Upcoming DMP Events Volunteer Forestry Family Fun Day - Sunday 18th September work with An action packed fun day in the forest for all the family. There will be a range of different activi- ties to try out such as den building, mountain biking, orienteering, string trail, field archery, slack- lining, cross-cutting, giant wooden puzzles, tree identification. Be prepared to get dirty and have the DMP lots of fun! Raingear and wellies recommended!!

National Trails Day - Sunday The DMP hosted two corporate 2nd October volunteer days in the The DMP will be hosting some events for Mountains. National Trails Day. Check out the huge range of events taking place all over the country to celebrate our walking, cycling & water trails. See www.nationaltrailsday.ie for more information.

VISITOR DATA INFORMATION

Word of mouth reports would suggest that visitor numbers and usage of the recreation trails

in the Dublin Mountains is increasing year on year. Especially as the facilities improve, and with increasing recognition of the health benefits of walking and exercise and the valuable resource on Dublin‘s doorstep. Visitor counters have been erected at a number of sites across the Dublin Mountains to give some idea of the number of visits to the trails. At pre- sent there are 3 counters in place, one on the mountain bike trail and two on walking trails in The DMP is keen to build meaningful Cruagh and . A quick summary of the data shows that, on average, there are partnerships with a range of key stake- 34 visits to Cruagh per weekday reaching a peak of 131 visits on Sundays, and 59 visits per holders. It also highlights the contribu- weekday and 145 visits on a Sunday at Kilmashogue. The mountain bike trail shows an tion we make to local communities and how we can facilitate others in making average of 44 visits on a weekday and over 100 visits at the weekends. We will continue to that contribution across the country. collect the data over the coming months. Welcome to Trailhead — Summer 2011 Issue For the third year running, a team of 12 volunteers from Google Serve put on One of the most encouraging developments relating helped develop and put in place our very popular their outdoor clothing and boots, and to the work of the Dublin Mountains Partnership over permanent orienteering courses, while members of the headed up to the mountains to help the last few years has been the establishment of a Irish Mountain Running Association have helped run the with some trail maintenance. strong volunteering community of people willing to ever growing Dublin Mountain Plod.

assist in the management and protection of our Dublin The project involved installing water bars along a section of the Dublin forests and mountains. Research has shown that volunteering in the outdoors Mountaineer Mountains Way/Wicklow Way. makes a positive contribution to peoples health, both Volunteering in the outdoors is an activity that contributes physical and mental. Volunteers report feeling a sense of in many ways, not only to the environment, but also achievement and accomplishment which improves self Bus Service benefiting the volunteer, who gives of their time freely esteem and worth, while working outside is shown to because of a love of the outdoors. Volunteers speak lessen anxiety and stress. Volunteering is also just fun! The Dublin Mountaineer bus service was in operation once again from the end April to the end enthusiastically about the days they spend in the outdoors of June. There were 3 services from Sandyford Luas (10:00, 12:30, 15:45) and 3 services from as rangers, working on trails, leading walks and events or With decreasing resources available from national and Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght (11:00, 13:15, 16:55) at weekends and bank holidays, servicing 9 doing other conservation work. local government funds, volunteering for the outdoors stops across the Dublin Mountains. A hop on hop off daily ticket cost €5 or a family ticket was makes a positive contribution to managing recreation.

