The moment a nation has been waiting for…
The lifting of COVID restrictions. The chance to venture beyond our local bubbles, explore the places we have been dreaming of visiting and enjoy fresh air in the summer sunshine. Spending time outdoors is what we all need, perhaps more than ever before.
Without a doubt, nature brings refreshment, revitalization and recovery. Breathtaking mountain views, refreshing ocean swims and thrilling wildlife encounters are just some of the many special experiences that nature has to offer. Outdoor spaces should be enjoyed. However nature should also be valued, respected and protected.
Every outdoor user is responsible for the protection of the natural environment. No excuse.
Imagine if future generations could not swim in the sea because it was too polluted, could not walk through pristine forest because of deforestation or hear bird song because of habitat destruction due to the actions of today?
So here are a few suggestions on how to enjoy, respect and protect the great outdoors in a post COVID world.
- LEAVE NO TRACE. No litter. Not even banana peal. It may be biodegradable, but what if every person who visited the countryside left their banana skin behind?
Even better, improve the place you visited by doing some litter picking. (Avoid picking up litter with bare hands).
- DOGS – It may be the cutest, fluffiest and most adorable dog in the whole entire world, but dogs can scare or even kill native wildlife. Keep dogs under control or on a lead when passing through nature reserves. On the subject of dogs, pick up dog waste and dispose of it adequately (this does NOT include throwing it in a bush or hanging it on a tree).
- Don’t pick wild flowers. Let them grow in their natural environment where their beauty can be enjoyed by other people and wildlife.
- NOISE – Shouting, screaming and loud music is not just annoying for other people but disturbs wildlife.
- KEEP TO PATHS. Stepping off the path results in the gradual erosion and widening of footways, damaging natural habitats, a particular issue in a socially distancing world. Make way for other path users by stepping off to the side, waiting for people to pass and then stepping back onto the path before continuing your walk.
- LIVESTOCK. Don’t chase livestock and close gates.
- BIKES. Cars cause traffic, congestion and pollution. Where possible, cycling or using public transport is a great way to reduce road traffic. Cycling is healthier, cheaper and way more fun than sitting for hours in the car (I could talk forever about the benefits of cycling… so this topic can be for another blog post!).
- SAFETY. Keep yourself safe, keep others safe and keep the environment safe. Bring adequate food, water and everything to enable you to overcome what the Great British weather has to offer (potentially four seasons in one day). Bring phone chargers and don’t completely rely on technology for navigation. Also no dangerous selfies on cliff edges!
As everywhere has different environmental issues which are often specific to local habitats, learning about the environmental issues and demands of a specific area before visiting can be a great way of planning your trip in an environmentally conscious way. Most natural areas have details on their websites. Ultimately, working with nature reserves and following guidelines set by conservation organisations can really help support vital environmental management.
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