Environment

Paddling gives us the opportunity to connect with some of Ireland’s most valuable natural environments, but our activities can also have an impact on the waterways we enjoy. Paddlers can unintentionally contribute to the spread of invasive species through boats, equipment, clothing and footwear, while launching, landing and moving along shorelines can contribute to bank erosion, sedimentation and damage to aquatic habitats. Disturbance to riverbeds, the introduction of microplastics, and disruption to wildlife such as nesting birds or seal colonies can also affect the health of our waterways.

By understanding these impacts and taking simple steps to reduce them, paddlers can play an important role in protecting Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal environments. Explore the resources below to learn how you can minimise your impact and help preserve our waterways for future generations.