How Not to Get Moved On | WILD CAMPING in England 

how to avoid getting moved on.....dont camp illegally on access land or national parks .

I've been wild camping for over 30 years and I have never been asked to move on, I always head for remote places well away from roads and paths, it's amazing the little gems you find if you head deep into a forest, just remember, leave only footprints.

Can you imagine how dull and mundane it must be to camp in Canada or the States. Every wildcamp In England (except Dartmoor) is tant amount to an SAS embassy storming mission.

Part of my job is to move people on if I come across them. Believe me, I don't like doing it, but try to be as polite as possible...a chainsaw on tick over and looking like a banjo player helps...one tip I'll give is to camp on the same side of the field as the gate if possible, even if we stop and look over the gate we often can't see very far either side of the hedge left and right, and just as often can't be arsed to go in to look.

Sage advice.. It never hurts to say that you'll actually leave an area better than you found it. By that I mean, mention that you even picked up someone else's litter, coke can/crisp packet etc. Showing a little respect can more than often win someone over and offering a land owner, curious passer by a cup of tea, win their favour. In my experience, they will never take the cuppa, but by the universal law of tea offerance, they will generally think you are of good character. This doesn't work the same by offering them a Jaegerbomb or a can of Tennents Extra..

Check what’s going on locally event wise too. I stayed out in Yorkshire Dales near Ribblehead viaduct. Only a few sheep kicking about when I tucked in for the night, morning after there were folk all ower t’shop. Bloody 3 peaks fell race weren’t it 😄

My old man [83] was walking near his home, on paths he's travelled since he was a bairn, and was confronted by a lady near her house, saying he had no right of way, he reacted in the "you what?" vein and a yelling happened before my dad stormed off. The lady recorded the incident and uploaded the video to facebook and all of a sudden, there was a local witch hunt to further harass a harmless village elder getting their steps in for the day. Privatisation was a really evil idea. Land gifted to locals is being sold by corrupt local gov. And Public lands are being sold off too. Tories hate us commoners, us who live on the commons, common land, shared.

Only been approached by a landowner once in two years, my first time out, I was in hindsight in a very easily seen place. Totally agree about engaging in conversation, by the end she apologised for having switch the water to the feeding troughs off a week before and took my bagged up rubbish away for me.

Great advice. Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with land owners. I wild camp all across West Sussex and have been approach a handful of times over 35 years and all ended well, Infact the very first time it happened i was invited up to the farmhouse for breakfast! As you said, Be respectful and the universe will deal with the rest. Ive subbed btw :)

A good point at 1:26 on being out of view from any inhabited buildings. People sometimes forget that head torch (even on low setting) can be seen from a considerable distance.

40 odd years wild camping from top to bottom of UK and never been asked to move on 🤷🏻

I was asked to leave once. But luckily I softened them up a bit by telling them I was cleaning up the area from trash from the people before me and after my self. And told them I was visiting my childhood area. I had to stay a bit longer because I got sick. They was suspicious because they had campers before that left the place in a mess. This in Sweden.

Be invisible is my tip. I'm also a fan of hammock camping because you can camp in places people wouldn't consider looking - damp places, slopes, uneven underfoot etc.

Just like some other comments, I been wild camping for a long time too, 40 years now,without bing spotted. I simply used my Army fieldcraft training ie use a map and compass, stay away from footpaths, buildings,farms Etc and head to remote places,blend into the environment you in eg Camouflage,and leave no trace when You leave.

I always head for heavily wooded areas. Way off the pathway and way out the way in a dark condensed area, hidden away. SAS style, almost. I’ve never been found.

Great video and tips thank you. We've found a smile and friendliness goes a long way when encountering people when out wild camping, but we've also never been asked to move on. As you say the main barrier to wild camping is the fear!

I reckon building a fire is just asking for trouble, it's rarely necessary, rather a nice luxury, but no land owner would encourage it, really. Smoke signals in the finest tradition to anyone who's looking out for campers can't be a good idea. I pack up first thing too, then get breakfast on usually. Bivvying rather than tenting makes things much simpler and quicker, not to mention lighter.

Hello from New Zealand , I find it very difficult to understand how little wild bush there is in the UK. Over here the mountains and bush go on for as far as the eye can see and we can go camping for days on end and never see a soul. It is nice to see that you do make the best of it and it is commendable that you do. it would drive me crazy knowing that I could be moved on if I pitched my tent in the wrong place. It is ironic that the one of the finest countries in the world that spread freedom around the globe is restricted as to where you can go ( re camping). I like the spirit, and keep on wild camping.

