7 Principles : Leave No Trace

To help protect wildlife and reduce our impact on the natural world, the organisation Leave No Trace developed seven principles to follow. These guidelines offer practical advice for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts on how to experience nature more responsibly. Wherever you are in the world, these principles are useful for anyone spending time in the great outdoors.

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare

• Before you go, check whether access is allowed and your activity is permitted in the area.
• Respect all signs and local regulations.
• Whenever possible, travel by public transport or carpool; consider parking availability.
• Ensure you have the skills, knowledge, and equipment for your activity and to handle emergencies.
• Check the weather forecast and be ready for changing conditions.
• For environmental and safety reasons and to minimise your impact on others, keep group sizes small. Split larger groups as needed.

2. Be Considerate of Others

• Respect the people who live and work in the countryside.
• Park responsibly. Never block gateways, forest entrances, or narrow roads. Emergency vehicles and farm machinery need access at all times.
• Avoid damaging property, including walls, fences, and crops.
• Respect other visitors and help protect the quality of their experience.
• Let nature’s sounds prevail. Keep noise to a minimum.

3. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife

• Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing them, especially during mating, nesting, or when raising young (typically spring to early summer).
• Do not feed wild animals or birds. Human food harms their health and makes them vulnerable.
• Farm animals are not pets so keep a safe distance.

4. Travel and Camp on Durable Ground

Durable surfaces include established trails, campsites, rock, gravel, dry grass, or snow.

In popular areas:

• Stick to existing tracks and campsites.
• Walk in single file down the middle of the path, even when muddy, to avoid widening trails.

In remote areas:

• Disperse use to prevent the creation of new paths or sites.
• Avoid areas just beginning to show signs of wear 

When camping:

• Camp at least 30m from lakes and streams to protect water sources.
• Keep campsites small and discreet.
• Leave your site as you found it, or better.

5. Leave What You Find

• Respect property such as farming or forestry equipment, fences, and stone walls. Leave gates as you found them, open or closed.
• Preserve the past: admire archaeological sites, old walls, and heritage artefacts without damaging them.
• Conserve the present: leave rocks, plants, animals, and habitats undisturbed. Fallen trees provide wildlife shelter—do not remove or burn them.
• Avoid introducing non-native species (e.g. zebra mussels).
• Do not build rock cairns, structures, or shelters.

6. Dispose of Waste Properly

• “If you bring it in, take it out.” Take all litter and food waste home—including biodegradable items like tea bags and fruit peels.
• For human waste, dig a hole 15–20cm deep at least 30m from water, campsites, and trails. Cover and disguise it.
• Pack out all toilet paper and hygiene products.
• Wash at least 30m away from water sources. Use minimal biodegradable soap and strain dishwater, scattering it. Pack out any solids.

7. Minimise the Effects of Fire

• Fires can cause lasting damage. Use a lightweight camping stove for cooking.
• If fires are permitted, use designated fire rings or barbecues, or create a mound fire.
• Keep fires small and only use dead wood found on the ground. Never cut live vegetation.
• Do not burn plastic or toxic materials.
• Burn fires to ash, fully extinguish them, and scatter cool ashes.

Source: Wilderness England