Barcelona Field Studies Centre

Trampling

Tourists using the same trail over and over again trample the vegetation and soil, eventually causing damage that can lead to loss of biodiversity and other impacts. Such damage can be even more extensive when visitors frequently stray off established trails.

Trampling impacts on vegetation

Trampling impacts on soil

Breakage and bruising of stems

Loss of organic matter

Reduced plant vigour

Reduction in soil porosity

Reduced regeneration

Decrease in air and water permeability

Loss of vegetation ground cover

Increase in run off

Loss of vegetation diversity

Accelerated erosion