Legislation+&+Access

outdoors topics = = toc = = =Access & the environment = The legislation varies between different countries. Most of the material below relates to England and Wales


 * We will be known by the tracks we leave behind **

From ML Handbook
Candidates should: a. aim to inspire and enthuse their groups in the mountains and continuously expand their knowledge and understanding of the environment. b. demonstrate knowledge of current legislation as it relates to the various home nations regarding access to the countryside and appreciate the significance of access agreements and Rights of Way in upland areas. c. demonstrate knowledge of land management in upland areas and its multiple uses, e.g. hill farming, forestry, water collection, grouse shooting and deer stalking. d. demonstrate knowledge of current relevant conservation legislation and appreciate the problems of conservation with respect to flora, fauna and erosion. They should also understand the nature of specially designated areas and any limitations on their use and be aware of long term effects of human pressures on the upland environment. e. know how to get information about access to wild country e.g. from appropriate guidebooks, maps, countryside agencies and relevant mountaineering bodies. f. be familiar with the Country Code and understand the individual's responsibility to minimise impact on the environment.

Brief video about types of rock: media type="custom" key="10119359"

 [|Countryside access homepage]  A summary of the legislation and the rights of access in England is contained in this leaflet:  <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Use [|this site] to check if access land has any restrictions <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> scottish access code.pdf

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Sustainability**
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> "Leave no trace" and similar initiatives have been developed to minimise the harm done to the wilderness when we spend time there. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> [|Leave no trace] <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> This article gives much to think about.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">William Blake
 * <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">The tree that moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stand in the way **

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The countryside code
[|Countryside Code] (UK) [|Moorland Visitors' Code] (North Pennines, UK)

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> **Group leaders should inspire those in the group to learn more about the environment.** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> They should be familair with relevant access legislation, land management in upland areas, and conservation. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> They should know and follow the country code, which has 5 parts: <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> 1) Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> 2) Leave gates and property as you find them. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> 3) Protect plants and animals and take your litter home. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> 4) Keep dogs under close control. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> 5) Consider other people

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> The green guide to the uplands (from the BMC) contains good advice about enjoying the hill & mountain environments without detracting from them.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Links
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">[|British bird identifier] <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">[|British plant identifier]