Government to consult over wild camping in Wales

The Welsh Government is to consult on allowing wild camping on open land and national parks in Wales.

Wild camping is allowed in most of Scotland and on Dartmoor in Devon but currently is illegal elsewhere in England and Wales without the landowner's consent.

But the Daily Post newspaper has now reported that the Welsh Government will soon be consulting on land access - and could introduce legislation that would allow wild camping in the future.

An e-petition has been launched calling for the law to be made similar to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 covering open land and national parks in England and Wales.

It states: “Wild camping enthusiasts are not a threat to our national parks and open spaces.

“Current legislation prevents the people who could and would have a positive, voluntary impact on the environment from enjoying it. It is unpoliced and is ignored by louts, teenagers and drunks.

“It keeps the good out while the bad ignore it. Current legislation needs to be changed.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson told the Daily Post: “We are keen to support and provide opportunities for responsible outdoor recreation wherever possible and will shortly be consulting as part of the ongoing review of access.

"This will inform us as to the need and extent of any future legislative change in Wales. “

A Snowdonia National Park Authority spokeswoman said: “There are plenty of authorised and excellent campsites in the National Park, which we encourage campers to use.

“However, some people decide to go wild camping and there is a code of conduct for such activity.

“Wild camping is possible if consent has been gained from the landowner and appropriate Authorities.

“It is therefore the landowners’ responsibility to manage his land appropriately, especially if it includes land designated due to scientific or historical reasons.

“Those who practise wild camping should show respect to other users and the environment.”

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