Abstract

The project explores methodologies available to managers of long-distance walking routes in Ireland for the management of the local environment, environmental- and landscape- assessment. Grassroots participatory GIS and field surveys are utilised throughout. There is no existing surveying methodology of this type in Ireland, and this presents the opportunity to develop such a scheme.

The Waymarked Ways are a network of walking routes. They are managed locally, often by voluntary groups with local authority involvement, and are overseen by the National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee (part of the Irish Sports Council).

The paper discusses ongoing work the Burren Way. A questionnaire study of users profiled respondents, then examined attitudes to the local environment and conditions on the trail.

Data from the landscape character survey of the catchment is used with a collaborative planning approach to examine user preferences and attitudes. Results suggest that users access the trail by car, driving from a start point within County Clare. Parking is therefore of importance in identifying where walkers’ activity is concentrated.

The Grassroots GIS system has been developed as a means of managing a local resource by the local community, but for the benefit of local, national and international users.