What is the “Leave no trace” Principle?

The “leave no trace” principle is a set of guidelines and practices that promote the responsible use of natural resources. It includes seven core principles: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimise campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Why is it important to leave no trace when camping or hiking?

These guidelines help to protect the environment by reducing human impact. For example, camping on durable surfaces (such as established campsites) helps to minimise soil erosion, while disposing of waste properly prevents pollution and contamination of local rivers and streams. Respect for wildlife is important in order to prevent disruption of natural habitats, which can have a negative effect on local ecosystems.

The “leave no trace” principle is not just for outdoor recreation – it can also be applied to everyday life. For example, it encourages people to reduce their energy consumption and waste production, buy sustainable products, and reuse or recycle materials whenever possible. Additionally, the principles of respect for wildlife and other visitors can be applied to social interactions, teaching people to be respectful and courteous towards one another no matter where they are.

What are the seven “Leave no trace” principles?

1. Plan ahead and prepare: taking the time to plan out your trip and make sure you have what you need will help minimise any negative impacts on the environment.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces: this means sticking to established trails, campsites, and other designated areas to avoid damaging sensitive vegetation or soil erosion.
3. Dispose of waste properly: taking all of your trash with you and disposing of it in the proper receptacles helps to prevent pollution and contamination.
4. Leave what you find: this means refraining from collecting plants, animals, rocks, or any other objects that you may come across while exploring nature.
5. Minimise campfire impacts: if you decide to have a campfire, make sure that it is properly contained and put out with water when you’re done.
6. Respect wildlife: be mindful of the animals that you encounter while outdoors, as they are an important part of the ecosystem.
7. Be considerate of other visitors: remember to be respectful and courteous towards other people who may be enjoying the same outdoor space as you.

By understanding and following the seven core principles of the “leave no trace” principle, we can all help to protect our environment and keep it clean for future generations to enjoy. So next time you’re out hiking, camping or just wandering around in nature, remember to follow these principles and leave no trace. Thank you for helping to keep the outdoors beautiful!