Eight ways to protect the environment when walking
The countryside code tells us to Respect, Protect and Enjoy the countryside. Here we look at eight ways we can be responsible walkers and protect our environment.
Leave no trace - This is at the heart of the countryside code. Leave no trace means that we take all our rubbish out with us, and that includes fruit peelings. For added satisfaction pick up other people’s litter and take that out too! Leave gates and property as you find them, use stiles and gates rather than climbing over fences and walls so as not to cause damage.
Do not disturb - Don’t move rocks, pick flowers or disturb wildlife. Respect historic sites and ruins.
Use a reusable water bottle - and while you’re at it, use a sandwich box and make your own sandwiches to avoid unnecessary packaging. Go one further and buy your sandwich from a local shop that will make it fresh for you.
Stay on the path - Avoid eroding the edge of paths by walking in the middle wherever possible. Short cuts across zig zags might seem like a good idea but they damage wildlife and change water flows, and encourage others to follow.
Don’t get fired - Fires can be incredibly destructive, recent fires have caused terrible damage to great areas of moorland and heath. Really think about whether you need a fire. If the answer is yes, then plan ahead, take something that will lift the fire off the ground and never leave a fire unattended. There should be no trace when you are finished. If you can’t be sure of that, don’t have a fire.
Number 1 or number 2 - If you need the toilet here are a few tips. Wee’s are simple, just make sure you are at least 30m from any water source, path or campsite and drip dry rather than waste toilet paper. Number 2’s are a little more complex. Again stay at least 30m from water, paths or campsites, the main point here is not to leave your business for others to stumble across. Poo biodegrades best in bacteria rich soil so dig a hole around 15cm diameter and about 15cm deep. *Top tip* - take off trousers and underwear completely (I’ve made that mistake so you don’t have to!!) and then crouch and aim. Don’t bury the toilet paper though, but consider carefully whether to burn it. If you do be really careful as you do not want to start a fire. Another option gaining followers is to make like a dog and use a poop bag to take everything out with you.
Buy good clothes - An unusual one here, but buying good clothes that last can have a significant environmental effect. Clothes create environmental damage through production processes and shipping and packaging. Buy good quality clothing, look after it and wear it for as long as you can.
Go Local - Use local shops, filling stations, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. Not only will you help support rural communities but often these local suppliers have smaller carbon footprints due to less packaging and transportation.