I think the main trouble is from the outsiders point of view , who cannot, or will not distinguish between the genuine wild camper, and the noisy, drunk youths lighting fires and bbqs.

I always tend to go for woodland as it's easier to hide. If I have to go in a field it's always by a wall or hedge for a little extra cover, completely agree with your point about being in view of buildings

Easiest and best way to wild/stealth camp is with a bivvy bag there is no place that you cant camp within reason also you're technically not camping but resting as it is not classed as a structure because no poles.

Just went on my first ever wild camp with two friends in the Lake District. Parked a car way away from any towns and farmhouses in the hills… after 10 minutes of walking towards our intended location we were approached by a farmer on a quad bike. It pays to be honest, and engage in normal conversation with any landowners that come across you. In my case, the farmer had kindly pointed us in the direction of a further lay-by towards the edge of his property where we could walk into the hills and camp!

I have found a quick flash of my revolver tends to calm down any busybodies. That's the North of England for you, it's the only language they know.

Great tips. I always make sure I have no clear view of any paths or roads or habitation when I camp. If you can't see them, they can't see you. I make sure I'm in a nook and not exposed from any angle. Then I stay low and quiet and fairly dark and no one's ever disturbed me in 30 years of camping over here or in South Africa.

A bit of recon always helps, but that usually isn't possible in areas you are visiting for the first time with all your gear in tow. Always scope out local areas though. I tend to try and pick spots that are well covered (easier once the leaves return) and if possible, a lot of hard work to reach. It may sound obvious but newcomers must also pick colours that blend in, I use only green and/or camo etc,...for that reason. I recently found a spot that has a lake in front of me and a high fenced off railway behind - to reach it requires moving through the dense thicket and therefore is not somewhere either humans or animals would likely tread. So there's an example of how I try to prevent myself from being discovered.

Really good advice. Sometimes in the UK, especially in the south, there's a fine line between wild camping and stealth camping :)

Subscribed. Love your tips, keep up the great work. Camper here looking forward to some wild camping next year.

Great video! Been doing this for about 5 years now and your spot on! Defo not worth an argument however I have never been approached or asked to move on either but finding good “remote” locations is difficult especially as I take my children with me.

I happened upon a wild camper just two nights ago. I was out with the dogs, about 10pm on the Wolds Way. The guy had awful light discipline. I saw his light from a full half-mile away, and if I'd had an unobstructed line-of-sight, I would judge that it would have been visible from two miles; probably more. He had chosen the edge of a small copse, 130 yards from the path. The copse is 1200 yards from the edge of the village. Perfect dog-walking territory ... but, he'd have been fine if he'd moved out early and kept his lights off. I concede that it's perhaps unusual for someone to be out dog-walking so late, tho not unusual for ME. I went back at 04:30, by which time it was near full daylight, and the guy was fast asleep. AFAIK, he has no idea that his camp was discovered. On the plus side, when he DID leave, he left no evidence of his stay.

Great video and sage advice. Do love those awkward moments where someone sees you wild camping, says hello and you're like 'ok, I'm not supposed to be doing this but I'm just going to small talk until they say something about the tent' 😆

Here in the states I contact the land owner ( If it's private property ) for permission to camp on their land. Put yourself in the landowners position on trespassers. Respect , Courtesy and Honesty are three keys to getting permission. Always leave no trace that you have been there or as we say , " Take only pictures , leave only footprints ". I hammock camp so I don't even leave a footprint ( Matted Grass , Broken branches ) of a camp. Some of the State owned land requires a phone call ( Or computer reservation ) to the headquarters so they know you will be there , when and for how long. Remember , it's best to ask even if you get turned down then to get arrested for trespassing.

I really needed this video , I've just got all my gear and going for my first camp this weekend, I've become increasingly concerned as now I realise here in South East Kent, I'm mostly surrounded by ministry of defence land, and I don't think it's a good idea to go there, looks like I'm going to have to travel out a bit which is okay as I do have a campervan should it all go wrong or something. I've just watched your South downs way one and I like the look of that one, that's definitely going on the list. It's turning out to be harder than I expected, I just wanted to walk down the road and set up 🙄 so good to read so many positive comments too 👍 respect to you all 👍

Nice one needed that reassurance! Off on my first solo camp this evening in the depths of North Somerset xx

Good advice for beginners, always do a recce 👍👊

Nice one Ben excellent tips. I still, when wild camping, endlessly expect someone to rattle the tent and 'oh you in there!' I could be up a mountain or a woods miles from anywhere, but it still gets me. I've come to the conclusion that I actually enjoy the 'sneaky bit' because in the morning when I'm up and off I smile at myself. Not had much sleep mind, but still smile at myself. Come to think on it, I've never actually been challenged, most likely because I'm so paranode about it happening I squirrel myself away in the smallest, shadowy place I can find and don't make a sound. LOL Brilliant! ATB Dave. oh! and I also do all the stuff you mention. Rock on mate.

