NRW urges visitors to Wales’ great outdoors to act responsibly this summer
Visitors to Wales’s natural places are being asked to protect the environment, respect other people and enjoy the outdoors safely over the school holidays.
With three heatwaves already under its belt, and with further periods of hot and sunny weather expected over the summer, Wales’s nature reserves, forests and national parks are expected to be very popular with local residents and visitors alike.
Over the last few years, many of these special places have seen a rise in anti-social behaviour and environmental damage such as littering, fires and fly-camping, as well as an increase in mountain and water safety incidents.
Concerned for the potential impacts on wildlife, communities, and the emergency services, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is urging visitors to follow the Countryside Code in all outdoor spaces, reminding visitors of the need to take steps to plan their adventure, prevent wildfires and be safe around water during the summer months.
Follow the Countryside Code
The Countryside Code is your guide to enjoying all outdoor spaces responsibly, including countryside, coast, parks and waterways.
Joseph Conran, Lead Specialist Advisor for Outdoor Access and Recreation at Natural Resources Wales said:
“Wales offers such an amazing backdrop for your adventures, and we love to give a ‘croeso cynnes’ (warm welcome) to responsible visitors.
“For many, the summer months are a time for relaxing and having fun. However, it's also the busiest time of year in the outdoors, and can unfortunately lead to increased incidents of injury, damage to our environment or antisocial behaviour.
“The Countryside Code has been with us for 75 years as a gentle reminder of how we can respect the places we visit. By following its simple messages, you can feel confident that you are doing the right thing for yourselves, other people and the environment.”
Prevent wildfire
Following the exceptionally warm, dry spring and early summer, people need to take extra care in the countryside as it only takes one stray spark to cause a fire that could devastate wildlife and communities, as well as put our emergency services under extra pressure.
Only recently, a major incident was declared in north Wales when significant wildfires took hold in several locations causing extensive damage and leading to some homes being evacuated, while smoke affected air quality for communities over a large area.
To prevent wildfires from igniting, do not light campfires, discard cigarettes or leave litter in the countryside, especially glass bottles.
During periods of dry weather, leave the BBQ at home in favour of a picnic. At other times, BBQs should only be used in designated places where signs say they are allowed, then put out and disposed of responsibly once the ashes are cold.
Fly-camping (camping without the landowner’s permission) increases the risk of wildfires through littering and campfires, so those looking to camp should book ahead at official campsites.
Stay safe around water
As the thermometer rises, so does the temptation to cool off in open water.
Before entering the water, consider whether your location is a safe place to swim by checking for hidden dangers, currents or fast flowing water, and assessing whether you can get out easily. Do not go alone, and if you get into trouble in the water try to float and remain calm while someone calls 999 for help.
Following devastating fatalities in waterfalls, it is important to understand that waterfalls are dangerous places to swim. The bubbly, turbulent water at the base of falls can prevent you from floating, while strong, recirculating currents can hold you under the surface.
The safest place for an outdoor swim is at a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags. The AdventureSmartUk website is a good source of information to help you develop your open water swimming skills.
Wales has 114 designated bathing waters that NRW monitor for pollution throughout the summer, allowing people to make informed decisions about where to swim. You can reduce the risk of illness from bacteria and viruses by avoiding swallowing water and washing soon after swimming and before eating. Public Health Wales has more advice on staying safe and healthy in outdoor water.
Advice for countryside visitors
The Countryside Code contains the following messages:
Respect everyone:
- be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
- leave gates and property as you find them
- do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
- be nice, say hello, share the space
- follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect the environment:
- take your litter home - leave no trace of your visit
- do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
- always keep your dogs under control and in sight
- dog poo - bag it and bin it in any public waste bin or take it home
- care for nature - do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy the outdoors:
- check your route and local conditions
- plan your adventure - know what to expect and what you can do
- enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory