Tomos Llewellyn
Why These Fragile Places Deserve Our Care
The UK is dotted with natural springs, ancient wells, and wild swimming spots that have drawn people for centuries. From the chalk streams of southern England to the mountain tarns of Eryri, these places offer cold, clear water and a deep sense of connection. Some springs are the source of rivers; others feed ancient wells that have been used for healing for millennia. But they are also fragile freshwater habitats. A spring-fed pool may look robust, yet its wildlife is finely balanced. Leaving no trace isn’t about rules for their own sake—it’s about keeping these spots pristine for the next swimmer, the next generation, and the creatures that live there year-round.
Pack Out Everything You Bring In
Litter is the most obvious trace, but it’s often the small things that cause the most harm. Cigarette butts, hair ties, plasters, and stray bits of plastic all end up in the water or tangled in bankside vegetation. Even so-called biodegradable items like orange peel and apple cores can take months to break down and can harm wildlife that eats them. Bring a sturdy bag for your rubbish—and if you spot litter left by others, pick it up if it’s safe to do so. Remember that dog waste bags, even the compostable kind, must be carried home. Never bury rubbish or leave it under a rock; animals will dig it up.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill at home—don’t rely on single-use plastic.
- Take a small trowel for dog waste if you must, but bag and carry it out.
- Check pockets for tissues, wrappers, and hair ties before you leave.
Tread Lightly on Riverbeds and Banks
It’s tempting to move a rock to make a seat or build a small dam for fun, but these actions disturb the riverbed. Stones provide shelter for invertebrates, and the gravel beneath them is where fish like trout and salmon lay their eggs. Kicking up sediment clogs those spawning grounds and can smother aquatic plants. Use established entry points where possible, and avoid trampling soft banks—they erode easily and collapse into the water. If you must cross a riverbed, step on stable rocks rather than soft sediment. If you’re swimming in a group, take turns entering rather than all plunging in at once. Between visits to different rivers or lakes, clean and dry your kit to avoid spreading invasive species such as signal crayfish or zebra mussels.
Choose Freshwater-Friendly Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens wash off in the water and can harm aquatic life. Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are toxic to fish and amphibians, even at low concentrations. Look for mineral-based sunscreens that use non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. Apply at least twenty minutes before you get in, so it soaks in rather than rinsing off. Remember that even mineral sunscreens can leave a film; use them sparingly. Better still, cover up with a rash vest or swim shirt—it protects you and reduces the amount of sunscreen entering the water. Avoid insect repellents containing DEET near the water’s edge, and never use soap, shampoo, or conditioner in a spring or river, even if they claim to be biodegradable. Soap breaks the surface tension and harms insects that live on the water’s skin.
Respect Ancient Wells and Natural Springs
Many of our wild swimming spots are linked to ancient wells—holy wells, healing springs, and sites of pilgrimage. These are heritage places, not just swimming holes. Don’t climb on stonework, remove stones, or leave offerings such as ribbons, coins, or clooties. Never remove water or stones from a well as souvenirs. If you feel moved to mark a visit, take a photograph and leave nothing behind. Some springs are sources of drinking water for local communities; keep them clean by never swimming directly in a well chamber and by keeping dogs out. If you’re lucky enough to find a hidden spring, treat it with the same care you would a cathedral.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Leaving no trace also means leaving the experience intact for others. Keep noise to a minimum, park considerately so you don’t block farm gates or narrow lanes, and respect private land. Follow any local signs about access and seasonal restrictions—some spots close during nesting season or after heavy rain. If you see someone else leaving a trace, politely remind them—most people simply don’t realise. And always put safety first: cold water shock is real, so enter slowly, never swim alone, and know your exit points. When you leave, take a moment to check you haven’t left anything behind. A clean, quiet, undisturbed pool is a gift. By packing out your litter, treading gently, and choosing eco-friendly products, you help keep that gift alive for everyone who follows.
