Motorhome Wild Camping Bill- the uncomfortable truth...

Grab your FREE motorhome wild camping checklist here: wandering-bird.ck.page/3ccf5c...
If you like wild camping or staying off-grid with your motorhome or campervan, you NEED to watch this video.
0:00 The Motorhome Wild Camping Bill
2:02 The uncomfortable truth
4:00 Our first motorhome wild camping trip
6:13 The most confusing thing
7:07 How we wild camp in our van
7:40 What people most seem to not know...
8:18 The Petition and the Government response
9:13 What it means for us in the future
10:40 The time the Police asked us to move on...
13:03 One thing that IS a pain
15:35 What to do if you're nervous/ worried
18:43 Outtakes :)
For more info on this law, check out the blog post on Wandering Bird: www.wandering-bird.com/motorh...
Don't forget you can grab your FREE motorhome wild camping checklist here: wandering-bird.ck.page/3ccf5c...
#motorhomes #campervans #UK #wildcamping
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Thanks for watching!

[@PK_Blinder]

Finally a video that speaks common sense. Although lately "wild campers" have been their own enemies..... once parked up the only thing that should come out of the van is you.... 👍

[@WanderingBird]

Totally agree. But it's only a few selfish idiots causing the trouble and giving the rest of us a bad name. Very sad.

[@WanderingBird]

I tried my very best not to add to the 'drama' surrounding this bill and give a balanced view of the pros and cons, plus some other options for you. If you have any questions, drop them below and I'll try to answer them for you. And don't forget you can grab your FREE motorhome wild camping checklist (link in the notes)

[@Skeitintouch]

Good summary. Sadly it’s not just wild camping restrictions that are affecting us, there is also the problem of day parking where local authorities are preventing motorhomes and Campervans from parking anywhere. Measures include signage, height and width barriers and bays that will only accommodate (most) cars. We are being specifically targeted in many parts of the country to the extent that we should wonder if there is an agenda to eliminate these vehicles entirely from the UK. Fortunately, Europe does not seem to have adopted this fanatical approach so as soon as it fully reopens, that is where we will all head again and that is where we we will spend our money.

[@nomae62]

I think this is aimed mainly at the travelling community. The amount of waste that is left behind for councils to clean up is shocking and amazing. I know of a place near Rainham Essex that required over 40 lorry loads of waste ie: garden clearance, home renovation and all clearance waste from work they carried out

[@BrainCaseSugaryGoodness]

On the surface I would agree with you but then you have to ask yourself why in clearly defines that one vehicle on its lonesome will be culpable?

[@Pugwash.]

@@BrainCaseSugaryGoodness Probably so each van owner is responsible for their own conduct, the same as a speeding offense doesn't need 3 cars together.

[@roamingmacs7543]

Well said and exactly what I’ve been trying to say to people I know. Thank you, you said it so much better

[@Jarbie]

Thank you for a very level headed summary of the situation. Living in Devon, I can understand some peoples frustration regarding volumes and behaviour especially in the summer. We are very lucky to live near Dartmoor where it is permitted to backpack camp in some areas provided by-laws are followed. But fly-camping means the DNP and land owners are having to add further restrictions. The problem is, the fly campers are either unaware of, or unwilling to follow the rules so will ignore them and true wild campers who leave no trace will sadly be the ones affected. We are on a count down to pick up our first Moho and I have a multi-year career break beckoning. So your videos are really useful to us. Keep up the good work. ATB, John.

[@maddavvid2339]

Morning kat We have just spent the last three days in Ashbourne in the Peak District unfortunately a large group of travellers turned up and parked Right on the football field even though the kids were playing football at the time they then proceeded to rampage through the small town police have to wait for a court order to remove them by this time the damage is done so I can see where the bill is coming from unfortunately we all get tarred with the same brush we were staying on a pop-up campsite just outside the town £8 a night absolutely spot-on

[@stuarthall2523]

Thanks for that. We’ve caravanned for years, but suddenly losing my wife has ignited the passion for this. It will be next year before I can make a decision on a van, or small motorhome, but found your channel very helpful. Subscribed

[@philpryce5656]

Come to France. Pretty much every village has facility for motor homes. All I need now is a motor home.😁

[@WanderingBird]

Yep, France is awesome for that. And you need a motorhome!

