On a bright April 21st morning 19 Ramblers gathered at the Ard Ri complex Blessington to begin the first environmental walk along the Greenway and round Russborough House and returning to Blessington. The emphasis was on the effect of humans on the environment. Blessington was built only a few centuries ago and the biggest gold chest plate was found there, dating from the 2,000 BC. Human habitation has an effect on the environment. The lakes are man made since the early 1940s. Russburough House is a Palladian building which landscaped the surroundings to give the best possible views. We named as many trees and plants as possible and took in a few birds as well. We wandered around the lake and had drum up at the boating spot just before Russborough House. We walked around the grounds and then some of the party during a comfort break disappeared until we returned from the Rhodedendron walk. On rejoining we returned to Blessington by the direct route.