What is Leave No Trace? It is a set of seven simple principles for enjoying the outdoors without leaving a mark. They were developed for walkers and campers, and they work just as well for a team day out.
You will not need all seven on every activity. Pick the ones that fit and share them with your group before you set off.
The seven principles
- Plan ahead and prepare. Check the weather, the route and the rules for the place. Good planning means fewer rushed decisions and less waste.
- Travel and camp on durable ground. Stay on paths and tracks. Where there is no path, spread out rather than all following one line, which wears a new trail.
- Dispose of waste properly. Take everything home, including food scraps and fruit peel. If there is no toilet, ask your provider what they recommend.
- Leave what you find. Shells, flowers, stones and old objects belong where they are. Take photos instead.
- Minimise the effects of fire. Only light fires where they are allowed, and never on dry ground, peat or moorland. Use a stove where you can.
- Respect wildlife. Watch from a distance, do not feed animals and keep dogs under control.
- Be considerate of other people. Keep noise down, leave gates as you found them and share paths and car parks.
How it looks on a group day
Before the day, tell everyone what to bring and what to take home. At the start, point out the bins, or tell the group there are none and everything goes home with them. On the way, ask people to walk in single file on narrow paths and to keep the group together.
At the end, do a quick check of the place you used. A minute spent picking up wrappers and bottle tops is worth it, and it is a good habit to build into the day.
For bushcraft and campfire days
If your day involves fire or shelter building, the provider will usually set the rules. They should tell you where fires are allowed and what ground to avoid. Do not collect live wood or strip bark. Ask what is allowed and follow it. You can read more about bushcraft and survival days.
Camping
Wild camping rules depend on where you are. In Scotland there is a right of responsible access that includes camping. In England and Wales you normally need the landowner’s permission, and rules differ again in Northern Ireland. Always check the rules for the place you plan to use before you go, and read the outdoor access guide.
In short:
- Plan, stay on paths and take your litter home
- Leave plants, stones and wildlife alone
- Check fire and camping rules before you go