Walking Skills
Walkers need to be aware that their presence will have an effect on the wilderness and on other visitors. Protect our wilderness areas and help maintain a natural diversity of plants and animals by following the minimum impact code.
Please do not pick flowers or take or disturb other specimens, including rocks and fossils. Respect wildlife and their habitats and leave them undisturbed.
Cultural heritage sites (Aboriginal and other sites) are protected by law. Do not remove objects or disturb or deface anything.
Leave your pets at home.
No trace Overnight Camping
Apart from normal bushwalking gear, walkers camping overnight will need a fuel stove, hand trowel, strong rubbish bags for carrying out all rubbish and a container for collecting water.
Look for low impact campsites, preferably recognised campsites (this saves creating a new site). Do not dig channels around your tent. Where campfires are permitted, only one small campfire should be made. Be absolutely sure the fire is out. Remains should be unobtrusive - remove any non-combustible material from the ashes and take it with you.
Guidelines for Walkers & Leaders
These guidelines are intended as a foundation for the development of appropriate specific guidelines for individual Clubs
Guidelines for Walk Leaders
Before starting the walk the leader should remind walkers of these guidelines.
Scheduled walks should be cancelled if the forecast temperature on the morning of the walk is 32° C or higher.
For all walking groups there should be a second leader to act as back marker or emergency leader.
Before starting the walk, the leader should advise walkers of the route, terrain, estimated distance, approximate duration and any special features.
If numbers are excessive for the conditions, then consideration should be given to splitting the group.
During the walk, the leader should halt the group at all track junctions until the whole group is together.
Guidelines for Walkers
All Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who will be responsible for their care.
Each walker is responsible for ensuring her/his fitness and preparedness for the walk. This includes suitable footwear with adequate tread. If in doubt about fitness or the requirements of the walk, contact the leader for advice prior to the walk. People with medication needs &/or disabilities which may cause problems during the walk must also contact the leader prior to the walk.
All walkers are responsible for carrying their own supplies including first aid equipment, any required medication and adequate water.
Walkers should not walk ahead of the walk leader without invitation nor leave the group without advising the walk leader or back marker.
Walkers should ensure that the walkers behind are in view, and if not send a message ahead to the leader.
On public roads where there are no footpaths, walkers should normally walk on the right hand side of the road in single file. On shared trails, walkers should keep as far to the left as practicable to avoid blocking the trail for other users.
Walkers should not pick flowers or
fruit, bring animals, firearms or radios, smoke or leave any
litter.
Tread softly and leave minimal impact.
Before establishing a walking group there are several matters that need to be considered
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Club Name - if you are going to have a Constitution the name should reflect its purpose (eg Bindi Bush Walkers).
Management & Membership - who will have the power to make the decisions and manage the group’s needs? Who will be the core group of members? Why is the group being formed? These questions will need to addressed.
Non- Profit - any money which the group makes is used to run the group, not distributed as a profit to members.
Commercial - a leader of a Commercial Group may be expected to have qualifications from organisations such as TAFE or Bushwalking Leadership SA. The Walk Leader’s "Duty of Care" to group members may be different. Leaders would also need to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate, especially when seeking to be covered by insurance.
Finance - a budget will be needed, membership fees agreed, bank account arranged and cheque signatories authorised. Rules for overdue fees, resignation and expulsion of members
Constitution - a set of rules which bind the group and provide a clear picture of how it is to function. A constitution is essential for the group to become incorporated. A copy of the Associations Incorporated Act and Regulations Under the Associations Incorporated Act should be obtained as the constitution cannot contain clauses which are contrary to this Act. A non-profit organisation can apply for incorporation.
Incorporation - means the Association (club) is created as a legal entity.
Insurance for Public Liability/Accident - Public Liability Insurance is recommended for all clubs/groups. Walking SA’s Member Clubs/Groups (non-profit) can join the Public Liability Insurance Scheme arranged by the Federation. Clubs/Groups wishing to join this scheme must have a minimum of 10 members and have been in existence for a minimum of six months. Commercial operators would need to arrange their own insurance cover.
Experience of Walk Leaders and Training of Walk Leaders/Members - if you do not have previous experience consideration should be given to joining a training course, such as those conducted by Bushwalking Leadership SA. It is desirable that leaders obtain First Aid training. Members should be encouraged to do a First Aid course and in-house training should also be arranged covering such topics as navigation, safety in the bush, minimum impact camping, etc.