[@gilltate3029]

Thank you Kat for your sensible break down of the rules xx

[@janepugh3280]

Thank you for this video. Being new to motor homing I found this very helpful. Having read acres of pages regarding this matter I must agree with your interpretation of this new Bill. If we are all respectful and act responsibly then nothing should change. X

[@jo6628]

Good video as I agree entirely. We need this bill to try and stop the few ruining it for the many law abiding Motorhomers. If you park somewhere that you didn’t know was private land and you are asked to move,then move,what’s the problem.

[@mike24mb]

Thankyou that's makes it clearer To what we are all thinking about at the moment us the motorhome family

[@WanderingBird]

Great- that was my aim; to try to clear up the confusion as best I can. Glad it helped. :)

[@Yorkmedia1]

You make more sense then anybody else has I would not go to Scotland at this moment I’ll stick to my little camper van and take your advice great video this as helped a lot

[@billallen4039]

The uncomfortable truth = Common Sense - Your point was very diplomatically delivered... ;) Onwards and Upwards to us all in 2021 and beyond.

[@TechFromYorkshire]

I don’t think the majority of the subscribers to this channel have anything to worry about. It will be targeting the travelling community who haven’t done themselves any favours by leaving sites they ‘illegally’ visit in a mess.

[@WanderingBird]

Yep. I think it's the wording and potential issues after it's passed which is causing concern.

[@TechFromYorkshire]

@@WanderingBird True. The Government can’t be seen to be targeting any particular segment of the community so we all suffer. That said, there are probably lots of motor homers too that haven’t helped the cause.

[@oldharry09]

I don’t all travellers make mess that’s narrow minded plus so called wild camping is the travellers way of life

[@trevorpoole4405]

Burglary is a criminal offence but try getting a policeman to attend after a break in! The police force doesnt not have the manpower for this bill but it does allow councils to take action.

[@BrainCaseSugaryGoodness]

Your right there took them 5 days to come round when my house was burgled! maybe it just too hard for them to solve burglary crimes, What can be clearly seen through statistical analysis is easy crimes, ie Low hanging fruit! is swiftly dealt with. Once trespass is a criminal offence its then a police matter. And so there you are all alone minding your own business wild camping somewhere and the likelihood of a knock on the door has just gone up by a order of magnitude.

[@wheelhouseadventures8176]

Thanks

[@malcolmthomas817]

If in doubt go to a pub that does food and ask if you have a meal can you stay over in their car park. I have only been refused once and that was because the landlord was away and the staff did not know what to do.

[@davelawrence594]

Great information about wild camping but don't know if you know this question but how the blazes do the gypsies get away with it then!!! 🤔🙄👍🏻

[@allenmclaughlin5283]

we live on the wirral and new brighton prom is full of motor homes they have just moved in and took over the place and now the council have said they are going to start charging everyone to park there so because of them we will have to pay for the rest of our lives i also own a motorhome but only ever use camp sites i also sighed the petition but people like this are just taking the mick one van has been there for over a year and he tows a car that looks like a police car from a distance blue and yellow check all over it and just gets up your nose these are the people who we need to get rid of

[@LifeistooshortCK]

As an ex police officer I can assure you that the police are not compelled to act if somebody makes a complaint under either the existing legislation or the new bill. These powers cannot be used by an officer without first jumping through a whole range of quite difficult hoops as these days everyone has their human rights often to the detriment of law abiding folk. I predict this new bill will not change a single thing about how you or I wild camp. The key thing to remember is if you are causing no significant damage or distress there is no criminal offence and thus it remains a civil matter between you and the land owner. The police may ask you to move but cannot make you move. I agree with you though if someone asks you to move then go as remaining is not worth the potential aggravation.

