Why tarn shorelines are so fragile

Upland tarns — those small, shallow lakes and pools found across the British hills — are among the most delicate places you can pitch a tent. Their shorelines are often a thin ribbon of specialised vegetation: dwarf willow no taller than your thumb, sundew glistening with sticky droplets, cotton grass waving in the breeze, and cushions of moss that may be older than you are. These plants grow slowly, sometimes less than a millimetre a year. A single misplaced boot can crush decades of growth, and a poorly sited tent can leave a scar that lasts for generations. That is why leave no trace principles matter more here than almost anywhere else.

Pitch at least 30 metres from the water

The single most important rule for tarn camping is simple: camp at least 30 metres from the water's edge. That's roughly 30 large paces. This buffer protects the fragile shoreline zone, keeps your soap and food smells out of the water, and gives wildlife room to drink and feed undisturbed. Look for a pitch on hard, rocky ground, gravel, or bare earth that has clearly been used before. Avoid grassy hummocks, mossy patches, and any place where tiny seedlings are pushing through.

• Arrive late in the evening and leave early in the morning to minimise disturbance.
• Use a freestanding tent so you need fewer pegs and can choose a smaller footprint.
• If there is no durable spot, move on — even if it is getting dark. A long walk is better than a damaged tarn.
• Never dig drainage trenches around your tent. They channel water and cause erosion.

Pack out every last scrap of waste

In the uplands, there is no bin fairy. Everything you carry in must come out. That includes food scraps, tea bags, orange peel, eggshells, and nut shells. They do not rot quickly in cold, acidic tarn conditions; they look unsightly and attract scavengers like foxes and crows. Human waste is a bigger issue. If there is no toilet, walk at least 30 metres from water, dig a hole 15–20 cm deep, do your business, and carry out the paper in a sealed bag. Better still, use a reusable wag bag and pack it out. Never bury wet wipes — they do not decompose. For washing, carry water 30 metres away from the tarn, use a bowl, and use only a tiny amount of biodegradable soap. Strain food bits from your washing-up water and scatter the grey water widely.

Tread lightly on rare upland plants

Many tarn-edge plants are rare and protected. You might spot bog rosemary, cloudberry, moss campion, or the insect-eating sundew. They are not just pretty — they are habitat for invertebrates and food for birds. Stay on rocks, gravel, or bare peat. Avoid stepping on moss cushions, lichen, or low heath. If you see something unusual, admire it from a distance. Do not pick flowers, collect seeds, or move stones to build cairns. Those stones shelter insects and small mammals. The principle is simple: leave what you find.

Fires, stoves, and bothies: low-impact habits

Open fires are almost never appropriate near a tarn. They scorch the ground, leave ash and blackened stones, and can melt plastic into the peat. Use a camping stove instead. If you must have a fire — and it is rarely justified — use an existing fire ring, keep it small, and burn only dead wood that you have carried in. Never cut live trees or pull up heather. In bothies, use stoves rather than open fires, and never burn rubbish. Bothies are free, unlocked shelters, usually maintained by volunteers. They are a privilege, not a right. Pack out all rubbish, including food. Sweep the floor before you leave. Do not leave candles, matches, or half-burned logs. Bring your own fuel and cooking equipment. If a bothy has a log book, write a note about anything that needs fixing. The same spirit applies to tarn shores: if you spot litter, pick it up. Carry a spare bag for other people's rubbish. That is the true leave no trace ethic — leaving a place better than you found it.

Plan ahead and respect wildlife

Before you set out, check access rights. In Scotland, wild camping is legal on most unenclosed land, but in England and Wales you generally need the landowner's permission. Know the rules for the area you are visiting. Tarns are important for nesting birds, spawning fish, and drinking deer. Keep your distance, especially in spring and early summer. Do not camp on islands or peninsulas where birds nest. Carry a trowel, a rubbish bag, and hand sanitiser. Tell someone your route and expected return time. And remember: the quietest, most memorable nights by a tarn are the ones where you leave no sign you were ever there.