by Deneice Arthurton

Created on: September 13, 2010

The nature of camping, particularly wilderness camping, will place you right in the heart of natural environments. Lack of thought or carelessness on our part can have a huge impact on these surroundings, some of which will cause far reaching and even permanent damage. Tread lightly by following these important guidelines.

1. - Camp-fires -

Sitting around a camp-fire under a starlit sky is one of the great joys of camping. However, a carelessly built or imperfectly extinguished camp-fire can have devastating effects.

Ensure first and foremost that you are in an area that permits camp-fires. As tempting as it may be to flout guidelines, particularly where the reasons aren't obvious, it is imperative that all rules are adhered to.

If they are allowed, keep your fires small and contained. If you build a camp-fire skilfully it will give sufficient heat for cooking and warmth even when tiny. Ensure the area is enclosed with rocks or large stones.

Never put cans, bottles, glass or plastic onto the fire. They won't burn, will often give off toxic fumes and will be a hazard both to wildlife and any campers that come after you.

- Gathering firewood -

Further to the point above, wherever possible bring your own firewood. Never break branches, twigs or foliage from living plants or trees.

Gathering dead wood may seem harmless but it can have a very negative impact on the surrounding environment. Dead wood is a valuable habitat for insects, invertebrates, spiders and small rodents as well as various plant species such as ferns, mosses and fungi. By disturbing or removing this habitat it is possible to destroy whole ecosystems, many of which will not be visible to you.

In some countries, Australia being one example, it is illegal to gather firewood at all in certain areas.

- Do not interfere with wildlife -

As far as possible, camp in areas where you will disturb wildlife as little as possible. Some environments are more sensitive than others and you will be behaving responsibly if you do some home-work before leaving for your trip. Most countries have official environmental or ecological environment agencies or bodies that will offer advice on the area you will be camping in. They will inform you of any areas to avoid in order to keep your impact to a minimum.

Once you have set up camp then watch all wildlife from a distance. Never handle or pick up wildlife and do not interfere in any of their comings and goings. Never feed any wild animals. Encouraging wild animals

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