The great outdoors are free for everyone to enjoy, to reconnect with nature, escape from the daily grind, and relax. Hiking is being promoted by doctors as a way to not only keep fit but also improve mental health, and tree bathing has long been practiced in Japan for it's beneficial properties. However, humans are not the only creatures that roam our landscapes and take advantage of the nature's bounty. We often forget that long before we were here, the land belonged to the animals, and that humans with their modern advances and expansion often affect the natural world in detrimental way. This includes littering, sewage, wild fires, sound and light pollution amongst others, some of which we may not even be aware of doing. Therefore, in order to enjoy nature respectfully and preserve it for the future generations, the seven principles of leave no trace were created. Here's what they are about.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Proper planning helps minimise the risk to yourself but also to the environment. Before you set off on your adventure, check the local rules and regulations, including access rules and any alerts that may be in place (weather warnings, flood alerts, fire bans etc). If you plan to walk or camp on the moors, especially in Northumberland and County Durham, bear in mind that these are often grouse shooting moors, with restrictions in place to protect the ground nesting birds. The shooting season in the Cheviot hills starts on the 12th of August (the Glorious Twelve) and the valleys on the Scottish side (Sourhope, Rowhope, Heatherhope) are prime shooting areas for the Roxburgh estate. Make sure to check with the estate if you are planning a walk or a camp there. Deer stalking also happens in Scotland in the autumn, please check with the estate before venturing out especially if you are planning to walk away from the established paths. There is no shooting o Sundays. Visit in small groups (maximum 10-12 per walk, maximum 5 per wild camp) to minimise impact on the land and path erosion. Car share or use public transport to limit the impact on environment. Prepare for all emergencies, carry extra layers, waterproofs, a water filter, spare batteries, and extra food in case you get lost in the wild (one day's worth of meals). There are many online resources that can help plan a trip, below are a few that we find very useful:
- MWIS - Mountain Weather Information Service publishing detailed weather information and forecasts for the mountain areas in England, Scotland and Wales
- Hyperlocal weather - a good resource to look at the more local weather forecast, including a real time cloud and rain radar that can help plan a good camp
- Met Office - publishing accurate weather forecasts as well as flood, snow and high wind alerts for the entire country
- Light pollution map - handy to plan a stealthy camp and if you are planning to go stargazing.
- CROW and Coastal Access Maps - The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act ) gives a public right of access to land mapped as 'open country'. However, the landowners have the right to out restrictions in place to manage their use of the land. There’s a general rule that visitors using their open access rights must keep dogs on a short lead of no more than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July each year and at all times near livestock. These are published on this website which can be searched for a specific location, and they need to be adhered to. Other open land restrictions include no permission to ride a horse or bicycle, drive a vehicle, bring an animal other than a dog, camp, play organised games, hang-glide or paraglide, use a metal detector, run commercial activities, remove, damage, or destroy any plant, shrub, tree or root with intent, light, cause or risk a fire, damage hedges, fences, walls, crops or anything else on the land, leave gates open, that are not propped or fastened open, leave litter, disturb livestock, wildlife or habitats with intent, post any notices or commit any criminal offence.
- MOD - a large chunk of the Cheviot hills belongs to the Ministry of Defence. Shooting times on the ranges ae announced in advance, allowing to plan the access to the hills.
- Deer stalking information - Heading for the Scottish Hills website provides useful links and information about stalking activities in the Scottish Highlands including useful links and phone numbers you can use to confirm restrictions when planning your route.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Good camping areas are found not made - avoid making any alterations or damage to the site that you are planning to use. When travelling in the natural landscapes, yo should avoid damage to the land, foliage, or waterways when possible. Use established paths and access routes (if available). Camp on rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow, and avoid camping on boggy ground and areas with protected vegetation. Camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams to limit pollution and leave access for the wild life. When walking on established trail, walk in single file to prevent further erosion. When walking in undisturbed area, disperse to avoid creating a new trail.
Dispose of Waste Properly
The main rule for waste disposal when wild camping is "pack it in, pack it out". Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Do not burn your trash as it is likely to contain plastic and other contaminants. Do not leave stuff behind because it is considered organic and you think that it will just rot away. It takes up to two years for a banana skin to decompose, and paper towels can take years to fully decompose. Carry a trowel and deposit solid human waste in a hole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the hole when finished. Do not use the same hole twice! You can either bury toilet paper deep in a hole, burn it (safely) or pack the toilet paper out. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
Leave What You Find
Never scrape away or clean sites of organic litter (leaves, branches etc), and minimize the removal of rocks and gravel. When breaking camp, take time to naturalize the site. This will make it less discoverable for future campers, ensuring that varied sites are used and minimising erosion. Don't share your camp spots! Social media sharing is responsible for the erosion of many beautify spots and areas. Share your photos but do not give away the location. Cover scuffed areas with natural materials, brush out footprints, rake matted grassy areas with a stick before leaving. Leave all rocks, plants and natural or historic objects as you found them. Do not build structures or trenches. Avoid introducing non-native species. Bananas, oranges, apples and other fruit do not naturally grow on our moors and leaving this material behind can impact on the wild life in the are. When foraging for edible plants, be careful not to deplete the surviving vegetation or disturb rare or slow reproduction plants.
Minimise Campfire Impacts
Fire is a primeval thing, and there is nothing so comforting and so quintessentially "bushcraft" than cooking your dinner on a fire. However, campfires can cause lasting impacts on the environment. The natural appearance of many areas, especially the more popular sites in Scotland and Northumberland, has been degraded by the overuse of fires and increasing demand for firewood. Moreover, wildfires are largely created by humans, and during draughts and hot summers, camp fires should be avoided. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
If you need a fire, use established firepits, bring a fire bowl or off the ground firepan where fires are permitted. Respect local fire bans and restrictions. Keep your fires small. Avoid building fires next to rock outcrops where the black scars will remain for many years. Do not damage the trees, use only sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, and scatter the cool ashes. Do not burry the ashes unless they are cold, fires can smoulder underground, especially in the peaty areas such as the Northumbrian moors.
Respect Wildlife
When you're wild camping, you are in the natural habitat of many wild animals and should try to minimise your impact on them. Observe wild life from a distance. Do not feed wild animals. Control your pets at all times. Avoid disturbing wildlife during sensitive times, for example mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. If unsure, follow the local guidance and restrictions.
Be Considerate of Others
We all go to the great outdoors to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets, and damaged surroundings ruin that experience for other outdoor enthusiasts. Leave your boombox or the Bluetooth speaker at home, avoid loud noises and voices, instead, enjoy the sounds of the surrounding nature and the crackle of the fire. Keep your dog on the lead or under control at all times. Do not cut trees or tree branches, trample grasses or remove vegetation. Be courteous to others on the trail.
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