LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTSTEPS

“IF A PATH IS ERODED OR MUDDY, SUCK IT UP. YOU’RE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE!”

As the realities of the global climate crisis continue to build, we all have a responsibility as walkers to reduce our impact on the fragile environments and ecosystems we love exploring. The BMC has recently launched its own Climate Project to support the fantastic work already being done by Moors For the Future, and here are some tips so you can help too.

FOOTPATHS

■ During spring and summer, stick to paths to protect ground-nesting birds and animals, like hares, that hide their babies in the grass or heather.

■ If a path is eroded or muddy, suck it up. You’re in the countryside!

■ A whole bunch of people walking next to, rather than on, a hill path will do serious damage to fragile mountain soils, and on farmland you’re literally trampling your own food (and the farmer’s livelihood).

■ If you’re on open access land and want to get off the path completely, walk well away from it – at least 100m away. But also be mindful that during nesting season this could seriously harm wildlife.

■ If there are specific signs asking you to stick to paths to protect habitats, do as you’re asked.

■ If the path is narrow, walk in single file.

DOGS

■ It is a legal requirement to keep your dog on a short lead on Open Access land between 1 March and 31 July.

■ At all other times on footpaths and other rights of way, you must keep your dog under close control. This means that if in doubt, put it on a lead.

■ Even your beloved pooch can get the hunter/herder red mist and decide to run after those fluffy bleating things.

■ In autumn 2020 one loose dog in a field in Wales resulted in 50 sheep dying from injuries or shock. Don’t take risks.

■ Always pick up your dog poo. Unlike wild animal poo, your dog’s poo can carry viruses that can cause wild animals and farm animals like cows and sheep to miscarry their young or become infertile.

■ Even in very wild places, double-bag it, stick it in a ziplock bag, or a specially designed dog poo odour-proof carrier like a Dicky Bag, and carry it home.

FIRES & BBQs

■ Campfires are fun, but only in campsites that allow them. Otherwise you run the risk of causing a wildfire and killing thousands of animals and birds, all in the name of a toasted marshmallow.

■ Even the heat from the bottom of a disposable foil BBQ tray is enough to scorch the grass and set the peat underneath on fire. You won’t see it, but it’ll keep smouldering and travelling underground for hours, even days.

■ Peat is also crucial in our fight against climate change. Worldwide, peatland contains twice as much carbon as all of the world’s forests combined.

■ The BMC’s ‘No Moor BBQs’ campaign aims to ban disposable BBQs from all public spaces, including open moorland, heathland and grassland.

■ In the meantime, please be one of the good guys and use a camping stove or bring sandwiches and a flask instead.