€12. Despite the change in months of operation (following a user survey) visitor usage numbers In the Dublin mountains, our volunteer ranger service Volunteering builds connections between recreation were low. The service will be reviewed and a decision will be made before the end of the year have given over 5,552 hours since their formation, much users and the local community and with the recreation as to whether it will operate again in 2012. of this time at weekends when we have the most usage of resource encouraging a greater sense of ownership, our forests, mountains and trails. Volunteers from involvement and participation in managing and protecting Mountain Meitheal have constructed over 1.2km of new the hills. The DMP will shortly be announcing an adopt a Another team of 14 volunteers from the and sustainable trails on the Cruagh Mountain Access trail programme and adopt a forest scheme. If you thought Ritz Carlton Powerscourt Hotel Route, Fairy Castle Trail and the Cruagh Link Trail. about volunteering maybe now is a good time to get Contact Us joined the DMP to help improve the trails in Wood. The crew Volunteers from the Irish Orienteering Association have involved! Tel 01 201 1187 DMP Manager helped cut back vegetation along the Email [email protected] c/o Coillte trails, install some more waymarker Web www.dublinmountains.ie Dublin Road posts and tidy up around the car park Newtownmountkennedy area. Thanks to all the volunteers who Co. Wicklow came out and helped.

THE NEWSLETTER FROM THE DUBLIN MOUNTAINS PARTNERSHIP www.dublinmountains.ie Ticknock Mountain Bike Trail Opening - 8th May dlr Red Some DMP Events held so far…. climbs lead the rider into twisty singletrack with and 170 adults took part in the racing which was big grade reversals, technical rocky bits and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Well done and Squirrel loads of ups and downs. thanks to biking.ie for organising such a superb event on behalf of the DMP. The project has been hailed as a welcome development by the mountain bike community The trails, are proving very popular with cyclists, Conservation and other recreation users. The trails were with an average of 495 visits per week. One designed by the Coillte Recreation Team on enthusiast wrote: ―I don't often bother sending behalf of the partnership, and are getting rave emails like this, but I though I would Project reviews by the biking community. The new trails congratulate DMP and Coillte on the Ticknock are a very exciting and important addition to the mountain bike trail. I used to ride the trails up outdoor recreation infrastructure in the Dublin there before the track was built, and I was Mountains and will provide a wonderful resource worried about what sort of track would be DUBLIN MOUNTAIN PLOD 53DEGREES NORTH WALKING DMP GUIDED WALKS for the citizens of Dublin and tourists alike. built. But with the ample car parking and FESTIVAL Pictured above: An Cathaoirleach, DLRCC, excellent track, I think you did a great job.‖ 17th July, Dublin Mountains Cllr. Lettie McCarthy, Minister for Transport, Speaking at the event, Minister Varadkar said: 11th-17th April The DMP volunteer ranger Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar T.D., and Bill ―Activity tourism and outdoor recreation play a For more information and a map of the trail see Over 200 runners took part in the guided walks are proving as Murphy, DMP/Coillte. www.dublinmountains.ie – Recreation sites – vital role in attracting visitors from abroad, and 2nd Dublin Mountain Plod half Sunday 17th April saw the first 53 popular as ever, and, to date in Ticknock MTB trails. from across Ireland. Along with the other trails marathon, which started in Mar- degrees North Walking Festival in 2011, 12 walks have been held On the 8th May 2011, Minister Leo Varadkar TD, and facilities already developed in the forests of lay Park and looped up Tibrad- the Dublin Mountains. This week- with over 200 participants. Many Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport opened the Dublin mountains, this new trail is a major den Lane, through Massy‘s long festival included a number of see them as a good introduction the first 8km section of purpose built mountain boost to Dublin as a destination. Wood, Cruagh forest, across events in the two stores such as to hiking and the variety of routes bike trail at Ticknock Forest Recreation Area Hiking and biking trails bring economic benefits before head- an expo night with information on available in the Dublin Mountains. near Sandyford. to an area, but there are also considerable ing down the Wicklow Way to a range of walking based activi- The volunteer rangers try to give

