Leon Cooney is an undefeated professional boxer from Birkenhead, England, with a perfect 5-0 record. A former national champion and gold medalist for England at the Three Nations, Cooney’s rise in the boxing world has been defined by discipline, resilience, and self-reliance—qualities that also guide his passion for wild camping.
When he’s not training, he often retreats into the British countryside for wild camping and swimming, valuing nature as both a recovery method and mental reset. Known for his hands-on approach to personal health and performance, Leon offers not just boxing expertise but valuable insights into how athletes and adventurers can connect with the wild responsibly.
Wild camping is spending the night in a natural setting, removed from the city but not necessarily designated as a campground or trailer park. You must observe some etiquette while wild camping so the destination will not become uninhabitable for wildlife or people.
Adopting a “leave no trace” policy is important when wild camping. Always aim to leave the area as you find it, or even better. Take your trash with you, avoid damage to vegetation, and dismantle any structures you’ve created, such as windbreaks or fire pits, returning logs and rocks to their natural places.
Opt for a stove instead of a campfire. Open fires are dangerous to the environment and might spread, resulting in devastating wildfires. Take a portable multi-purpose camping stove for warmth, boiling water, and cooking meals. Portable camping stoves are safer, more environmentally friendly, and quicker to start and stop.
Pitch your tent on hard soil, gravel, or grass to reduce damage to delicate plants. Avoid camping near water because your activities might affect aquatic wildlife or cause erosion.
When you go wild camping, you should remember that there is no running water, and no emergency help is just around the corner. So, make sure you pack the essentials. A sturdy tent, a warm sleeping bag, and waterproof layers to handle unpredictable weather. Bring enough food and a reliable way to purify water, whether it’s a filter, tablets, or a boiling system.
Don’t forget a basic first aid kit, an emergency whistle, a flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries, and navigation tools like a map and compass.
While you’re out there, be mindful of wildlife. Animals may be curious, especially if they catch the scent of your food, and that curiosity can create safety risks for both you and them. Store your food securely, and in areas where it’s necessary, use bear-proof containers.
Never feed wild animals, and try to keep a respectful distance. Using binoculars is a good way to observe without intruding. Also, avoid leaving out scented items like toothpaste or lotion, as they can attract unwanted attention.
Do not overstay your welcome. Wild camping is meant to be a short-term, low-impact activity. Staying longer than a night can damage the environment, particularly vegetation, and attract attention from nearby residents or park authorities. A good practice is to pack up the following morning and leave the area as you found it.
Some spots seem ideal for wild camping, but certain areas are ecologically sensitive, home to rare wildlife, or protected for cultural or historical reasons. To prevent damage or disturbance, avoid dunes, wetlands, alpine meadows, and wildlife habitats. The same goes for locations with cultural or spiritual significance, such as burial grounds or sacred sites.
If you are unsure about the appropriateness of a spot, it is best to move on.
Also, do not assume that all natural resources are safe to use. Drinking from rivers or lakes might seem refreshing, but it can expose you to harmful bacteria and parasites. Always treat water by boiling, filtering, or using purification tablets before drinking it.
The same caution applies to foraging; just because a plant or mushroom looks edible doesn’t mean it’s safe or legal to pick. When in doubt, stick with what you’ve brought and avoid unnecessary risks.