I always reply 'Living The Dream' 9 times out of 10 their reply is always 'Good For You' enjoy your day Great information video buddy 👍👍

Good one Ben. I've never been challenged/questioned either. In certain locations I am mindful of gamekeepers when I'm near grouse moors as I've had the odd issues in the past on day walks. You are right though, picking your location wisely is key to minimising any potential issues. Best wishes, Chris

Useful video. Thank you. I think the key is: respect. If you have pitched respectfully, in not breaking down trees or lighting fires, in not leaving your stuff spread all over the place ( even if you intended to pick it all up in the morning), and by being respectful in the way you talk to the person that has found you, then you are doing everything you can to give the impression that you care for the land and that you mean to leave no trace.

Subscribed. Nice to get a UK view of things as I'm always finding American. Which isn't a bad thing, it's just nice to hear it from a fellow Brit. I'll be taking a look back through your videos. I appreciate your help.

Some great advice for the wild campers. Lovely to see the sun in East London. 👌👌

I was a few weeks ago about half a mile a way from Bamford Edge and in the morning once I packed up I was approached by the land owner. We had a lovely chat, she informed me that the land was not part of the National Trust. I did apologize for not realizing. She was not too bothered as she could see as I packed up I left no trace and was respectful to her. From what I understood it was the people who light fires, left rubbish that really annoyed her. We both left each other happy.

one tip is to camp on higher ground, weather permitting. i with the pitch late, leave early rule it's even less likely to see anyone. also a tent that blends in with surroundings that's not brightly coloured is a good idea.

Some good valid points there. May I suggest to learn up every thing u can regarding the laws of trespass very hard for the land owner to prove especially if u did not cross a visible fence or wall and the law states they Have to have very strong belief ( not proof ) that you went with the intension to remove goods / and or property . If challenged be polite always be polite and above all listen to what they are saying ,prior to your visit they may have had several wild camps of drunken kids building fires and leaving litter and damage and you - as polite as you are may ve the straw that broke the... etc etc and the warden may be a bit jumpy ' if you genuinely are knackered or its getting dark politely state this but firmly you are injured u are exausted it is too dark to move they can call the police who have far better things to do an if they turn out they will normally take your side and simply ask as soon as you can in the morning move on . All this I know from experience up here in Yorkshire they are employing former soldiers dug in the ground with thermal image equipment ! Always ALWAYS learn about lambing times and cattle breeding and avoid these areas at all cost the land owners will only repect our rights if we respect their way of life .

Thing is in the UK you cant get done by the police for trespassing as its a civil offense and the land owner would have to take you to court. Now this is almost unheard of as they would have to gain evidence & get your personal info (make sure your car or whatever is far away from where you camp). They cant detain you, touch you or take any of your possessions otherwise that's theft and assault and then you can call the police on them. I've been asked to move on in the past and respectfully refused as I had alcohol and it would have been too dangerous to hike at 2am in those conditions. They accepted that and I said I'd be gone at first light and never come back which they were fine with. Yes always be polite but also know your rights and the law and you'll be fine.

Nice little vid Ben... I still get those nerves wild camping. Especially in woodland Thanks for sharing buddy Ash

And a most important point!! Take your litter home with you!! This will make it a lot better for wild campers in the future, it’s a shame some people don’t follow this simple rule and ruin this experience of the outdoors for the rest of us. Nice vid mate!

Good video dude. Easily the number one reason I fear going wild camping. That embarrassment of being told off, but like you said with common sense and respect your’ll probably going to be fine.

I like your photography pitch. Mine is in doing nature and wildlife sound recording. In actual fact I have a field recorder and mic with me so I am also telling the truth. I usually give my SoundCloud name to them so they can listen for themselves.

Got me thinking. I wonder how many people “wild camp” overnight in England - let us say, in the middle of summer? It would be interesting to know. And that includes those who have no choice otherwise.

Great tips Ben! Like you say mate, there's no point in having it out with someone, it can only make it harder for you and others in the future. I'm yet to be moved on in my time camping, but was very close to being caught in a public access woodland, where a floodlight was aimed in my direction 😬

Awesome views very beautiful

Great video mate, You kept it short and straight to the point.