health benefits. This is a fantastic new Kilmashogue and back to Marlay ties (at which the DMP had an as much information as possible It is the first official, purpose built mountain bike recreational and tourism resource on the Park. The distance of 21km information stand), Adventure about hiking and the features you trail in the Dublin Mountains. The trails are doorstep of our capital city.‖ included 820m of climb! This Cinema evening, and a lecture by might encounter along the route. designated for use by mountain bikes on a year‘s winner was Aengus Burke Sir Chris Bonnington. Booking is essential on these waymarked circular route. The trails take the The programme of events lined up on the day, There are two species of squir- who completed the race in a time hikes which are advertised on the rider through beautiful forest and heathland with included a number of races along the trail for of 1hr 28min 41sec. Well done to The week culminated with a website. Why not come out and fantastic views over Dublin City and Bay, and children and adults, the fourth event of the very rel in Ireland, the red squirrel all who finished the race. A big range of themed walks on the give it a try! the beyond. Forest road successful Biking Blitz series. Over 50 children thank you to IMRA, the DMP Sunday, many of which were led and the grey squirrel. The red volunteer rangers and Gardai for by the DMP volunteer rangers A quote from one happy walker: all their help in organising and and Mountaineering Ireland lead- ―I just wanted to pass on my is native, but is undergoing marshalling the event. Thanks to ers. Over 200 people took part in thanks to Bill and Evin for yester- Basecamp for sponsoring the these guided walks which in- day's guided walk. It was really a steady decline across the prizes. All money raised during cluded navigation skills, beginner, enjoyable. Lovely group of people this event will be used to continue intermediate and advanced hikes too. I hope to be able to make country. upgrading sections of trail in the and a family walk. another walk in October.‖ Dublin Mountains. Bouldering

