9 Step Guide To Responsible Green Laning

Green lanes, often overlooked gems, offer outdoor enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore the countryside, experience the beauty of nature, and engage in off-road adventures with their 4x4 or pick-up vehicles. GLASS stands as a staunch advocate for these green lanes, ensuring they remain accessible to the public while promoting environmentally conscious and sustainable practices.

With a focus on conservation and responsible off-roading, GLASS has garnered a passionate community of like-minded individuals who share a love for adventure and a deep commitment to safeguarding the natural beauty of the British landscape. This blog will cover the 10 best steps to ensure best practice on your greenlaning adventure, and Overlander 4x4 Editor, Alan Kidd, will share some of his greenlaning knowledge.

What are the best practices for Greenlaning?

1) Use Legal Routes – Stick to rights of way with verified vehicular rights, and if challenged, discuss the matter, or leave as requested until the status is confirmed.

2) Stay on Track - Follow the defined path, detour only when necessary, and report obstructions. Be aware of your abilities and equipment limitations.

3) Safe Speed - Travel at a quiet and slow pace, with a maximum of 12 mph on unsurfaced rights of way. Ensure your vehicle complies with road-legal standards.

4) Group Travel - Keep groups small, especially in sensitive areas, and consider weather and ground conditions. Avoid following closely in adverse conditions.

5) Environmental Responsibility - Avoid unsurfaced rights of way that might be damaged beyond natural recovery due to weather or wheel pressure. Respect natural features like trees and boundaries.

6) Recovery Techniques - Do not practice recovery techniques on unsurfaced rights of way and use winches cautiously with the right equipment.

7) Courtesy - Be courteous to other road users, particularly walkers and horses. Express gratitude to those who make way for you.

8) Gate Etiquette - Follow "best practice" guidelines for opening and closing gates on URoWs and inform landowners about insecure gates.

9) Wildlife and Habitat - Unsurfaced rights of way are valuable habitats, so be cautious during spring and early summer. Follow the Country Code for guidance.

Alan Kidd, Editor of Overlander 4x4 Magazine, shared some of his top tips for enhancing your overall greenlaning experience:

“If you want to do green laning, I would strongly recommend looking into membership with GLASS. The association works incredibly hard to keep green lanes open and in usable condition. Furthermore, if you join GLASS you will get access to TrailWise which is an online database of pretty much every right of way and it is the most invaluable source of information for this hobby.”