Good informative video, thanks for sharing! Also I see you are creeping close to 2000 subscribers...well deserved Ben.

Great video - I haven't wild camped anywhere it's not allowed by law yet, but plan on doing the two moors way this summer. As a solo female I am a bit nervous about being asked to move on in the middle of the night but reading all the comments on here and on your video makes me think if I choose my spot wisely and engage with anyone who comes and speaks to me I should be ok

Nicely presented film, gives reassurance. Shouldn't need saying but leave absolutely no indication you have been there....even if it takes removing someone else's toot.............

I once woke up on white Edge Moor (Peak District) on the very edge next to a path at 11 in the morning I over slept that morning 🤣🤣 the place was full of people but no one cared, a few came up to have a chat.

Great video sound advice put across very well. We have been wild camping for a few years now and not had any problems, but i think being willing to hike a long way in, above the highest fell gate if possible and not having a fire is key. Just subscribed😊👍

That was very reassuring, thank you!

Well said - great video

Great advice ! Here where I am near Ottawa Canada it’s pretty much the same. Overall I think you just have to be smart about it. Problem is since Covid started a lot more people are “going in the woods” and leaving rubbish and burning trees. People like that spoil it for others. Hopefully when Covid gets under control those people will stay out of the woods. Thanks for sharing. Take care and stay safe.

I'm a Brit, nomadic in Europe where wild camping is ok,all the same,your tips are just as pertinent. Thing is, most of the time, if approached, I get invited closer to their homes. (But,then, I do have a bull powered waggon!)

Good tips there over thirty years I have only been moved on twice and they were both on sites open to the public, both after 6am while cooking. And both over 20 years ago. Stealth hidden in the woods is the way to go and hammocks are so much more comfortable. Cheers.

Excellent advice. Thank you.

i worked at a summer camp in USA in 2009 taking kids canoe camping down the Conneticut river after a month of non stop rainfall so it was moving quick!! On the last night we decided to wild camp at a portage point but we weren't sure if it belonged to a house the other side of some woods. My American colleague was paranoid to go and ask if we could stop there cos they got guns in America lol so we came in at nightfall and up and on our way at daybreak. Much better than struggling against against the current for our exit point.

I think fires are the big fear of landowners but also things like tent pegs or other litter left behind that might cause issues for grazing. For the camper you might want to be wary of fields that have cattle in that might trample your tent or be protective of their young. A farmer might fill his field with such at any time without warning.

My MO, walk in and walk out. Pitch up at dusk at the earliest. Be gone no later than 30 min after sunrise. No fires, no smelly food and no getting rat arsed or blaring music. If you want to do any messing about, getting bladdered etc just go on a proper campsite. Too many wild campers are lazy, walk 20m off the path and pitch up a 6 man tent and start with a full BBQ with Rihanna blasting! Then wonder why the old bill or land owners get annoyed.

A great first line whilst maintaining a bewildered expression on your face is to quietly whisper: I got a knife.

Good general advice. My fear is that there has been such an increase in wild camping (both the responsible and the irresponsible kind), plus so much of it being posted on media for all to see, that regulation is not far away. Currently wild camping is usually just a tolerated unlawful activity (in most of England & Wales), but I see the criminal law being brought to bear, permits being required for National Parks hiking, 'approved' routes and campsites, a growing army of petty enforcers, much like in other parts of the world.....and all in the name of conservation, 'elf'n'safety, diversity, etc etc

I hate that I had to watch this but it worked. Hahah thanks!!!

Cheers Ben, Good solid advice. Thank you :)

Wise words bro😎👌👏..... #leavenotrace😉

good sound sensible advice ... !!

Don't have a massive bright colour tent have something like a camo basha because it's smaller harder to see and quicker to pack up and move if there's a lot of movement around. Also don't make a fire

Great video -- thanks. Trespass, unless on educational premises, railway property, protected sites etc., is a civil offence and the police will not usually attend. All the landowner can do is get your details and take you to court -- that isn't likely to happen if you are polite and contrite as advised here.

i took my kids to blue lake above fairbourne (old quarry) where i use to go as a kid...after telling them how good it would be and taking our stuff up i was gutted to find that due to litter and twats the owner took bout 10 tonne of stone up and a digger and plugged the tunnel u needed to access the pool. Spoilt the day a little but reading up i understand completely. Do not understand why people leave crap on mountains.....especially banana peel

I have to be honest and say I am not afraid of the dark, or camping alone as a woman. I AM afraid of being moved on, because I would be terrified of being told off by a complete stranger. South Cambs has precious few places that I can camp and even less woodland.

