Leave No Trace

Seven principles for minimizing your impact and protecting wild places for future generations.

What is Leave No Trace?

Leave No Trace is a set of outdoor ethics promoting responsible use of the outdoors. Developed to protect our natural spaces, these seven principles provide a framework for minimizing human impact on the environment while enjoying outdoor recreation.

In the UK and Ireland, where wild spaces are limited and pressures on the countryside are intense, Leave No Trace principles are more important than ever. They help preserve the landscapes we love, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure that access to the outdoors remains available for everyone.

These aren't just abstract guidelines - they're practical actions that every camper, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast should practice every time they venture into nature. Following these principles protects the environment, respects landowners, and helps maintain access rights for future generations.

The seven principles

Master these principles and become a responsible steward of the outdoors.

01. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Proper planning protects you and the environment. Know the regulations, check weather forecasts, and prepare for extreme conditions.

• Research your destination and understand local camping regulations
• Check weather forecasts and be prepared for changing conditions
• Plan meals to minimize waste and repackage food to reduce packaging
• Know your abilities and don't take on more than you can handle
• Have a backup plan and know when to turn back

02. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Protect the ground beneath your feet. Stick to established paths and camp on resilient surfaces to prevent long-term damage.

• Use existing paths and trails whenever possible
• Camp on established pitches where available, or on durable surfaces like gravel, rock, or dry grass
• Avoid muddy or waterlogged ground that will be easily damaged
• Keep campsites small and focus activity in already-impacted areas
• Don't create new paths - if you need to spread out, do so on durable surfaces

03. Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. Everything you bring with you must leave with you - and that includes all waste.

• Carry out all litter, including food scraps, orange peel, and apple cores
• Use biodegradable soap and wash at least 70 metres from water sources
• Bury human waste in a cathole 15-20cm deep, at least 70 metres from water
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products - don't bury them
• Strain dishwater and scatter it widely away from camp and water sources

04. Leave What You Find

Preserve the past and protect nature. Leave natural and cultural features as you found them for others to discover and enjoy.

• Don't pick wildflowers, plants, or natural objects - observe and photograph instead
• Leave rocks, fossils, and artifacts where you find them
• Don't build structures, furniture, or dig trenches around your tent
• Avoid damaging live trees and plants - don't hammer nails or carve initials
• Let nature's sounds prevail - keep noise to a minimum

05. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires can cause lasting damage to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove instead, and follow local fire regulations.

• Use a camping stove for cooking - they're more efficient and leave no trace
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings if available
• Keep fires small and only use dead wood from the ground
• Burn all wood completely to ash, ensure fires are completely out, and scatter cool ashes
• Never leave a fire unattended and always check local fire risk levels and restrictions

06. Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed animals or leave food accessible - it damages their health and alters natural behaviours.

• Observe wildlife from a distance - use binoculars for closer views
• Never feed wildlife - it damages their health and changes natural behaviours
• Store food securely and keep a clean camp to avoid attracting animals
• Control pets at all times or leave them at home
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, or raising young
• Give animals space - if they change their behaviour, you're too close

07. Be Considerate of Others

Respect other visitors and landowners. Keep noise down, respect privacy, and help protect the quality of everyone's experience.

• Yield to other users on trails and be courteous
• Take breaks away from trails and other visitors
• Keep noise levels down - respect the natural quiet
• Arrive late and leave early to minimize your impact and visibility
• Respect landowners' property and any specific rules for the land
• Leave gates as you find them and don't block access

Why it matters

Leave No Trace isn't just about rules - it's about preserving what we love.

Preserve wild spaces

The wild places of the UK and Ireland are finite and fragile. Every careless action contributes to erosion, pollution, and habitat destruction.

Protect access rights

Irresponsible camping leads to access restrictions. Following Leave No Trace principles helps maintain the freedoms we enjoy.

Support biodiversity

Wildlife and plants are under pressure. Minimizing our impact helps protect the ecosystems we love to explore.

Future generations

We're stewards of these landscapes. Our actions today determine whether our children can enjoy the same wild experiences.

UK-Specific Considerations

Land access

Most land in England and Wales is privately owned. Even when following Leave No Trace principles perfectly, you still need permission to camp. This is where Nearly Wild Camping provides value - all our locations have secured landowner permission.

Fire restrictions

Open fires are rarely appropriate in the UK due to fire risk, damage to vegetation, and landowner concerns. Always use a camping stove, and never assume fires are permitted even if you have permission to camp.

High visitor pressure

The UK's wild spaces experience intense visitor pressure. This makes Leave No Trace principles even more critical - cumulative impacts add up quickly when many people use the same areas.

Toilet facilities

With high population density and intensive agriculture, proper waste disposal is crucial. Always bury human waste well away from water sources and pack out all toilet paper and sanitary products.

Camp responsibly with Nearly Wild Camping

All Nearly Wild Camping members receive comprehensive Leave No Trace guidance and access to locations where landowners support responsible camping. Join our community of environmentally conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Become a member or read the wild camping guide.