of the Ballybunion Area.     

All tours are requested to adhere to the routes devised by Ecotrek Ballybunion and not to stray off the route this will halt the spread of Phytophoria. After each tour guests are requested to clean boots and keep walking cloths clean to avoid the spread of soil based diseases at all times.

Waste Water Disposal
Water bottles and drinks cans to be deposed of in a recyling area near the Ballybunion Garda Station.

Bringing bottles and cans  used on tour will be left it in the rug sack and taken away after tour to be recycled, located in Ballybunion are recycling banks for glass and bottles these banks are located just in off  mains street Ballybunion and near the strand road. In the fourth comming year Ecotrek Ballybunion will use for its day trips to beale and litter plastic lunch boxes and where possible plastic recycable bottles for reuse.

Toilets are located near the start of all tours visitors are ask to use them and wash hands with hot water, if a toilet is not in the vicinity bury all faecal waste etc in a hole 15-20cm deep at least 100 meters from a water source camp and tracks. Females are asked to not dump sanitary towels and other cosmetics, these are to be brought out of all natural areas not left there. Cover hole after with vegetation lying around.

Mountain Bikes

Vistors are requested not to leave bikes against trees or lying in hedges bike stands should be used at all times when bikes are no been mounted.

Leave Heritage and the Flora behind

Visitors are asked to leave heritage behind examine do not touch and not to pick the wild flowers in areas of protected nature please leave them behind.

Wildlife Conservation

Ecotrek Ballybunion supports the natural surroundings where the wildlife habitat is visitors are asked to refrain from feeding wildlife which would in turn cause them to be pests. Wildlife are to be seen in the distance not to be followed please respect wildlife the local wildlife code.

Food Storage
Dumping of scraps of food is prohibited on tours as this could lead to the death of wildlife who are not used to processed foods.

All foods must be kept in a solid plastic reusable container a disposed of in a eco friendly manner when returned from a tour.

Consideration to others on tour

Visitors are asked be considerate to landowners and other tours in progress and to take pictures and memories not the environment.

Mp3 players and loud music is not permitted so guest can enjoy the natural sounds of wildlife, no shouting or raised voices are to be heard.

Weather Conditions

Due the consistant change in Irish weather conditions it is advised that if the guide deems it appropreate the tour can be turned back on safety grounds continuing on in bad conditions will damaged the environment or could in certain circumstances lead to accidents and death.

Ecotrek Ballybunion Log Book

Vistors are requested to sign in to the log book prior to the tour both walking and cycling and are asked to record their visit into the area of nature and culture, this book will help in identifiyng other aspects for ecotourism, for future developments.

It is the responsiblity of all walkers to have their own personell insurance, Ecotrek Ballybunion excepts no libilities for acidents or injury while on tour.