Best practice in the natural environment
Leave nature as you found it
If everyone who visits a space takes a plant, an animal or a stone, imagine what will happen: an apparently innocent action can end up destroying a habitat or affecting a species. Observe animals and plants in their habitat without disturbing them.
Problems it can cause
The number of people visiting natural spaces in our country is increasing. While we all probably know that we shouldn’t pick a plant or capture an animal, we also shouldn’t take rocks or move them around. This small action can alter the habitat of animals and plants that use rocks as a refuge or depend on the conditions associated with them. Everyone has seen a spider’s nest or an anthill under a rock. A little stone might be their home.
Furthermore, taking plants, animals, rocks, etc. from natural spaces harms both us and other visitors, as it can gradually lead to the loss of the landscape we want to enjoy.
Best practices
Make sure to leave everything as you found it:
- Many plants are protected and need to be preserved. Enjoy them in their natural habitat, and don’t take them with you.
- Rocks are part of the habitat for many species and are protected heritage; leave them as you found them.
- Observe animals in their habitat without disturbing them. Capturing them is regulated and, in most cases, prohibited.
- Although stone markers help locate paths, do not build new ones and stay on the already marked paths.
- On mountain peaks, you may find crosses and many other objects. Do not add more.
Associated resources
Video #NaturalBalance: in nature, there is no room for incivic acts, with Carlota Bruna – DACC
Vdeo “Leave no trace in nature” – Agents Rurals, FEEC i Fundació Kilian Jornet
Infography on Good Practices in Mountain Areas – FEEC
Video about trash in nature – ADEFFA