Tom and Rolyan's interaction does highlight a real stumbling block which is we are a divided community. Even the growth of Aires divides opinions, myself and I believe Robmac (therefore likely others) are concerned that there availability have the potential to assist authorities in the banning of wildcamping. Authorities frequently use the argument that they provided the 'travelling' community with legal sites so therefore illegal settlements are even less acceptable, a similar argument could be used with Aires in the future
We are also a submissive population in the UK, to only lightly touch the subject of politics and remain within forum rules, but relevant to the thread I suggest the rights of people are being eroded with little question by the masses.
With regards to combating the removal of wildcamping locations and its legality I for one am so ill informed and have such little understanding of the technicalities that for me to join the fight on that level would be fruitless. I can and have questioned authorities in layman emails but this is of little concern to said authorities.
There exists a distinct separation between the younger persons campervan/vanlife hobby and the generally older persons big white motorhome hobby although they are the same! This is unfortunate as the enthusiam of the young combined with the wisdom of the older leads to a stronger movement whatever the social battle is.
Support from the public and the media presently is virtually non existant. Support from the public is of great assistance to any social movement, even a state of apathy isn't too bad but a movement when members of the public are against the organisations aim is disastrous in a vote based system.
'The goal', an essential part of any social fight lacks from this arena, even on this site there are sweeping statements made about what the community wants and doesn't like but no clear identifiable aim.
Personally I will maintain a Rosa Park attitude and sit (park) in a location unless I know this will do more damage than good for wildcamping or that I am confident that the signage is legal and I could face a fine (I am not as brave as her!).
The points above need to be reversed, starting with obtainable goals which include dissolving the divide between the young T5 campers and the 60k big white motorhome owners. Public opinion can also be shifted with a recognisable organisation that can be as simple as 'campers against litter', this is achievable, creates unity and very importantly establishes avenues of communication.
I live no where near the coast and I dont surf but I am still aware of 'surfers against sewage' and their goal, I don't actually actively support it but it is an organisation I think of in a positive light and I am sympathetic to their cause. This is a state we need to reach.
Although different and arguable conflicting aims an understanding of how Campra have made positive steps would also be useful as it involves the same community
), I suspect, but don't know, that those members on here who only wild camp are a minority. For example with the changing times, we wild camp less, use CL's etc more, and only use large sites as a necessity. Information is key to defining goals so maybe some form of poll to get a feel for the state of the membership?
