Responsible camping UK: countryside code guide

There are heaps of reasons why we’re huge fans of camping, but one of the biggest is that it’s an eco-friendly way to holiday. That’s super important to Camplify as a company - we always support responsible camping, and know that staycationing around your own country is a greener way to travel.

And we’re not the only ones who love camping in the UK: there’s been a big rise in these types of holidays over the past few years (a whopping 15.4 million camping and caravanning trips were taken in 2015 and it’s only gotten more popular!). But the knock-on effect of that is that more people camping means more people wild camping or opening pop-up campsites.

In theory, this is great – we always love to see more people taking to the road! But in practice, some campers’ behaviour, with increased rubbish and disturbance to local wildlife, has led to mounting concerns over camping’s effect on the environment.

So does this mean you shouldn’t go camping? Not at all! Go for low-impact and eco-friendly camping instead, where you can safeguard the environment by adopting “leave no trace” practices; following the Countryside Code; and being aware of guidelines and restrictions on legislation like the Scottish Land Reform Act and Outdoor Access Code.

Responsible camping in the UK is easy but vitally important, which is why we’ve put together this guide. Drop us a line if you have any questions!

Why is responsible camping so important?

As mentioned above, the increase in camping over the past few years has also led to an increase in concern about camping’s impact on the environment. Local councils such as Cumbria, home of the Lake District, have complained about issues like littering and campfire damage caused by groups of campers.

Camping responsibly is essential to a) preserve the local environment; and b) help foster a good reputation for camping and campers, so future access isn’t restricted.

How to camp responsibly – the “Leave No Trace” principles

“Leave No Trace” is exactly as it sounds: you should endeavour to leave no trace of your camping activity anywhere you stop.

The seven principles of Leave No Trace camping make an easy and effective way to make your trip eco friendly:

Plan ahead

Planning your trip and route in advance means you can camp safely without causing hassle to local rescue services; you’ll know if you can light a fire; and you can choose an overnight spot designed to have as little impact as possible. Planning ahead also means you’ve time to source eco-friendly camping gear, either by buying items (ethical clothing brands, wood-fuelled stoves etc), or by sourcing these secondhand on sites like eBay or Gumtree.

Our must-haves for wild camping blog has a full packing list of kit to look for.

Camp – and travel – on durable surfaces

Don’t disturb wildlife by crashing through wilderness in search of a shortcut or hidden camping spot. Stick to designated trails where possible, and move lightly and quietly: no shouting. Don’t camp too close to water as this will inhibit wildlife access, don’t stamp around in heavy boots, and don’t leave it to the last minute to find a place to camp.

Dispose properly of waste and rubbish

A pretty obvious one. Take all your rubbish with you, including sanitary waste like toilet paper or tampons, and bring a small trowel to bury human waste.

Leave whatever you find…

… and how you found it. Don’t pick flowers or plants, collect pine cones or pebbles, or make any permanent alteration to your campsite spot (for example, by clearing rocks from an area).

Minimise campfire impact

We recommend camp stoves over campfires as a much more eco-friendly way of cooking when camping. Don’t cut wood from living trees if you build a campfire, use a designated fire ring or fire pit where possible, and don’t build a fire next to rock outcrops as the black marks from it will stay for years.

Respect wildlife

Your camping environment is the home of animals, so please respect this. Don’t startle wild animals by making loud noise, going too close, going about in a big group or letting your dog run about off-lead. Don’t feed or leave food out for wild animals, and make sure you bag up all rubbish and scraps.

Be considerate of other campers

Opinions on what is and isn’t “considerate” tend to vary widely! But at a minimum you should: respect rules if staying on a campsite; avoid pitching too close to other campers; and keep the noise down, especially at night and very early in the morning.

The Countryside Code

Similarly, the UK’s Countryside Code lays out guidelines on acting responsibly while in the countryside. Its principles are:

• Respect other people – including giving way on paths, parking carefully and stopping for horses

• Protect the natural environment – including taking litter home, not having fires, keeping dogs under control, and bagging/binning dog waste

• Enjoy the countryside – plan ahead, give farm animals plenty of space, and tell someone at home where you’re planning to go.

The Scottish Land Reform Act and Outdoor Access Code

In the main, Leave No Trace and the Countryside Code are guidelines/principles rather than points of law, and are adaptable/usable anywhere in the world. But many principles on countryside conduct and outdoor access are enshrined in law in the UK, slightly differently for each part of the county.

In England and Wales, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW Act) from 2000 gives a public right of access to land mapped as “open country”, provided rules such as not disturbing livestock are followed. Northern Ireland has no legal framework for public access to open land.

But in Scotland, responsible camping principles are enshrined in law in the Scotland Land Reform Act and Outdoor Access Code, which allows public access to almost all land in the country under the principle of “right to roam”. (Certain parts of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are off-limits for wild camping; check the national park website for full details.)

This public access is conditional to certain standards that fit with a responsible camping ethos:

• Respect the interests of other people

• Care for the environment

• Take responsibility for your own actions.

Have a look at ourFree camping in the UK blog for more information on wild camping in Britain.

Responsible camping at festivals

Even at paid events like gigs and festivals, responsible camping principles apply to anyone bringing a tent/staying overnight. Gather up and bin your rubbish rather than leaving it for someone else to pick up (locate rubbish points when you arrive) and use the festival toilets rather than deciding you can’t be bothered queuing up.

Pack and take your tent home with you too, even if it’s a cheap one you intend to bin. Contrary to popular opinion, tents left on site aren’t packed up and given to charities –90% of abandoned festival tents end up in landfill.

Enjoy a responsible camping trip with Camplify

Wherever you plan to camp in the UK, it’s essential that you do it responsibly and greenly, respecting the relevant codes and leaving no trace… don’t litter, don’t disturb wildlife, and don’t be inconsiderate to other people. Please join us in helping to keep camping as an amazing activity!

It’s easy to try these principles out if you want to have your own responsible wild camping adventure. Hire a van from Camplify from almost anywhere in the country and get ready for an epic – and responsible – trip. Happy camping!

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