Debate Ignites over Outdoor Accommodation on Dartmoor, Overlooking Key Issues
In the great outdoors of England and Wales, wild camping - a practice that involves hiking or biking into remote areas, carrying only what can be carried in a backpack, and leaving no trace - has become a popular pastime for many. However, the current legal rights for wild camping are extremely limited, largely confined to a small area in Dartmoor.
This situation is set to change, as organizations such as the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) are pushing for an expansion of the right to wild camp across the country. The campaign, which aims to legalize and clarify wild camping rights on open access land in England and Wales, is gaining momentum.
The campaign emphasizes responsible, discreet, and environmentally sensitive camping, backed by education, funding for infrastructure such as signage, and a published Responsible Wild Camping Code to promote stewardship and minimize environmental impact. The goal is to foster a culture of responsible outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and greater public enjoyment of the countryside, while addressing current challenges related to unregulated camping and environmental impact.
Dartmoor, the only place in England and Wales where you can legally camp in a natural setting without paying, has seen an increase in wild campers, especially in popular areas like Postbridge. Gillian Healy, a Dartmoor Guide and coordinator for The Stars are for Everyone, has observed this rise. She believes that education, not barriers, is the best solution.
The attention brought to the right to wild camp on Dartmoor has increased pressure on certain parts of the moor, especially in a post-lockdown era. The recent Supreme Court ruling allowed the general public to retain the right to wild camp on Dartmoor, but if the case had gone the other way, all wild campers would have been criminalized or deterred from spending time on Dartmoor.
The increased attention on Dartmoor due to the court case and media coverage has led to an increase in visitors wanting to wild camp there. This influx has put additional pressure on the moor, leading to concerns about littering and other problematic behavior.
However, it's important to note that the vast majority of these visitors wild camp responsibly. Many of these outdoor influencers, with enormous followings, stress the importance of "leave no trace" ethics. They aim to counteract problems caused by unregulated "fly-camping," which has caused damage, litter, and conflicts with landowners due to lack of clear guidelines and enforcement.
The campaign's broader goals include amending outdated legislation like the 1949 National Parks Act and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, ensuring that wild camping becomes a recognized and legally protected form of outdoor recreation. This supports conservation by encouraging responsible behavior, education, and proper management to protect sensitive areas while providing greater freedom for outdoor enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the push for expanded wild camping rights across the UK is a significant step towards promoting outdoor recreation, environmental awareness, and connection with nature. By legalizing and regulating wild camping, we can foster a culture of responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the countryside while minimizing environmental impact.
[1] British Mountaineering Council. (2021). Wild Camping in England and Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/wild-camping-in-england-and-wales
[2] The National Trust. (2021). Wild Camping - What is it and where can I do it? [online] Available at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/wild-camping-what-is-it-and-where-can-i-do-it
[3] The Guardian. (2021). The Supreme Court ruling that could make wild camping legal across England and Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/26/the-supreme-court-ruling-that-could-make-wild-camping-legal-across-england-and-wales