[@WanderingBird]

Thanks for your thoughts on this- appreciate your insight. 🙏

[@jessegee179]

Thanks Kat 👍👍👍

[@WanderingBird]

You're very welcome. Glad it was useful.

[@DA11NOON]

Great vlog 👍 thanks

[@WanderingWheelie]

Great advice & info

[@constructioneerful]

Thanks for this. Very helpful.

[@WanderingBird]

You're welcome! Glad it was useful.

[@scookie61]

Hi Kat. You've gone and done it again! Another helpful and awesome video. Thank you. 😊

[@WanderingBird]

You're very welcome. Glad it was helpful

[@TreMcKeeJapanTrePreneur]

Helpful breakdown Kat! With passionate people on both sides it makes sense for a bill like this to come up. Hoping it doesn't end up throwing a wrench in things or empowering the "Karens" to the point of breaking the hobby for everyone across the UK!

[@brianthesnail3815]

Living in a motorhome is not wild camping. Its living in a caravan and not paying the campsite fees by trespassing on land somebody else owns then leaving without paying.

[@barrymaytum1686]

Thanks for the video Kat, I have the same understanding of the bill from my own research and have been dismayed with some of the sensationalist responses that i have seen. Times are difficult enough without the irresponsible spouting of part truth part fiction that has been going on in both the media and on social media. As the person you referenced who had "Karen" drive straight at me on the wrong side of the road with her middle finger up I could do with less of that sort of thing which i am sure, has been exacerbated by the media tarring all van owners as dirty campers.

[@mrt3976]

Great and clear video, well done 👍

[@WanderingBird]

Thank you. Was a lot harder to do than I anticipated 😂😂😂

[@jonamoon150367]

Yeah well said.

[@gallivantinggalantes]

Great video Kat x

[@richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957]

Well said.my thoughts exactly.

[@WanderingBird]

Thanks :)

[@Scud_and_thesTig]

Good summary. 👍💙❤️

[@WanderingBird]

Glad you liked it

[@peterneal7160]

Thank you very informative! Also a lot of common sense is required! As you say, in so many things, always the few spoil it for the majority! :-)

[@DapperDividends]

Very informative video Kat. Although I'm in the US, this was a very important and interesting topic.

[@WanderingBird]

Thanks. Is boondocking illegal but tolerated in the US, or do you guys have the right to stay on land (away from the National Parks)

[@DapperDividends]

@@WanderingBird I’m not really sure, so I’d assume we do not have that right as I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anyone just set up campsites….. you kinda need a permit for everything here!

[@ianmcconnell7567]

Good video Kat, strongly agree on your thoughts regarding how Europe embrace the motorhome yet the UK doesn’t have the same vision. Perhaps as you say it is slowly changing. There are some scare stories up here about how people are being treated on the nc500 which is disappointing and not how I’d like to see my country represented we’ve yet to park anywhere else other than a campsite but perhaps that’ll change. Good to hear you promote common sense behaviour, I’m astonished about some mindless behaviour from campers which tars us all with the same brush. Enjoying your content thanks.

[@WanderingBird]

I think sadly the NC500 is so overwhelmed and has been badly treated by a few selfish visitors that I can totally understand the locals being utterly fed up. I don't think that's a true representation at all of Scotland or the wonderfully friendly and hospitable people we've met every time we've visited. I do hope next year it calms down- very much want to do the west coast.

[@geoffreycaddy4318]

Yes also some if not all of the campsites are pricing themselves out of business trying to recover some of the money that was lost through lockdown ,we enquired about a campsite near Inverness and the prices had gone up by £50 per night and no extra facilities to use , hope you enjoy your travels soon with your new rolling home

[@NOMAD-LEISURE]

finally a bit of common sense and no click bait thank u kat / cat 😉

[@johnhatfield1070]

Kat, Do you think that this bill may have been formulated to try and create powers to combat the Irish Travellers. Also I’m thinking that if you suggest to the local authority, police, or landowner that you are actually homeless, live full time in the van, and are currently awaiting movement on a local county council housing list then their attitude towards you soften. Of course, when you enquire about the local council accommodating you in bed and breakfast then you become far too much of an administrative nightmare to deal with and the Authority would be more than glad to allow you to move on and sidestep their problem. Your thoughts please. Great vids. John.

