How to Protect the Beautiful Places We Explore

There’s nothing quite like venturing into the great outdoors - hiking through lush forests, camping beneath a sky full of stars, or swimming in a hidden waterfall. But with every adventure comes a responsibility: to leave nature as we found it, or even better. This is where the Leave No Trace principles come in.

Leave No Trace is a set of seven guiding principles designed to help us minimise our impact on the environment. Whether you're heading out for a day hike or a multi-week camping trip, following these principles ensures that future generations can enjoy these beautiful places just as we do today.

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

A little planning goes a long way in reducing our impact on nature. Research your destination, check weather conditions, and understand local regulations. Proper planning prevents unnecessary risks, reduces waste, and ensures you have the right gear to minimise damage to the environment.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stick to established trails and campsites to avoid trampling delicate vegetation. Walking off-trail or setting up camp in undesignated areas can cause long-term damage to ecosystems. If you must go off-trail, aim to walk on rock, gravel, or dry grass to minimise your impact.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

A simple but essential rule: Pack it in, pack it out. Take all trash, leftover food, and litter with you. If nature calls, follow proper waste disposal methods - bury human waste at least 15cm deep and 60m away from water sources, and pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

4. Leave What You Find

It’s tempting to take souvenirs from nature, like rocks, shells, or flowers, but leaving things as they are helps maintain the natural beauty and ecosystem. Avoid carving into trees or disturbing historical or cultural artefacts - take only photos and memories.

5. Minimise Campfire Impact

Fires can cause lasting damage if not handled responsibly. Instead of building a fire, use a camp stove for cooking. If fires are allowed, keep them small, use established fire rings, and burn only small sticks that can be broken by hand. Always put fires out completely before leaving.

6. Respect Wildlife

Wild animals should stay wild. Observe them from a distance and never feed them - it disrupts their natural behaviour and can make them dependent on humans. Store food properly to avoid attracting animals to campsites, and always give wildlife space to thrive.

7. Be Considerate of Others

The outdoors is for everyone. Keep noise levels down, give way to others on trails, and respect the experience of fellow adventurers. A little kindness and awareness go a long way in making nature enjoyable for all.

Why Leave No Trace Matters

Nature is not an unlimited resource - it takes time for plants to regrow, for wildlife to recover, and for landscapes to heal from human impact. Every step we take in the wilderness leaves a mark, and by practicing Leave No Trace, we ensure that our footprints fade rather than linger.

By following these seven principles, we can enjoy our natural playgrounds while keeping them pristine for generations to come. So next time you head out on an adventure, ask yourself: How can I minimise my impact today? Because protecting the places we love starts with each of us.

Happy exploring, and remember - leave only footprints, take only memories.