Very sound advice. Thank you Ben

I would agree with your tips, good video 😊👍🏾

Some really good point there Ben covers that topic well looked like u were having a nice walk in wot looked to me like Battersea park I may be wrong though lol

I guess it's all about establishing trust. There's people who are responsible and others who are idiots, light fires and make a mess. Maybe the good ones should help report the bad ones.

I’ve been wild camping for many years, especially in mountain regions and have noticed over the last 3-4 years the increasing incidents of morons lighting fires and leaving rubbish. As a consequence, more and more land owners are becoming pro active and I’m hearing increasingly of people being moved on, although it hasn’t happened to me yet. Good advice mate. Keep your head down, keep your camp tidy, don’t light fires, be respectful if approached and leave no trace.

Great wise advice !

If you can see a farm you can ask for permission to camp. In my experience mostly it will be granted. Any light weight camper is welcome to camp on my farm.

Great video mate, this is gonna help thanks

I've heard in places like the peak district the landowners are sending out people on quadbikes with heat vision cameras quite late to find people and move them on because over lockdown apparently lots of new people have been doing wild camping with no regard for leave no trace etiquette.

Surrey is great for a spot of wild camping. It's the most wooded county in England apparently, plus there are plenty of remote spots. Great video!

Good tips!! Great video buddy 👍

great advice but i suspect things have changed for the worst of late!! drones and thermal camera`s have been mentioned , the price we all pay for idiots dumping Stella Artois cans and disposable BBQ`s i suppose?

Great Vlog and positive advice. I had one farmer once come up to my tent and ask me to help him with a stuck quad. It was his land and as you said. Respect the owner and leave no trace. Sub from me mate. Martin.

There are some woods around a park near me that I go to often for 'day camping'. I build very small fires for cooking (grilling is allowed at this park) on a small rock slab that I built, with a low wall around it. Often my fires smoke like a chimney for quite a while (I'm not a great fire maker), but no one has ever approached me or investigated whether the forest is on fire lol. Not even police, whom I've seen at a distance in the park a few times. I was thinking about possibly doing an overnighter sometime in this spot, because it's not a bad spot. However, today, as I was sitting eating my chicken in the glorious dappled sunlight, I heard some rustling in the brush behind me several times. I kept watch to see what it was, and all of a sudden this HUGE rat heads toward me!! I threw a stick at him and he ran away, for a few minutes, then came toward me (and presumably my chicken) again. Of all the issues I thought I might have wild camping in an urban park, i.e. police, vagrants, drunk teenagers, etc, it NEVER occurred to me that the thing that would be a problem was rats!! So, needless-to-say, I won't be camping there, hahahaha. Thank you for the tips and reassurance about dealing with people. Got any suggestions for rats? :)

Enjoyed the video! Liked and subscribed. Come over the US sometime and go camping! My thru-hiker friends Dixie and Daisy would say the PCT is great! Personally, I am not a thru-hiker but a bushcrafter, prepper, and fisherman and since I live in Virginia, the AT would be more my speed (no deserts no high mountains). Laters ma dudes!

The problem with "arrive late, leave early" is that local park rangers are on lookout for people carrying camping gear at those times. In contrast, a backpacker during the day is more common as there could be campsites nearby or a hotel.

I guess the way to go is just be honest and has he said be polite and avoid conflict if they say move just move not end of the world!the more people understand what we do then the more land owners will not be bothered by us and allow us access for a night.

Just spoken to a former service pal who is been employed by a land owner up here in Ladybower hes told me the 'hunter force' are now using technology that can pick up on mobile phone signals and locate your hide / tent ...huge amounts of damage And expense are been caused by the ' Benidorm' set with their BBQ's and area fires that the land owners are paying serious money to ex soldiers to police their land the quality of these guys is quite outstanding but hopefully it will all settle down when the lock down lifts and the scratters go back to their package tours

Good advice after nearly a thousand years.

I don't see the issue with fires if you're smart, don't cut any live wood and leave it as you find it. It is after all the focal point of a camp and you tend to freeze your unit off without one.

Great video - just discovered your channel on my feed. Subbed 👍Ben

Ive never wild camped before, if i did i think i would stick to public access land and be discreet and respectful

Thank God I live in Norway - here the people own the forrest ans the mountains so you can camp almost everywhere 👍all peoples right : its an Norwegian law

The easiest thing I find is just to plan your route and ask in advance the local farmers where you plan to camp most are fine and you don't have to worry also most important leave no trace (some people ruin it for everyone with antisocial behaviour)