Wild Trails Camping Club

Last updated: 09/01/26

1. Purpose of Certification

Wild Trails Camping Club provides independent certification for low-impact camping sites across the UK. Certification is intended to support responsible land use, environmental awareness, and appropriate site management.

Certification reflects an assessment of suitability at a specific point in time and is based on information provided by the applicant, together with any additional review considered necessary by the Club.

2. Nature of Certification

Certification issued by Wild Trails Camping Club:

• is discretionary,

• is granted on a site-by-site basis,

• is not guaranteed, and

• does not create any entitlement or expectation of approval.

Wild Trails Camping Club does not issue blanket approvals and reserves the right to decline, condition, suspend, or withdraw certification.

3. Scope of Assessment

As part of the certification process, Wild Trails Camping Club may consider, where relevant:

• site location and land use,

• scale and nature of proposed camping activity,

• access and neighbouring context,

• environmental sensitivity,

• management practices and site controls,

• any relevant planning or regulatory considerations.

Assessments may include desk-based review, site visits (in person or virtual), and requests for supporting information or evidence.

4. Relationship to Planning and Regulation

Wild Trails Camping Club certification:

• does not constitute planning permission,

• does not override planning law or other legal requirements,

• does not represent approval by a local planning authority, Natural England, or any statutory body.

Responsibility for compliance with all applicable laws, permissions, licences, and regulatory obligations remains solely with the site owner or operator.

5. Conditions and Ongoing Compliance

Certification may be issued subject to conditions, limitations, or requirements.

Certified sites are expected to:

• continue to meet Wild Trails Camping Club standards,

• operate in accordance with the information provided during assessment,

• notify the Club of material changes to site use or management.

Failure to maintain standards or comply with conditions may result in review, suspension, or withdrawal of certification.

6. Duration and Review

Certification reflects suitability at the time it is granted.

Wild Trails Camping Club reserves the right to:

• review certification periodically,

• reassess sites where circumstances change,

• withdraw certification where standards are no longer met.

7. Fees

Certification and assessment fees are communicated directly to applicants as part of the application process. Fees reflect the nature and scope of assessment required.

8. Independence

Wild Trails Camping Club operates independently. Certification decisions are made solely by the Club in accordance with its standards and policies.

Engagement with third-party consultants, where relevant, does not imply endorsement and is subject to separate arrangements between the applicant and those parties.

9. Changes to This Policy

This Certification Policy may be updated from time to time. The most recent version will be published on the Wild Trails Camping Club website.