Rock cairns are small piles of stones or rocks, often stacked on top of each other to create a tower-like structure. They are commonly found outdoors on rocky shores, hiking trails, or wilderness areas. They can be used for various purposes, including trail markers, artistic expression, or meditative practice. However, the problem is that people are increasingly building rock cairns to leave their mark or symbol of their presence in a natural setting or for posting on social media. Therefore, when engaging in this activity, it is important to be mindful of the potential negative impacts on the environment, wildlife and other people’s experiences.
Moving rocks and stacking them can disturb the natural habitat of tiny creatures. On the rocky shore, these organisms, such as crabs, molluscs, and algae, depend on their environment’s rocks and other structures for shelter and protection. By moving or stacking rocks, we may inadvertently destroy or disrupt their homes, harming their populations. Similarly, rock stacking can also have adverse terrestrial impacts on insects and moss in wilderness areas.
Building rock stacks can contribute to erosion and destabilization of the shoreline or wilderness area. The rocks on the shore are part of a natural ecosystem and serve an important function in protecting the coastline from erosion and the forces of the ocean. When people move or stack rocks, they can destabilize the shoreline; increase the risk of erosion, and damage ecosystems. Additionally, moving stones and creating cairns can disrupt soil structures and contribute to erosion. This erosion can cause sedimentation in nearby water bodies, negatively impacting aquatic habitats and water quality.
Many people visit rocky shorelines or wilderness areas to experience their natural beauty and tranquillity. Building rock stacks can alter the area’s natural beauty and be seen as a form of vandalism or desecration of a cultural or natural heritage site. It can even pose a safety hazard, especially to small children if the rocks topple over while walking through numerous rock piles. For these reasons, creating rock stacks is strictly prohibited and violating this rule may result in a penalty in protected areas.
Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential negative impacts on terrestrial and aquatic environments before engaging in this activity. Let us work together to preserve the natural environment and its inhabitants by refraining from building rock cairns in wilderness areas. Remember, every small action counts towards protecting our planet.
