Keeping Yourself And Wildlife Safe

Introduction

Nature reserves are great places to visit. They allow people to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. The United Kingdom has an abundance of reserves to explore. However, the main priority for tourists should be to keep themselves and the local wildlife as safe as possible. With that in mind there are several things that all visitors can do in order to ensure that they have a fantastic experience.

Learn About The Nature Reserve Beforehand

Having advanced knowledge of where you are going will prepare you for the environment. There may be a number of hidden hazards to be aware of.

Don’t Feed The Wildlife

Giving human food to wild animals can be dangerous for not just that one creature but the entire ecosystem. It is sometimes tempting to feed wildlife but this can have serious consequences and is often illegal.

Keep Dogs On Leashes

Most nature reserves have strict rules about keeping dogs on leads. Some will even ban dogs entirely. This is in order to protect the local flora and fauna.

Make Sure The Campsite Is Clean

It is always important to treat the landscape with the respect and care that it deserves. Leaving litter in nature reserves can damage the environment. It shows a disregard for both the animals that live there and the other tourists who visit.

Know The Weather Forecast

It is crucial that hikers and campers know what kind of conditions they will face when they are inside a natural reserve. The elements can be unforgiving and very dangerous. This is especially true for people who are not wearing the proper clothing and carrying adequate equipment. Staying updated on the weather forecast will allow visitors to ready themselves in the event of high temperatures, heavy rain and snowfall. This is particularly important for those who want to trek deep inside the reserve and stay there overnight.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can affect the human body in a matter of hours. Hiking trails puts extra exertion on the body, making it sweat more. This leads to loss of fluids which need to be replenished as soon as possible. All travellers should keep enough water on their person to sustain them. They also need to recognise the early signs of dehydration: dizziness, heavy breathing and rapid heart-rate.

Make Sure You Are Oriented

It is easy to get lost in the woods. Having a map handy will prevent this from happening. Most nature reserves will have recognisable landmarks which will help people figure out exactly where they are and where they need to go. Staying with a group is useful as being lost together is preferable to being in that situation alone.