[@HelenandMartinsTreks]

Well done Kat , this needed to be said.

[@WanderingBird]

Thanks. I hope it counters at least a small part of the drama

[@Martin37vg]

Did NC 500 this year in late June and loads of room and hardly any other motorhomes . Plus I do not think the phrase wild camping does us any favours . We just park as I would in a car . .

[@uhmeee649]

Take your rubbish with u and help the area by picking litter up thanks

[@ianbriden7907]

Kat,one question begging to be asked.Are the new proposed changes Motorhome/Campervan specific?if not and the powers for police are already there,why do the rules seemingly not apply to the gypsies!! They are more often than not trespassing,leave a traile of distructon behind them,yet they appear to apply for court orders in order to me them on..just a thought.Probably a single van minding its own business is an easier target

[@superstarshaker7402]

Because the Police are too scared to go near them. And there’s no point giving them a fine because they just move on and never pay, nobody can find them to enforce it, it’s been like that for years.

[@mowuvz3672]

Why wild 🏕️ camping a problem for motorhome 🚐? A motorhome is self contained, so it is simply parked 🅿️ somewhere.

[@twawesties8666]

There are too few police with too much to do to bother with the odd motorhomer overnighting. The bill designed

[@twawesties8666]

The bill is designed to give the police powers to move on Travellers who cause chaos and cost councils & landowners thousands of £s both to get rid of them and clean up there mess. And yes the Councils should provide more sites for them.

[@peteknight3687]

Great advice Kat, thank you so much.

[@WanderingBird]

You're welcome. :)

[@charlietango1635]

I agree with what you say

[@WanderingBird]

Thank you.

[@l33jcm]

Sound advice! Many thanks, Kat!

[@WanderingBird]

You're welcome. 🙂

[@rob20452]

Thanks for that., I signed when it was 49000 , I agree the police have better things to do nut also gives the against people more power when they have nothing better to do and think they have more rights to the area to waist2 police time.

[@chrissmith4122]

Like some others have said I think that this bill (if it becomes law) is designed in terms of “wild camping” for a certain section of the community. There could be loads of changes to the proposed legislation before it becomes law. It’ll be way low in terms of policing priorities even if it does become law. As a retired cop, and again as others have said, the police have dwindling officer numbers and ever increasing priorities for this to be anything more as very minor legislation. The other thing is, it’s about being reasonable. Police won’t take any action if you are reasonable. Act like a “t*t” and you’ll get your van seized.

[@michaelcollier8728]

Hi I fell out with Tom Tom after I had the older camper/ caravan version when I had a caravan then when I got a motorhome months down the road it would work as Tom Tom had changed the satellites they use so I said sod and went and got a garmin

[@WanderingBird]

Fair enough. As long as you’re happy with your choice 💕

[@coops1964]

“Causing a nuisance by staying overnight.” This bill is quite rightly aimed at those travelling folk who bring misery and criminal activities to places where they stop. I wouldn’t worry/too much about it as it will probably only be enforced on those type of people and not single vehicles. Just be careful where you park and not for example in the middle of a schools playing fields!

[@jamesstewart5891]

Even the police and lawmakers have moterhomes , they need to be very careful with the laws that they make ? James Stewart X soldier UK

[@Rob.1340]

👍😎

[@WanderingBird]

Thanks :)

[@stephenbrown9400]

The bill hasn't been debated properly yet. There will be several amendments thrown into the mix before a vote and the bill passing or being rejected. There seems to be a lot of whataboutery which lifestyle vanners are complaining about, ,'we cannot do this, we cannot go there, what about our rights' etc. I cannot park my car through the day in some places near too my workplace but I accept it. Yes travel the world but do it legally and keep spaces in the countryside as they should be instead of photo opportunities for social media. I would not be surprised to see signs up everywhere warning of fines and worse still CLAMPING. I balance my thoughts by stating I live and work in an urban environment and park up areas in towns should be encouraged and managed by local authorities, they cost the user though which to some is undesirable.

