Practising your survival skills are key for any prepper – as we have said before, if you don’t use it, you will lose it! That said, you do need to be aware of the differing laws across the UK in relation to some outdoor activities.
We always recommend that when learning or practising any outdoor skills, you use an approved company who has the facilities (and licences) for these sorts of things. That way you won’t fall foul of the law.
In the meantime, here is a quick reminder of some of the current outdoor survivalist skills that have laws attached to them, as reported in Walesonline.co.uk.
Wild camping is ILLEGAL in England and Wales
With the exception of some parts of Dartmoor, in England and Wales wild camping is illegal, with a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment, or a fine of £2,500 – or both.
In Scotland, wild camping is legal – but you must follow the guidelines set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. If you are in any doubt, stick to legal campsites.
You need permission to start a campfire
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you can only start a fire if you have permission from the landowner.
While some UK campsites allow campfires, note that forests, National Parks and all the land in England and Wales is privately owned – so permission is always required.
In Scotland, open campfires have been legal since 2004 – but rules apply such as keeping fires small and supervised at all times; and forests are not allowed in forests, farmland, very dry conditions, and cultural heritage sites etc.
You must also remove all traces of an open fire.
As the damage caused by campfires to land can take quite some time to repair, use a camping stove.
Foraging without permission equals a £2,500 fine
All wild plants are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
The Woodland Trust advises that it is illegal to dig up or remove a plant (including algae, lichens and fungi) from the land on which it is growing without permission from the landowner or occupier.
Some species are specially protected against picking, uprooting, damage and sale. A list of these can be found on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
Littering is illegal – everywhere
No matter where you drop litter, or leave dog poo etc., is still illegal to litter. You could face a fixed penalty charge of up to £80 for a litter offence (£100 for dog poo). If you are prosecuted and convicted in court, the fine could rise to £2,500 (£1,000 for dog mess).
Hunting in the UK
You MUST have the landowners permission to hunt any wildlife on their land. You can be fined or jailed for hunting illegally or causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
You will also need a licence for certain equipment types and the sue of some of hunting equipment will be banned.
Visit: https://www.gov.uk/hunting/mammals for more information.
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