Although supportive of challenge events in principle, recognising that many are organised to raise money for charity and offer people opportunities to use and understand areas of countryside which they might not otherwise visit, we have concerns about the activity. We are particularly concerned about the repeated use of a small number of sites and questions how well many of these events are planned and controlled.

Guiding principles

1. The National Trust welcomes a limited number of challenge events each year provided Trust staff are closely involved in the planning.

2. Challenge events should avoid sensitive landscapes, habitats and heritage sites. The National Trust will take care to ensure that the scale of an event and the frequency with which its most popular properties are used do not conflict with conservation interests.

3. There are relatively few 'wilderness' areas in the UK and challenge events should respect the tranquillity of these areas.

4. Challenge events should respect the needs of local communities, other visitors, farming and forestry.

Good practice

• Some areas will be unsuitable for large events. Forests can absorb considerable numbers of people and are therefore often more suitable for large events than open country.
• Avoid the creation of new routes or the use of paths which are already suffering from erosion or are susceptible to damage, e.g. steep terrain, thin soils, wet conditions.
• Avoid using areas which are vulnerable at particular times of year, e.g. hay meadows, ground-nesting bird sites, fields used for lambing.
• Avoid sensitive ruins and ancient earthworks, particularly for gathering/parking areas.
• Check that the relevant authorities have been consulted to establish, agree and act upon likely impacts.
• Try to avoid planning events at times of the year when sites and surrounding areas are particularly busy, e.g. public holidays, days when other events are taking place.
• Respect the needs of farming and forestry and ensure there is adequate liaison with interested parties.
• Give careful thought to whether or not dogs are to be permitted.
• A risk assessment should be undertaken to determine health and safety implications before agreeing to an event of any size.
• The event organiser’s insurance cover should be at least £2 million, and preferably £5 million.
• The Countryside Code should be observed by all organisers and participants.
• All organisers of charity events should be asked to comply with the Code of Practice for Outdoor Fundraising Events prepared by the Institute of Fundraising.
• Take note of acceptable routes or ‘out of bounds’ areas.
  Detailed emergency procedures should be prepared and agreed in advance.
• Ensure clear up procedures are agreed and understood

Trends
Not known, but thought to be increasing.

Possible impacts

• Conflict with other visitors and local communities/businesses, particularly if inadequate information is given in advance.
• Spectators and event facilities can cause congestion at busy sites.
• Disturbance to sensitive habitats, landscapes and heritage sites where control is inadequate.
• Pressure on local services and facilities.
• Many beneficial impacts, e.g. the potential to raise knowledge and awareness of countryside issues and the National Trust, contact with young, active people and urban communities.

Contacts and liaison
The national governing bodies of sport and recreation have much experience of event organisation and can advise if there are guidelines for their specific activity. Many of the National Park Authorities (Dartmoor, North York Moors, Peak District, Snowdonia) have produced guidelines for events.

Legislation, codes and agreements
Highways authorities will need to be consulted if the event is to use rights of way. Organisers of charity events should be asked to comply with the code of practice prepared by the Institute of Charity Fund Managers (ICFM).

References
Countryside Commission, English Sports Council, Environment Agency (1998). Sporting and Challenge Events in the Countryside - Guidelines for organisers. Countryside Commission, English Sports Council, Environment Agency, London.

The Sports Council for Wales, Countryside Council for Wales (1998). Sporting and Challenge Events in the Countryside - Guidelines for organisers. The Sports Council for Wales, Countryside Council for Wales, Cardiff.