Wild Camp Spot (photo: Katie@!)
A specialist in developing and teaching the Leave No Trace responsible campingethos of Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code, Myles says, “Individuals and parties who set out to travel and camp on wild land, rivers and coast will be interacting closely with the natural landscape and habitat. It’s important to be aware of how that interaction can leave impacts which change the quality of that environment both as a habitat for wildlife and as landscape for other visitors. These workshops will help outdoor enthusiasts identify activities and behaviour which might cause damage or pollution and demonstrate ways to minimise impact and remove any traces of their camping activity.”
The SNH workshop will also cover casual and occasional campers who pitch beside accessible roads or lochs. Scotland’s access legislation gives everyoneoutdoor access rights including rights for ‘wild’ camping on most land with some reasonable exceptions. SNH is now campaigning to remind campers of their responsibility to leave these places unblemished by their visit.
The free 3 hour practical workshops at Glen Nevis will explore the ethics of minimising their impacts alongside some practical techniques. The workshops are free and run between 11am-2pm on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th February. No booking is required and participants should meet at the Glen Nevis Lower Falls car park (grid ref: NN 145 683). Soup will be provided but those attending are asked to bring a packed lunch and a mug.
SNH is also running another free event aimed at younger outdoors enthusiasts during the Festival. A free puppet show featuring cheeky woodland characters Rabbit, Woodpecker and Red Squirrel will be brought to Fort William by the celebrated Edinburgh Puppet
Lab. The show has been developed by SNH to teach children the importance ofbeing aware of the creatures in the countryside and leaving the countryside clean and litter free. No booking is required and the show, suitable for children aged 6-8 accompanied by an adult, takes place at the Nevis Centre Festival Theatre on Sunday 14thFebruary. The free event has two showings, at 1pm and 3pm.