• Refer to up-to-date maps or guidebooks.
• You're responsible for your own safety so be prepared for changes in weather and other events.
• Check weather condittions before you leave so you can include all necessary clothing etc.
• Leave gates and property as you find them (make sure the last in group closes any gates behind you.
• If you think a sign is illegal or misleading e.g. 'Private - No Entry' tell someone.
• In fields with crops follow paths whenever possible.
• Use the gates, stiles etc. provided.
• Do not damage hedges or fences by attempting to cross them. (Remember barbed wire is highly effective at ripping waterproof trousers!)
• Do not disturb ruins or historical sites.
• Leave machinery and livestock alone - don't interfere with animals even if you think they're in distress. (Alert someone instead)
• If you come across a carcass do not touch or pick up bones.
• Consider others - Keep out of the way when farm animals are being gathered or moved and follow directions from the farmer.
• If you are walking on a road beware of cars. Walk in single file at the side of the road and, if necessary, stop and allow a car to pass.
• Many parts of the countryside lack mobile phone signal so ensure you follow the route cards and if in doubt ask!
• You will not be lighting any fires unsupervised. After lighting a trangia be careful with the match. Never top-up meths in an alight trangia!
• Litter and leftover food doesn't just spol the beauty of the countryside, it can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals and can spread disease - so hold onto your litter.
• Remember - dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offences.
• Leave the campsite as you found it, if not better.

 

Item	Time to decompose
Tin Can	50 years
Aluminium can	200 years
Plastic bottle	450 years
Apple Core	2 months