Those of us who genuinely love country spaces make sure we leave only the slightest mark of our visit behind us. We go further and do our best to be inconspicuous. This is not the case with a significant minority of the population. This minority is significant because they get pleasure from doing just this and often even more pleasure if their actions annoy others. At various levels this is present throughout modern life, part of the 'flaunt it' agenda in popular culture; modesty is not understood or valued. The motorcyclist who noisily gouges a rut across the moor is one example of this.
But I would extend my disapproval to those who put conspicuous notices at beauty spots telling visitors to admire the view and the work of the conservation team who 'protect' it. An attractive area not far from here was visited by tree cutters yesterday. In order to get their powered shredding machine into the narrow path they knocked down a wall and demolished several perfectly healthy mature beeches. Sometimes we fail to appreciate just how far the culture of philistinism has spread. It's no longer safe to assume that a majority share our values.
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