“This is the biggest threat ever to our free camps”

I’ve mentioned this a number of times in past ramblings, and it saddens me that I have to say it again.

I had a friend email in last week with images of a huge amount of rubbish they found at Bonshaw Weir, one of their favourite campsites. As you can see by the photo, it has ruined what is a sensational campsite.

All it takes is one ranger, one council employee, one letter to reception at the local Parks and Rec, and this beautiful free camp could be shut down for good. Do these grubs not realise this? Do they not comprehend just how detrimental their actions could be?

Now, let’s clear things up here - I’m certain the majority reading this do the right thing, and even go above and beyond and pick up rubbish others have left. But it’s not just the backpackers who litter, it’s not just the young hoons that litter - I know some vanners do as well.

We ALL need to take responsibility for our campsites. Honestly, this is the stigma attached to free camping, and it is without doubt the biggest threat to our free camps.

Do they really need to shut down popular camps for campers to learn a lesson? It’s simple, pick up after yourself, put only wood in the fire, and make sure you give anyone doing the wrong thing a bomb! Just like my friends did at Bonshaw Weir, they picked up all that and more.

Are you as sick of this as I am? Get in touch with me, show me your photos of rubbish you found, and let’s create more awareness of this preventable threat to our beloved free camps. [email protected]

FRED WRIGHT