As part of a series of green initiatives, the BMC has just approved and published a 'crag code', a bit like the Country Code but with a specific focus on climbers.
It includes guidelines on how to protect the wildlife living on crags and how to support the local economy. So from now on, watch out for those seagulls, buy that tastey mid-afternoon flapjack at a local store, and above all, make sure you come home in one piece:-)
On a more serious note, some species of birds rely on Britain's crags and sea cliffs as nesting grounds, so it's important to be aware of a crag's inhabitants - other than yourself and your mates of course. Likewise, leaving litter around the base of the cliff doesn't waash, either with the local creepy-crawlies or with other climbers and walkers.
The new Crag Code is an attempt to highlight these issues, albeit in a very simplified format, and the BMC hopes it will be published in Mountain Leader Training Literature, crag noticeboards, climbing guidebooks, and on posters at climbing walls.
As Dave Turnbull, BMC Chief Executive, says: “It's in all of our interests to look after our crags. Whether you're an individual climber, part of a club or running outdoor activity courses, the Crag Code applies to you. Read and respect it.”
Other recent BMC green intiatives include Green Guides and Trek Lightly publications, which are all free. More details on the BMC website.
