Learn how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly by reducing environmental impact, protecting wildlife and habitats, managing waste and following good outdoor practices.
A good woodland visit shouldn’t leave a lasting mark on the place you’ve enjoyed. It’s easy to think that moving a branch, picking a few plants or leaving a small piece of rubbish won’t make much difference, but repeated actions by lots of visitors can gradually damage a habitat. Even activities that seem harmless can…
After a spell of rain, a woodland floor can look as though every twig and branch is too wet to burn. Yet not all wood gets wet at the same rate. Some material stays sheltered beneath dense foliage, while the inside of a dead branch can remain considerably drier than its rain-soaked surface. Knowing where…
Activity Overview Difficulty: Easy–ModerateTime: 15–30 minutesLocation: Scout campsites and outdoor campsBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders and adult leadersSkills: Fire lighting, campcraft, observation, fire management and environmental responsibility A smoky campfire is usually caused by damp fuel, poor airflow, unsuitable fuel or a fire that isn’t burning hot enough. A well-built fire with dry,…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 20–30 minutes to learn; ongoing practiceLocation: Campsites, woodland, hills, countryside and other permitted camping areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders, campers and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Camping, environmental awareness, campsite management, outdoor ethics and responsible access Responsible camping means enjoying a camping trip while minimising your impact on the environment and respecting…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 15–30 minutes to learnLocation: Countryside, farmland, woodland, villages and rural areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders, walkers and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Navigation, map reading, countryside awareness, route planning and responsible access A public right of way is a route that the public has a legal right to use, subject to the…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 15–20 minutes to learn; ongoing practiceLocation: Countryside, woodland, farmland, coast, hills and other outdoor areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders, walkers and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Outdoor awareness, responsible access, navigation, environmental care and countryside etiquette The Countryside Code is guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly while respecting other people, protecting the…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 15–30 minutes to learn; ongoing practiceLocation: Footpaths, bridleways, farmland, woodland, hills, parks and other countryside areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders, hikers and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Navigation, environmental awareness, countryside etiquette, observation and responsible outdoor behaviour Responsible countryside access means using the countryside in a way that respects the land, wildlife,…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 15–30 minutes to learn; ongoing practiceLocation: Countryside, woodland, campsite, coast, hills and other outdoor areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Conservation, environmental awareness, responsible camping, planning and outdoor ethics Environmental responsibility means enjoying the outdoors without unnecessarily damaging the places, wildlife and communities around you. For anyone…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 15–30 minutes to learn; ongoing practiceLocation: Countryside, woodland, campsite, hills, beaches and other outdoor areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Environmental awareness, responsible camping, conservation, planning and outdoor ethics The Leave No Trace principles are a simple way of reducing the impact you have when enjoying the…
Spending time outdoors gives Scouts the chance to explore nature, learn practical skills and enjoy new experiences. But every outdoor activity has an impact on the environment, whether it is a short walk, a weekend camp or a large Scout event. Environmental responsibility means thinking about that impact and making sensible choices to reduce unnecessary…
