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.
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.
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