UK Ferry Tickets

Going camping is a pastime that many individuals in the UK enjoy, myself included. Whether it’s weekends in the Peak District or a week long excursion to France or Italy, camping is great for the mind, body and soul… but not so much for the environment. It’s ironic that we think that we’re getting back to nature but in actual fact are damaging and degrading it instead. So many campers make fundamental mistakes, all of which are usually caused because they just don’t think rather than a deliberate flaunting of their power over the natural environment.

Below you will find a list of the top ten environmental camping no-nos and you’ll be surprised how many you make without realising it. However, a quick scan of the list will help you to avoid them in the future:

1. Pitching the tent in a wild area – Approved areas are there for a reason. Camping out in the hills or other natural environment can upset the natural habitat and scare creatures off. It can also upset the natural balance of the area so stay in approved areas when camping.
2. Driving off the beaten track – Think of all the pollution you’re taking into a wild area, not to mention the mud, vegetation and bio-diverse species you’re moving out of your way.
3. Smoking – As silly as it sounds, you should never smoke in nature reserves because of the threat of air pollution and the micro-organisms you could be killing off. This is a worst case scenario but one worth bearing in mind.
4. Littering – This should go without saying but throwing anything away, from cigarette butts to biodegradable materials, could harm animals and insects in the local area.
5. Washing in rivers and streams – Using a little to wet your face is fine but never, ever use soap or any other chemicals that could poison the water.
6. Toileting – Just dig a hole and then fill it back in when you’re done… No more need be said.
7. Campfires – They may sound like fun but campfires can quickly get out of hand and burn down whole natural areas. They can also severely disrupt the natural ecosystems so just leave them well alone.
8. Souvenirs – If you want to buy them in shops then that’s OK but don’t take as much as a pinecone home. You could take insects out of their environment, take essential parts of the ecosystem home or worse, take bacteria with you. Stick to souvenirs from shops and you avoid all of the potential consequences.
9. Furry friends – Dogs will do more damage than you may believe. Their noise and scent can clear animals from any given area in no time so keep your dog on a leash unless in designated areas.
10. Hiking – Stay on approved paths. For the reason why, see point number two. Also, remember not to clear a path because removing branches can also disrupt the ecosystem.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008