This is largely due to the introduction of the

grey squirrel, which came to Ireland from North America in 1911. Grey squirrels do Trail News Update not injure or kill red squirrels, but their larger VOLUNTEER RANGER SERVICE size, more prolific breeding and more varied diet allow them to out-compete red squirrels As part of its programme to provide an enhanced The role will be in broadleaved woodland. Grey squirrels recreation experience for the users of the Dublin of interest to TWO NEW LOOPED WALKS: with the new link from Tallaght our TV screens again, being can also carry2 the squirrel poxvirus, which Mountains, the DMP operates a Volunteer Ranger people who are through Kiltipper Park which featured on RTE1 Nationwide. does not harm them, but causes a high rate The DMP has erected two new makes it very accessible (again The series interviewed some Service. At present, there is a team of 20 enthu- attracted to of deaths in reds. Since its introduction, the trailhead information boards follow the Dublin Mountains walkers from the local Shan- siastic and committed volunteers, who do excel- working in the Bouldering is a style of rock climb- grey squirrel has caused considerable dam- and signage waymarking two Way markers). The maps can ganagh Ramblers hiking along lent work in the Dublin Mountains. Recruitment of outdoors and ing without a rope on large rock new looped walks. The Rath- be downloaded from the web- the Dublin Mountains Way in age to trees and woodlands with its persis- outcrops or boulders. It is normally additional volunteers to the current team is under- who enjoy deal- michael Walk is a 1.7km looped site www.dublinmountains.ie – where they tent bark stripping. limited to short climbs, with climb- walk around the lovely mixed Recreation Sites. also met DMP manager, Karen way. ing with the ers rarely going above 3-5metres. woodland of Rathmichael re- Woods, and two of the volun- Small populations of red squirrels are living public and be- A crash mat or bouldering mat is warding the walker with stun- DUBLIN MOUNTAINS WAY— teer rangers. The duties undertaken by volunteer rangers in- typically placed on the ground so in the woodlands0 in Hill Park, and ing of service in ning views along the Dublin/ FEATHERBEDS: clude assisting visitors to the DMP area, leading that a fall will not result in a serious the forests in the Dublin Mountains. As part a recreation Wicklow coastline. This looped MASSY‘S ESTATE NATURE and helping with DMP organised events, promot- injury. There are two good loca- walk is easily accessible from Work will commence shortly on TRAIL: of the red squirrel conservation project, Dun type environ- tions in the Dublin Mountains for ing responsible use through the Leave No Trace Shankill by following the Dublin building a new section of trail Laoghaire Rathdown County Council‘s ment. Full train- bouldering at the tors on Three Mountains Way markers until for the Dublin Mountains Way The nature trail will be rein- Programme within the DMP area and providing Parks Service is working with Coillte, DMP, ing will be provided. Rock and the Scalp. Three Rock you reach Rathmichael Wood, through the Featherbeds Forest stated in Massy‘s Estate wood support to the DMP full-time staff. Volunteer rang- is good for those just starting out in NPWS and public and private landowners in a distance of 1.3km. near Killakee. The forest was very shortly. This is a lovely ers are expected to commit to at least two days a If you think you might be interested in such a role, bouldering, while the Scalp offers felled earlier in the summer wood with a wealth of interest- the surrounding areas to protect these habi- more testing challenges. All you month. all you need to do is to log on to the DMP website, The longer Upper Reservoir along this section of the route ing tree species and historical tats from the grey squirrel. need are climbing shoes, chalk Loop around the Bohern- and the old track is no longer features which will be described 1 and click on the link ‗Volunteer Ranger Service‘, bag and bouldering mat. Thanks abreena Reservoir is an 8.7km visible. A sustainable, low along the nature trail route. What can you do? If you have seen a red where you can download an application form. to David Flanagan, author of the loop with lovely views over the maintenance turnpike trail will The tree identification plaques or grey squirrel in your garden, local park or The closing date for applications is the 30th Sep- Short Span for allowing us to post Glenasmole valley. This walk be constructed through here will also be repaired. The infor- tember. www.dublinmountains.ie the bouldering problems at the also provides an insight into the and should be complete before mation booklet will be available forest or in the general area, please log onto Dublin sites on the DMP website fascinating history of water the end of the year. Please to download from the website. www.dlrcoco.ie/parks to register your (www.dublinmountains.ie/ provision for Dublin city. More follow the diversion signs until prior to your visit. sighting. For further information please activities/) and more people are venturing this work is completed. contact Joann Breen, [email protected]. out to the Glenasmole Valley The Dublin Mountains Way hit 1 Ticknock Mountain Bike Trail Opening - 8th May dlr Red Some DMP Events held so far…. climbs lead the rider into twisty singletrack with and 170 adults took part in the racing which was big grade reversals, technical rocky bits and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Well done and Squirrel loads of ups and downs. thanks to biking.ie for organising such a superb event on behalf of the DMP. The project has been hailed as a welcome development by the mountain bike community The trails, are proving very popular with cyclists, Conservation and other recreation users. The trails were with an average of 495 visits per week. One designed by the Coillte Recreation Team on enthusiast wrote: ―I don't often bother sending behalf of the partnership, and are getting rave emails like this, but I though I would Project reviews by the biking community. The new trails congratulate DMP and Coillte on the Ticknock are a very exciting and important addition to the mountain bike trail. I used to ride the trails up outdoor recreation infrastructure in the Dublin there before the track was built, and I was Mountains and will provide a wonderful resource worried about what sort of track would be DUBLIN MOUNTAIN PLOD 53DEGREES NORTH WALKING DMP GUIDED WALKS for the citizens of Dublin and tourists alike. built. But with the ample car parking and FESTIVAL Pictured above: An Cathaoirleach, DLRCC, excellent track, I think you did a great job.‖ 17th July, Dublin Mountains Cllr. Lettie McCarthy, Minister for Transport, Speaking at the event, Minister Varadkar said: 11th-17th April The DMP volunteer ranger Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar T.D., and Bill ―Activity tourism and outdoor recreation play a For more information and a map of the trail see Over 200 runners took part in the guided walks are proving as Murphy, DMP/Coillte. www.dublinmountains.ie – Recreation sites – vital role in attracting visitors from abroad, and 2nd Dublin Mountain Plod half Sunday 17th April saw the first 53 popular as ever, and, to date in Ticknock MTB trails. from across Ireland. Along with the other trails marathon, which started in Mar- degrees North Walking Festival in 2011, 12 walks have been held On the 8th May 2011, Minister Leo Varadkar TD, and facilities already developed in the forests of lay Park and looped up Tibrad- the Dublin Mountains. This week- with over 200 participants. Many Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport opened the Dublin mountains, this new trail is a major den Lane, through Massy‘s long festival included a number of see them as a good introduction the first 8km section of purpose built mountain boost to Dublin as a destination. Wood, Cruagh forest, across events in the two stores such as to hiking and the variety of routes bike trail at Ticknock Forest Recreation Area Hiking and biking trails bring economic benefits Tibradden Mountain before head- an expo night with information on available in the Dublin Mountains. near Sandyford. to an area, but there are also considerable ing down the Wicklow Way to a range of walking based activi- The volunteer rangers try to give

