Donal Hickey: How to enjoy your outdoor walk while protecting wildlife and fragile ecosystems

Over-use of mountainous areas creates erosion, interferes with farming, and disturbs wildlife

Visitors to the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

As the holiday season moves into top gear, more and more people are savouring the varied delights of the countryside. The popularity of walks in places like Gougane Barra and the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, both Co Cork, as well as the Dingle Peninsula, in Co Kerry, grows.

Undoubtedly, more of us are attracted to the outdoors, certainly boosted by covid lockdowns, all of which raises questions and highlights issues.