As hikers, wild campers, wild swimmers, paddle-boarders, fell-runners or any other kind of outdoor enthusiast, we each have a responsibility to the places that we pass through. No one is perfect, and all living things impact on their surroundings in some way. But we can make a huge difference by doing our best and making mindful decisions and choices
LEAVE NO TRACE (LNT)
The Leave No Trace ethic means that everything that we bring into the wild, goes back home with us. I take a small bag for rubbish, and a backup bag in case it splits. Every bit of waste goes into this - including food scraps. It's really not ok to litter with organic substances such as orange or banana peel either. Aside from footprints in the mud or a small, slightly flattened patch of grass where your tent was, there should be no evidence that you were ever there.
DON'T HAVE FIRES IN NATIONAL PARKS
National parks are not the place for a fire. They can be a hazard in hot or dry conditions and they scorch the ground, breaking the LNT ethic. I do sometimes have a small, contained fire outside of the national parks in my local woodland - providing conditions are suitable. I use a small fire pit or a fire box to raise the fire off the ground and contain it. This is the most responsible way to have a fire. If you choose to have a fire on the ground, learn and use correct and safe fire procedure and again, leave no trace - there should be no sign of it after.
BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU'RE STANDING ON
Sometimes, (or often, in the more remote areas) paths marked on maps are so overgrown that they no longer exist. Or, a right of way may exist where there is no path. Sometimes, we have to come off trails for various reasons; to pitch for the night, to go to the toilet, or to reach a better path. The animals leave small tracks and trails everywhere - follow the numerous game trails instead of treading directly on foliage. And lift your feet so as not to scuff the ground.
GOING TO THE LOO
When nature calls, find a spot at least 60m from water sources and trails, and use a lightweight trowel to dig a cathole at least 15-20cm deep. After going to the loo, fill the hole in with the soil that came out of it. Maybe stick a rock on top of it too. Do not bury tissues or wipes - these should all go home with you in your rubbish bag. Clean your hands with alcohol after going to the loo.
PROTECTING THE WILDLIFE
Admire animals from a distance and never approach them. Keep extra distance from mothers with their young. Don't try to hold or handle small creatures such as newts, they don't like it. Don't feed wild animals - they don't need it and it can harm them. Close gates behind you
PROTECTING THE WATER
Be mindful and consider not entering wild water if you have bug sprays, sunscreens or lotions applied to your skin, or chemical styling products in your hair. If you plan to be in the water, consider using natural self-care alternatives in the leadup to your trip, and using an eco-friendly formula to wash swim clothes and swim shoes at home between trips.
Where possible, I like to use coconut oil (don't use this on bare skin in the sun as oils can make you burn), natural salt or charcoal deodorants and pure aloe vera gel in place of more artificial self care products. These things can really help to reduce your chemical load, if you're interested in that kinda thing
RESPECT OTHERS
We all head into the wild to get away from it all. Don't play loud music, and don't play music at all if you're around other people - use headphones. Be courteous and stand aside on trails to let others pass. Camp away from other people and try not to be visible from trails. Camping in large, noisy groups can be disruptive. Most importantly, leave the wild exactly as you would wish to find it.
GO THE EXTRA MILE
Please consider picking up any litter that you might find along the way, if it is safe to do so
GORGE WALKING
There is a code of conduct for gorge walking. Always read signs and information about the gorge that you'll be travelling in - there might be areas of rare species that need to be avoided
The Leave No Trace ethic means that everything that we bring into the wild, goes back home with us. I take a small bag for rubbish, and a backup bag in case it splits. Every bit of waste goes into this - including food scraps. It's really not ok to litter with organic substances such as orange or banana peel either. Aside from footprints in the mud or a small, slightly flattened patch of grass where your tent was, there should be no evidence that you were ever there.
DON'T HAVE FIRES IN NATIONAL PARKS
National parks are not the place for a fire. They can be a hazard in hot or dry conditions and they scorch the ground, breaking the LNT ethic. I do sometimes have a small, contained fire outside of the national parks in my local woodland - providing conditions are suitable. I use a small fire pit or a fire box to raise the fire off the ground and contain it. This is the most responsible way to have a fire. If you choose to have a fire on the ground, learn and use correct and safe fire procedure and again, leave no trace - there should be no sign of it after.
BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU'RE STANDING ON
Sometimes, (or often, in the more remote areas) paths marked on maps are so overgrown that they no longer exist. Or, a right of way may exist where there is no path. Sometimes, we have to come off trails for various reasons; to pitch for the night, to go to the toilet, or to reach a better path. The animals leave small tracks and trails everywhere - follow the numerous game trails instead of treading directly on foliage. And lift your feet so as not to scuff the ground.
GOING TO THE LOO
When nature calls, find a spot at least 60m from water sources and trails, and use a lightweight trowel to dig a cathole at least 15-20cm deep. After going to the loo, fill the hole in with the soil that came out of it. Maybe stick a rock on top of it too. Do not bury tissues or wipes - these should all go home with you in your rubbish bag. Clean your hands with alcohol after going to the loo.
PROTECTING THE WILDLIFE
Admire animals from a distance and never approach them. Keep extra distance from mothers with their young. Don't try to hold or handle small creatures such as newts, they don't like it. Don't feed wild animals - they don't need it and it can harm them. Close gates behind you
PROTECTING THE WATER
Be mindful and consider not entering wild water if you have bug sprays, sunscreens or lotions applied to your skin, or chemical styling products in your hair. If you plan to be in the water, consider using natural self-care alternatives in the leadup to your trip, and using an eco-friendly formula to wash swim clothes and swim shoes at home between trips.
Where possible, I like to use coconut oil (don't use this on bare skin in the sun as oils can make you burn), natural salt or charcoal deodorants and pure aloe vera gel in place of more artificial self care products. These things can really help to reduce your chemical load, if you're interested in that kinda thing
RESPECT OTHERS
We all head into the wild to get away from it all. Don't play loud music, and don't play music at all if you're around other people - use headphones. Be courteous and stand aside on trails to let others pass. Camp away from other people and try not to be visible from trails. Camping in large, noisy groups can be disruptive. Most importantly, leave the wild exactly as you would wish to find it.
GO THE EXTRA MILE
Please consider picking up any litter that you might find along the way, if it is safe to do so
GORGE WALKING
There is a code of conduct for gorge walking. Always read signs and information about the gorge that you'll be travelling in - there might be areas of rare species that need to be avoided
All Content Copyright © Claire | WildBeare
I am not on TikTok - all TikTok profiles with my name are fakes. There are also many scammers pretending to be me on Facebook and YouTube. The links above are the official and only real WildBeare social media accounts