Embracing Eco-Adventure: Sustainable Outdoor Pursuits in the UK

Embracing Eco-Adventure: Sustainable Outdoor Pursuits in the UK

The natural beauty of the United Kingdom offers countless opportunities for adventure. From the rolling hills of the Lake District to the rugged coastlines of Cornwall, the UK is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts. However, with the increasing impact of human activities on these precious landscapes, it’s crucial to adopt sustainable practices that preserve and enhance our natural environment, because they are under threat from humans! This is where the concept of “eco-adventure” comes into play—a form of adventure that not only minimises environmental impact but also actively contributes to the well-being of humans and our natural eco-systems. 

Ordnance Survey Champion Isaac Kenyon will be exploring what an eco-adventure is, share best practices for eco-friendly outings, highlight destinations that prioritise sustainability, and offer tips for reducing your environmental footprint while exploring the great outdoors in the UK.

The Concept of Eco-Adventure

Eco-adventure is all about harmonising your love for exploration with a commitment to sustainability. It involves making conscious choices that reduce your impact on the environment and engaging in activities that give back to nature. This might include everything from participating in litter picks and removing invasive species to sticking to marked paths, repairing trails, conducting biodiversity surveys, and contributing to citizen science projects. The goal is to leave nature better than you found it, ensuring that these beautiful landscapes can be enjoyed by future generations. Learn more about eco-adventures at Climate Explorers CIC.

Best Practices for Eco-Friendly Adventures

1. Leave No Trace

The Leave No Trace principles are the cornerstone of eco-adventure. They encourage outdoor enthusiasts to:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Ensure you have the necessary equipment and knowledge for your trip to avoid unnecessary waste and damage.
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established paths and campsites to minimise your impact on the environment.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Carry out all your rubbish and dispose of it in appropriate facilities.
• Leave What You Find: Preserve the natural environment by not taking souvenirs or disturbing wildlife.
• Minimise Campfire Impact: Use a camp stove for cooking and avoid making fires that can scar the landscape.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
• Be Considerate of Others: Maintain a friendly and courteous attitude towards fellow adventurers.
• Learn more about leaving no trace here in this treading lightly blog or our guide to wild camping.

2. Participate in Conservation Activities during your adventures

• Litter Picking: Carry a bag and gloves to pick up litter you find along the way. Not only does this help keep the environment clean, but it also sets a positive example for others.
• Removing Invasive Species: Participate in community efforts to remove non-native plants that threaten local biodiversity. Organisations like the National Trust often run volunteer days for such activities.
• Trail Maintenance: Join local groups that focus on repairing and maintaining hiking trails. This can include tasks like clearing debris, fixing erosion, and building steps.

3. Engage in Citizen Science

• Biodiversity Surveys: Take part in surveys and monitoring programs that help track the health of ecosystems. Apps like iNaturalist allow you to record sightings of plants and animals, contributing valuable data to conservationists.
• Contributing to Research: Many universities and conservation groups run citizen science projects where volunteers can help collect data on various environmental factors, from bird migrations to water quality. As we are on an adventure we take recordings and samples as we go and share with research groups.

Highlighting Sustainable Destinations in the UK

1. Lake District National Park

The Lake District is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a leader in sustainable tourism. Initiatives include reducing carbon footprints with electric boats on Windermere and promoting eco-friendly accommodations. There are also conservation volunteer opportunities abound for those looking to help with conservation efforts.

2. The New Forest

The New Forest National Park Authority promotes sustainable tourism through its “Caring for the Forest” campaign. Visitors can engage in activities like tree planting and litter picking, helping to preserve this ancient woodland.

3. Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia offers programs for volunteers to help with path maintenance and habitat restoration. The park encourages sustainable travel by promoting public transportation and local eco-friendly accommodations.

Tips for Reducing Environmental Impact While Adventuring

1. Travel Sustainably

Whenever possible, use public transport, cycle, or car-share to reduce your carbon footprint. The UK boasts an extensive network of trains and buses that can get you close to many outdoor destinations. Companies like By.Way help us plan low-carbon journeys.

2. Choose Eco-Friendly Gear

Opt for sustainable outdoor gear made from recycled or low-impact materials. Look for brands committed to environmental stewardship and repair programs to extend the life of your equipment. Remember the most sustainable gear is always what you already have!

3. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses

Patronise local businesses that prioritise sustainability, whether it’s a B&B with green practices or a café serving locally-sourced food. This helps support the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances.

4. Stay on Marked Paths

Sticking to marked paths minimises soil erosion and protects the habitats of plants and animals. Venturing off-trail can cause significant damage to fragile ecosystems.

5. Be Water-Wise

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Minimise your water usage by taking shorter showers and using biodegradable soap. Carry a refillable water bottle like the Ordnance Survey Thermal Bottle to avoid single-use plastics and use water sources responsibly.

6. Offset your emissions

If you cannot find any other ways to reduce your environmental impact you can always pay for carbon credits to offset your remaining emissions from your adventure using credible and verifiable trustworthy offsets to boost nature recovery for example nature restoration projects in the UK. As of 2021, the Woodland Carbon Code and the Peatland Code are the only two offset schemes accredited by the UK Environmental Agency. 

Eco-adventure is a rewarding way to experience the UK’s stunning landscapes while contributing to their preservation. By adopting sustainable practices, participating in conservation activities, and supporting eco-friendly destinations, we can ensure that our adventures leave a positive impact on the environment. Let’s embrace eco-adventure and inspire others to explore the great outdoors responsibly, creating a legacy of stewardship and respect for nature. Ordnance survey itself has taken action to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly and some of the actions can be applicable to our outdoor adventures, explore more here.

Happy eco-adventuring!

Author: Isaac Kenyon OS Champion, World-Record-breaking eco-adventurer, sustainability leader, mental health & inclusion champion and resilience keynote speaker