Leave No Trace is an American initiative to educate and encourage users of the outdoors to converse, protect and minimise impact on the environment. 7 principles are urged:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
Whilst the principles tell nothing new, their teaching is growing amongst UK outdoor professionals.
I came across a wild camp today, and my blood instantly boiled. But dropping down, it wasn’t that bad. I’ve seen worse. A plastic bottle, broken chair, firepit, and, the biggest item, a brand-new erect tent. I can carry this lot back.
The tent was a Eurohike 200 pop-up type. Sold in a well-known outdoors shop (which shall remain nameless) for £25.
The problems started when trying to fold up the tent. A degree in origami is needed. I eventually gave up after managing to squash to a metre diameter. No wonder so many of these tents are thrown away after being used once for festivals. Or is that the idea — single-use?
So much for the outdoors shop ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ credentials.
What a waste of resources.
I nearly lost my new found kite on the walk back to Gribdale.
I had thought the campers had at least made a token effort of tidying up but then I came across their litter bag which had obviously not withstood the weight of empties and shredding by the heather. Top-tip: use a heavier gauge poly bag next time.
This was too much for me to tidy. I’ll have to make a return trip.
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