[@cedenullis5906]

I have studied the Bill on the Government web site. As with all legislation the devil is in the detail. If you are a libertarian it will worry you, that stated I am not a member of that group. What is my concern is how the police will understand the Legislation. Most responsible Motorhome enthusiasts who, like yourselves, park responsibly and with consideration for the environment and local inhabitants. Those should not experience any issues. The potential problem will come from an ‘over enthusiastic’ police officer who does not have the ability to apply that British quality of common sense! Unfortunately an ability somewhat lacking in the current selection process in most police recruiting procedures that focus on seeking recruits with ‘fringe group social membership’. So good luck with your travels.

[@gereshomeE]

Thank you Kat! REALLY good commonsense! ☺

[@WanderingBird]

I try! (My husband might not always agree... 😬)

[@gereshomeE]

@@WanderingBird Your video is honest and full of researched facts. Thank you for your hard work and your reply! ☺

[@garywheeley5108]

The police aren't interested....

[@stigg333]

I think we all know who this bill is aimed at don't we?????

[@Lanzy4lee]

Please site this law. Sleeping in a vehicle on a highway and being legally parked is legal. This new law you mention will not be used if your blocking the view of someone's house it will be used for very exptional circumstances. Ppl just need to Carm down if your asked to move on and your legal I would do not such thing.

[@geoffshrimpton7340]

If you're in view of someone's house then you can hardly be wild camping, you shouldn't be there cos who wants to park up on a highway.

[@xhogun8578]

I live in the Forest of Dean and it always surprises me that people will use the gravel track opposite to me for over night camping. When there are much better places where you won't disturb people. The issue isn't being parked, it's running their engine at 11 pm and 5am in the morning. Luckily this year it hasn't been so bad, but it did bring out the inner Karen in me. I am hoping to get a campervan hence the reason to watching this video and would hope to be able wild camp, so before anyone criticises me I am not against it. Just wish that people are aware of the impact to locals. I wouldn't even mind the occasional camper parking in my field. As long as they aren't running engines at silly o'clock. :)

[@dreadpirateroberts6337]

Trespassing is a civil matter

[@WanderingBird]

uh... yeah. That's what we're talking about... the change to the law.

[@vatsmith8759]

It's not so much misinformation, it's more that many people really do prefer to believe that they're being permanently vicitmised by an oppressive police state. It makes them feel special.

[@trustmetours57]

People who "Wild Camp" are the equivalent of those drivers who regularly drive at 80 on the motorway, they know they are breaking the law but basically don't care as they know they are probably never going to be caught. The thing is, like the 80 mile an hour drivers wild campers not only break the trespass law but then go on to at best be anti social and at worst to break other laws. People who 'Wild Camp' are doing it for one reason and one reason only and that's because it's free, there is absolutely no other reason for it. Free then extends to stealing water from cemeteries or garage forecourts or random industrial estates. It further extends to pooing in a carrier bag and dumping it in a bin or dumping the toilet cassette in the woods or even worse dumping the cassette covertly in a public toilet which was never designed for that purpose. It matters not how you dress it up but 'wild camping' is illegal and anyone doing it is breaking the law and needs their moral compass retuning.

[@geoffshrimpton7340]

I may be wrong but I am guessing you have never been anywhere really remote, that is why many folks wild camp, the solitude, being responsible for your own well being. That is what differentiates wild camping from off grid camping as I have not got how wild camping works in a 3.5 t vehicle. But not all off grid campers behave as you suggest, the same cardinal aspect of leave no trace applies to both. The fact that it is free is one of the last reasons to camp off of a camp site. But let's just leave you to your stereotyping.

[@captaindave47]

How very unpleasant you are.