Hiking and bird outings Terms and Conditions

Participation in Birdstories excursions and daily activities requires the acceptance of this document.

REGISTRATION METHODS 
Reservation for excursions is mandatory. It is done via e-mail, via Whatsapp or by phone by communicating First and Last Name,  Phone Number and Number of Participants. Go to Contact.

Registration is done by the day before the day of the hike (within 16h from the start time of the hike).

METHOD OF PAYMENT (just for fee-paying events)
Payment of the registration fee can be made in three ways:
Paypal payment method at the time of registration.
Bank transfer at the time of registration.
Cash payment on the spot.
Payment details will be communicated by e-mail and a receipt of payment must be sent by e-mail or Whatsapp.
Participation fees include organization and logistics, Environmental Hiking Guide service for the entire hike and insurance coverage

RCT. TERMS OF CANCELLATION
It is possible to communicate the cancellation of the registration by email, Whatsapp, sms or Telegram. 
If the cancellation is implemented by Birdstories due to bad weather or lack of participants a full refund of the participation fee will be made. 

BEHAVIOR ON THE EXCURSION / Code od Conduct
The participant agrees to follow simple rules of behavior toward others and the environment in which we find ourselves. 
PEOPLE The participant(s) agree to behave respectfully toward other participants. This includes being considerate of new birders; acknowledging an individual's pronouns and rejecting any racist, sexist, homotransphobic, ableist, classist, sizeist or xenophobic behaviors.

ENVIRONMENT Leave no trace of one´s passage: One´s garbage should be taken back either home or to the first dumpster we find. It is advisable to bring a garbage bag with you to also collect any plastic waste or shell casings left by hunters.
We ask that you have respect for the flora, fauna, and everything along the way (signs, objects, crops). It is forbidden to pluck, pick and eat plants and flowers along the trail, unless explicitly instructed by the Guide for educational purposes related to the activity at hand.
It is recommended to keep cell phone ring tones off. When observing wildlife and avifauna with binoculars, it is necessary not to use cell phones and to keep maximum silence. 

Moreover each participant is required to:
- respect the excursion start time as communicated by the guide, in order to ensure that the program runs according to schedule. It is recommended to inform the guide in case of delay, although waiting for latecomers cannot be guaranteed;
- understand that the estimated duration of the excursion is indicative. The actual duration may vary depending on the group's level of experience, the number of participants, and/or weather conditions;
- not exceed the guide’s walking pace, separate from the group, or venture off independently;
- not leave the trail.

COVID EMERGENCY - 19
Participant:
Declares that he/she has read the Covid Containment Measures to be observed during excursions and activities organized by Birdstories.
Declares that he/she is aware that participation in Birdstories activities will not be possible if he/she is aware of having been in contact in the last 14 days with individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19 or if he/she comes from areas at risk according to WHO indications.
You declare that you are aware that in the presence of fever (over 37.5°) or other flu symptoms, you have an obligation to stay at home and call your family doctor or health authority.
Declares that he/she has not tested positive for Covid-19.

DECLARATION OF FITNESS
The participant before registering for the hikes must assess his or her psychophysical fitness for the trek. He/she declares that he/she is informed of the level of difficulty (see below) and the physical commitment required to undertake the hike or activity and agrees to inform the Guide already at the time of registration of any relevant information regarding his/her psychophysical fitness.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY OF THE EXCURSION
The participant declares that he/she is aware of the different levels of difficulty, which will be indicated each time by the Guide in the excursion sheet. If you have any doubts about the difficulty of the route, please contact the Guide by phone, who will provide further clarification.
Grades of difficulty with the acronyms of the CAI scale, based on the type of terrain on which the itinerary takes place, the technical difficulty and the physical effort required.
Please read the  Hiking Difficulty Level sheet on the website 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED
The participant agrees to come to the hike with the necessary equipment indicated on the hike sheet and on the Covid Containment Measures sheet. The Guide reserves the right to exclude from the hike, for reasons of safety of the person himself or the group, those who show up without the required equipment.

LOGISTICS
For safety reasons related to weather conditions, special conditions in the group or unforeseen events, the Guide reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary at the last moment.

DOGS AND OTHER PETS
Generally, dogs are always allowed to participate in nature hikes. The participant with dog agrees to notify the Guide at the time of registration. While hiking, the dog must be kept on a leash and must not cause harm to people or property. If there are special restrictions regarding bringing the dog, it will be indicated in the hike form.

INSURANCE
The Environmental Guide will carry out his work with liability ( Civil Liability) insurance coverage towards his clients.
Clients are not covered by any accident insurance policy that is not part of the
liability of the profession of the Environmental Guide.
Should the participant wish to have “Accompanied Daily Accident” insurance coverage, the fee to be paid is 1 Euro per person per day. It is also possible to take out a subscription costing 10 Euro per year. 

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Serena Conforte  (she/her)
Birdstories Environmental Hiking Guide - www.birdstories.it - info@birdstories.it - 0039 3388007545