Opinion: Legalise It. Wild Camping, That Is

© Rob Steptoe

A recent e-petition calls for wild camping to be officially legalised on open land and National Parks in England and Wales. "Genuine outdoor enthusiasts are put off by fear of 'getting into trouble' leaving our green places the domain of those who don't care about the law" says the petition's author. Adam Woolf of Climb it Range is inclined to agree.

  • What do you think? We've published the case from the opposing camp here

 


It’s legal on Dartmoor and across most of Scotland, but illegal elsewhere in England and Wales. What are we talking about you may ask… Lighting fires? Smoking? Driving with one hand while eating an apple? No, it’s wild camping.

Wild camp near long crag on Middle Fell. Lake district.  © Rob Steptoe
Wild camp near long crag on Middle Fell. Lake district.
© Rob Steptoe

Now the Welsh Government has announced that it will be holding a consultation exercise on land access – and could legalise wild camping soon.

"The best way to protect the natural world is not to limit access. It’s about getting more people to enjoy, understand and respect the outdoors"

Snowdonia National Park seem against the idea. They say go to an authorised and licensed campsite, or secure landowners’ permission first if you want to pitch up in the countryside.

We have to say, we don’t agree.

Wild camping is wonderful. Camping is about getting back to nature and enjoying the sense that you (and your friends and family) are out there, alone with the elements. It’s a simple uncomplicated pleasure which you don’t always get in campsites which can be controlled, regimented and over-populated environments.

Generally the public now have a right to roam. So why can’t we have a right to rest, camp out, lie back and enjoy the stars at night?

Some argue that our wild environments need all the protection they can get. They say that legalising wild camping will only lead to some people misbehaving.

"The public now have a right to roam. So why can’t we have a right to rest, camp out, lie back and enjoy the stars at night?"

Campers not clearing up after themselves and showing a lack of respect for the natural environment is a concern.

We know that in 2011 the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park banned wild camping on its eastern banks between Drymen and Rowardennan, after problems with litter and vandalism.

Even so, the actions of a small minority should not mean the majority should be denied the right to sleep out.

And we genuinely believe the best way to protect the natural world is not to limit access. It’s about getting more people to enjoy, understand and respect the outdoors. This will only happen if wider sections of the community are attracted to the benefits of the outdoors. Legalising wild camping will send a clear message that our natural environment is there for everybody to enjoy.

If wild camping is legalised the number of people sleeping out will be relatively small compared to the numbers of hikers and walkers out there during the day. The chances of creating additional damage (or work for landowners) is therefore pretty small.

Legalise it; don't criticise it.

 


Climb it Range produces clothing to celebrate outdoor achievement and an active lifestyle. They also provide a graphic design service for the outdoor industry. Clients include DMM International, Outlook Expeditions and Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue.

See their website here.

 




8 Dec, 2014
Can I ask why do you think it needs to be made legal? I wild camp a lot in England everywhere from mountain tops to canal towpaths to farmers fields in central England and river banks when out in the canoe etc and have never had a problem in England. It might not be legal in that that the law allows the land owner to take a civil case against a person for damages. Unless you fly tip or burn their farm down how are they going to prove damage even on balance of probabilities, its a tough ask. Its one of those things for me in that we might not have a legal right but its tolerated all over the country if people take care. In the real world you can pretty much wild camp anywhere in the countryside and as long as you don't camp in groups, destroy the land, litter, set fires etc etc no one really cares! In my experience of course. With how much of the countryside in England is accessible to millions of people I think a legal right to wild camp could be abused more so than in Scotland near honey spots. Just look around Loch Lomond for evidence etc. I witnessed a group of lads cutting down a tree on a campsite for a fire once. Imagine that in the wider countryside. Its a balancing act and I don't quite know what the answer is. I am tempted to sign but then again Im not
8 Dec, 2014
Pretty much the same for me. I probably wild camp, in England, half a dozen times a year, mostly lowland. Nobody ever knows I've been there once I've left. In theory, it sounds great to make it legal, but if people start to think they can just party out in our "wilds", which are all owned by somebody and not that wild, we'll have a big problem. So, haven't yet signed it, and not decided. Now, if I thought that other laws on littering, damage etc, would be regularly enforced when people abused the wild camp laws, I would be more positive. Unfortunately, I can't see that happening.
8 Dec, 2014
I agree in theory it sounds great but not sure it would be in practice. From personal experience other than not having a written legal right in practice I don't actually think the current set up is that prohibitive to anyone wanting to wild camp in England If they take precautions and not do stupid things like fires, litter, parties, large groups, setting up base camps etc etc to name a few Same here, tempted but not convinced its the right move just yet. My thoughts also.
8 Dec, 2014
I too don't find any problems with the current situation. I'm also a little confused by the claim in the petition that "Current legislation is ineffective & prevents teachers & leaders educating the young / interested on how to preserve & treat the environment with respect. As a result when people do ignore the current law & wild camp, they have no concept of what to do & often leave large amounts of mess / litter." I find it hard to understand how legalising wild camping will alleviate this problem - it's certainly had no impact in Scotland where so great has the problem in certain areas become that wild camping is now being restricted by bylaw in these places.
8 Dec, 2014
I've decided. For the reasons you've given, I think it's a bad idea; so no signature from me. T.
More Comments
Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email