What does responsible adventure mean? It means enjoying the outdoors in a way that leaves the place as good as you found it, for the wildlife that lives there and for the next group who comes along.
Most of it is small, practical habits. This section of the guides covers them one topic at a time, so you can read what applies to your day.
Why it matters for group days
A group of fifteen people changes a place more than one person does. More feet on a path, more cars in a lay by, more bottles and wrappers to carry home. The good news is that a group can also change things more. One decision from the organiser, such as sharing minibuses or asking everyone to bring a refillable bottle, sets the habit for the whole day.
The basics that apply almost everywhere
- Plan ahead, so you are not making rushed choices on the day
- Keep to paths and marked routes
- Take your litter home, including food waste
- Leave plants, rocks and wildlife where you find them
- Keep dogs and noise under control around animals
- Follow your provider’s briefing, because they know the place
Questions to ask a provider
Providers can tell you how they work, and most are glad to be asked. Here are some good questions:
- Do you have a wildlife or environment policy for the days you run?
- How do you look after the place where the activity happens, for example paths, riverbanks or the shoreline?
- Can you suggest how our group could travel in fewer vehicles?
- What do you do with waste from the day?
We list providers and link to their own pages, but we do not check or rate their environmental claims. Treat a good answer as a good sign, and a vague one as a reason to ask more.
Spotting vague claims
Words like “eco”, “green” or “sustainable” do not mean much on their own. Look for something specific you can check, such as a named scheme, a described practice or a policy you can read. If a provider cannot say what they actually do, it is fine to ask.
Where to read next
- Leave No Trace for adventure days
- Looking after the coast
- Looking after rivers and waterways
- Meeting wildlife at sea and on the shore
- Responsible fishing and catch and release
- Reducing waste on an activity day
- Getting to activity venues with fewer vehicles
- Protecting mountain and upland places
- Outdoor access and rights of way
In short:
- Small habits add up, especially for a group
- Ask providers what they actually do
- We do not rate environmental claims, so check them yourself