health benefits. This is a fantastic new Kilmashogue and back to Marlay ties (at which the DMP had an as much information as possible It is the first official, purpose built mountain bike recreational and tourism resource on the Park. The distance of 21km information stand), Adventure about hiking and the features you trail in the Dublin Mountains. The trails are doorstep of our capital city.‖ included 820m of climb! This Cinema evening, and a lecture by might encounter along the route. designated for use by mountain bikes on a year‘s winner was Aengus Burke Sir Chris Bonnington. Booking is essential on these waymarked circular route. The trails take the The programme of events lined up on the day, There are two species of squir- who completed the race in a time hikes which are advertised on the rider through beautiful forest and heathland with included a number of races along the trail for of 1hr 28min 41sec. Well done to The week culminated with a website. Why not come out and fantastic views over Dublin City and Bay, and children and adults, the fourth event of the very rel in Ireland, the red squirrel all who finished the race. A big range of themed walks on the give it a try! the Wicklow Mountains beyond. Forest road successful Biking Blitz series. Over 50 children thank you to IMRA, the DMP Sunday, many of which were led and the grey squirrel. The red volunteer rangers and Gardai for by the DMP volunteer rangers A quote from one happy walker: all their help in organising and and Mountaineering Ireland lead- ―I just wanted to pass on my is native, but is undergoing marshalling the event. Thanks to ers. Over 200 people took part in thanks to Bill and Evin for yester- Basecamp for sponsoring the these guided walks which in- day's guided walk. It was really a steady decline across the prizes. All money raised during cluded navigation skills, beginner, enjoyable. Lovely group of people this event will be used to continue intermediate and advanced hikes too. I hope to be able to make country. upgrading sections of trail in the and a family walk. another walk in October.‖ Dublin Mountains. Bouldering

