August 2009

The PURE (Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments) Project is launching a new competition, ‘The PURE Mile’ to encourage communities to adopt a mile in their area.

‘The PURE Mile’ is an environmental initiative which aims to foster a greater appreciation and awareness of our country roadscapes by rewarding and acknowledging local community efforts.  This can be achieved through keeping a mile stretch of road (approx. 1.6 km), and the immediate environment litter/rubbish free, while simultaneously considering the preservation and careful maintenance of the flora and fauna, ditches, hedge-rows, and any other natural or man made features of the area. The simple act of clipping back a hedgerow on a dangerous bend, repairing or painting traditional gates, retaining stone walls and styles in good condition, identifying heritage features, and the regular picking up of litter and rubbish will benefit both local people and

The PURE Mile is open to all existing and new community and local groups, or a group of people living along the mile or in the area, a community or residents group, groups involved, or thinking of becoming involved, in Green Communities, a FÁS or Rural Social Scheme group.  Even Special Interest Groups, i.e., walking groups, cycling groups, etc., who utilise the upland areas of Wicklow are being encouraged to take part in the competition and adopt a Mile in the uplands.

There is €2,000 prize money and every entry will feature in the PURE Mile Calendar.