Best practice in the natural environment

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Icona planifica la teva visita

Plan your visit

To enjoy natural areas, it’s essential to come prepared. Gather information about the difficulty of the route you want to follow, the terrain conditions, the weather forecast, whether you need to reserve access and where the information centres are located. Consult the website or app of the natural area; this will help you plan your visit effectively and learn about all the available services. Enjoy local tourist offerings; this will stimulate the local economy and help combat rural depopulation.

Grup de 3 excursionistes mirant i comentant un mapa

Problems it can cause

Visiting natural spaces without prior planning not only reduces your overall enjoyment but can also be dangerous.

Additionally, the area may have certain access restrictions that you need to be aware of to ensure both a successful visit and the conservation of natural values.

Best practices

To ensure a positive experience in the areas you plan to explore you need to properly plan your visit:

  • Check the weather forecast and be cautious. During your visit, stay alert to changing weather conditions.
  • Learn about the characteristics of the route you plan to follow: its difficulty, terrain conditions, necessary equipment, etc.
  • Be aware of your own physical limitations and those of the group you’re with and adapt your plans accordingly. This will lead to a more enjoyable experience and reduce risks.
  • Be aware of any restrictions in the area before you go, such as regulated activities, capacity limits or sensitive areas to avoid.
  • Sometimes, access restrictions are temporary, like during nesting seasons. Stay informed about the current regulations for the natural area you plan to visit even if you have already been there before.
  • Familiarise yourself with the Best Practices guidelines for behaviour in the area to ensure the conservation of its natural values.

Associated resources

Infographies on best practices in nature FEEC

Webpage Muntanyes Vives – Fundació Kilian Jornet i Paisatges Vius

Meteomuntanya – FEEC & Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya

Campaign “A la Muntanya deixa’t guiar” – Som Pirineu

SENDIF, calculator of trail difficulty – Som Pirineu