This is largely due to the introduction of the

grey squirrel, which came to Ireland from North America in 1911. Grey squirrels do Trail News Update not injure or kill red squirrels, but their larger VOLUNTEER RANGER SERVICE size, more prolific breeding and more varied diet allow them to out-compete red squirrels As part of its programme to provide an enhanced The role will be in broadleaved woodland. Grey squirrels recreation experience for the users of the Dublin of interest to TWO NEW LOOPED WALKS: with the new link from Tallaght our TV screens again, being can also carry2 the squirrel poxvirus, which Mountains, the DMP operates a Volunteer Ranger people who are through Kiltipper Park which featured on RTE1 Nationwide. does not harm them, but causes a high rate The DMP has erected two new makes it very accessible (again The series interviewed some Service. At present, there is a team of 20 enthu- attracted to of deaths in reds. Since its introduction, the trailhead information boards follow the Dublin Mountains walkers from the local Shan- siastic and committed volunteers, who do excel- working in the Bouldering is a style of rock climb- grey squirrel has caused considerable dam- and signage waymarking two Way markers). The maps can ganagh Ramblers hiking along lent work in the Dublin Mountains. Recruitment of outdoors and ing without a rope on large rock new looped walks. The Rath- be downloaded from the web- the Dublin Mountains Way in age to trees and woodlands with its persis- outcrops or boulders. It is normally additional volunteers to the current team is under- who enjoy deal- michael Walk is a 1.7km looped site www.dublinmountains.ie – Carrickgollogan where they tent bark stripping. limited to short climbs, with climb- walk around the lovely mixed Recreation Sites. also met DMP manager, Karen way. ing with the ers rarely going above 3-5metres. woodland of Rathmichael re- Woods, and two of the volun- Small populations of red squirrels are living public and be- A crash mat or bouldering mat is warding the walker with stun- DUBLIN MOUNTAINS WAY— teer rangers. The duties undertaken by volunteer rangers in- typically placed on the ground so in the woodlands0 in Killiney Hill Park, and ing of service in ning views along the Dublin/ FEATHERBEDS: clude assisting visitors to the DMP area, leading that a fall will not result in a serious the forests in the Dublin Mountains. As part a recreation Wicklow coastline. This looped MASSY‘S ESTATE NATURE and helping with DMP organised events, promot- injury. There are two good loca- walk is easily accessible from Work will commence shortly on TRAIL: of the red squirrel conservation project, Dun type environ- tions in the Dublin Mountains for ing responsible use through the Leave No Trace Shankill by following the Dublin building a new section of trail Laoghaire Rathdown County Council‘s ment. Full train- bouldering at the tors on Three Mountains Way markers until for the Dublin Mountains Way The nature trail will be rein- Programme within the DMP area and providing Parks Service is working with Coillte, DMP, ing will be provided. Rock and the Scalp. Three Rock you reach Rathmichael Wood, through the Featherbeds Forest stated in Massy‘s Estate wood support to the DMP full-time staff. Volunteer rang- is good for those just starting out in NPWS and public and private landowners in a distance of 1.3km. near Killakee. The forest was very shortly. This is a lovely ers are expected to commit to at least two days a If you think you might be interested in such a role, bouldering, while the Scalp offers felled earlier in the summer wood with a wealth of interest- the surrounding areas to protect these habi- more testing challenges. All you month. all you need to do is to log on to the DMP website, The longer Upper Reservoir along this section of the route ing tree species and historical tats from the grey squirrel. need are climbing shoes, chalk Loop around the Bohern- and the old track is no longer features which will be described 1 and click on the link ‗Volunteer Ranger Service‘, bag and bouldering mat. Thanks abreena Reservoir is an 8.7km visible. A sustainable, low along the nature trail route. What can you do? If you have seen a red where you can download an application form. to David Flanagan, author of the loop with lovely views over the maintenance turnpike trail will The tree identification plaques or grey squirrel in your garden, local park or The closing date for applications is the 30th Sep- Short Span for allowing us to post Glenasmole valley. This walk be constructed through here will also be repaired. The infor- tember. www.dublinmountains.ie the bouldering problems at the also provides an insight into the and should be complete before mation booklet will be available forest or in the general area, please log onto Dublin sites on the DMP website fascinating history of water the end of the year. Please to download from the website. www.dlrcoco.ie/parks to register your (www.dublinmountains.ie/ provision for Dublin city. More follow the diversion signs until prior to your visit. sighting. For further information please activities/) and more people are venturing this work is completed. contact Joann Breen, [email protected]. out to the Glenasmole Valley The Dublin Mountains Way hit 1

Upcoming DMP Events Volunteer Forestry Family Fun Day - Sunday 18th September work with An action packed fun day in the forest for all the family. There will be a range of different activi- ties to try out such as den building, mountain biking, orienteering, string trail, field archery, slack- lining, cross-cutting, giant wooden puzzles, tree identification. Be prepared to get dirty and have the DMP lots of fun! Raingear and wellies recommended!!

National Trails Day - Sunday The DMP hosted two corporate 2nd October volunteer days in the Dublin The DMP will be hosting some events for Mountains. National Trails Day. Check out the huge range of events taking place all over the country to celebrate our walking, cycling & water trails. See www.nationaltrailsday.ie for more information.

VISITOR DATA INFORMATION

Word of mouth reports would suggest that visitor numbers and usage of the recreation trails

in the Dublin Mountains is increasing year on year. Especially as the facilities improve, and with increasing recognition of the health benefits of walking and exercise and the valuable resource on Dublin‘s doorstep. Visitor counters have been erected at a number of sites across the Dublin Mountains to give some idea of the number of visits to the trails. At pre- sent there are 3 counters in place, one on the mountain bike trail and two on walking trails in The DMP is keen to build meaningful Cruagh and Kilmashogue. A quick summary of the data shows that, on average, there are partnerships with a range of key stake- 34 visits to Cruagh per weekday reaching a peak of 131 visits on Sundays, and 59 visits per holders. It also highlights the contribu- weekday and 145 visits on a Sunday at Kilmashogue. The mountain bike trail shows an tion we make to local communities and how we can facilitate others in making average of 44 visits on a weekday and over 100 visits at the weekends. We will continue to that contribution across the country. collect the data over the coming months. Welcome to Trailhead — Summer 2011 Issue For the third year running, a team of 12 volunteers from Google Serve put on One of the most encouraging developments relating helped develop and put in place our very popular their outdoor clothing and boots, and to the work of the Dublin Mountains Partnership over permanent orienteering courses, while members of the headed up to the mountains to help the last few years has been the establishment of a Irish Mountain Running Association have helped run the with some trail maintenance. strong volunteering community of people willing to ever growing Dublin Mountain Plod.

assist in the management and protection of our Dublin The project involved installing water bars along a section of the Dublin forests and mountains. Research has shown that volunteering in the outdoors Mountaineer Mountains Way/Wicklow Way. makes a positive contribution to peoples health, both Volunteering in the outdoors is an activity that contributes physical and mental. Volunteers report feeling a sense of in many ways, not only to the environment, but also achievement and accomplishment which improves self Bus Service benefiting the volunteer, who gives of their time freely esteem and worth, while working outside is shown to because of a love of the outdoors. Volunteers speak lessen anxiety and stress. Volunteering is also just fun! The Dublin Mountaineer bus service was in operation once again from the end April to the end enthusiastically about the days they spend in the outdoors of June. There were 3 services from Sandyford Luas (10:00, 12:30, 15:45) and 3 services from as rangers, working on trails, leading walks and events or With decreasing resources available from national and Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght (11:00, 13:15, 16:55) at weekends and bank holidays, servicing 9 doing other conservation work. local government funds, volunteering for the outdoors stops across the Dublin Mountains. A hop on hop off daily ticket cost €5 or a family ticket was makes a positive contribution to managing recreation.

€12. Despite the change in months of operation (following a user survey) visitor usage numbers In the Dublin mountains, our volunteer ranger service Volunteering builds connections between recreation were low. The service will be reviewed and a decision will be made before the end of the year have given over 5,552 hours since their formation, much users and the local community and with the recreation as to whether it will operate again in 2012. of this time at weekends when we have the most usage of resource encouraging a greater sense of ownership, our forests, mountains and trails. Volunteers from involvement and participation in managing and protecting Mountain Meitheal have constructed over 1.2km of new the hills. The DMP will shortly be announcing an adopt a Another team of 14 volunteers from the and sustainable trails on the Cruagh Mountain Access trail programme and adopt a forest scheme. If you thought Ritz Carlton Powerscourt Hotel Route, Fairy Castle Trail and the Cruagh Link Trail. about volunteering maybe now is a good time to get Contact Us joined the DMP to help improve the trails in Barnaslingan Wood. The crew Volunteers from the Irish Orienteering Association have involved! Tel 01 201 1187 DMP Manager helped cut back vegetation along the Email [email protected] c/o Coillte trails, install some more waymarker Web www.dublinmountains.ie Dublin Road posts and tidy up around the car park Newtownmountkennedy area. Thanks to all the volunteers who Co. Wicklow came out and helped.

THE NEWSLETTER FROM THE DUBLIN MOUNTAINS PARTNERSHIP www.dublinmountains.ie