The Countryside Code

Even when going out locally, it’s best to get the latest information about where and when you can go; for example,your rights to go onto some areas of open land may be restricted while work is carried out, for safety reasons or during breeding seasons. Follow advice, local signs, and be prepared for the unexpected.

• Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs. Refer to up-to-date maps or guidebooks, visit http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk/ or contact local information centres.

• You’re responsible for your own safety and for others in your care, so be prepared for changes in weather and other events.

• Part of the appeal of the countryside is that you can get away from it all. You may not see anyone for hours, and there are many places without clear mobile phone signals, so let someone else know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

• Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside to show paths and open countryside.

• A farmer will normally leave a gate closed to keep livestock in, but may sometimes leave it open so they can reach food and water. Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions.

• Follow paths across land that has crops growing on it, wherever possible.

• Use gates and stiles wherever possible - climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them and increase the risk of farm animals escaping.

• Our heritage belongs to all of us - be careful not to disturb ruins and historic sites.

• Leave machinery and livestock alone - don’t interfere with animals even if you think they’re in distress. Try to alert the farmer instead.

• Litter and leftover food doesn’t just spoil the beauty of the countryside, it can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals and can spread disease - so take your litter home with you. Dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offences and we have a responsibility to protect our countryside -so make sure you don’t harm animals, birds, plants, or trees.

• Discover the beauty of the natural environment and take special care not to damage, destroy or remove features such as rocks, plants and trees. They provide homes and food for wildlife, and add to everybody’s enjoyment of the countryside.

• Wild animals and farm animals can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they’re with their young - so give them plenty of space.
• Fires can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property - so be careful not to drop a match or smouldering cigarette at any time of the year. Sometimes controlled fires are used to manage vegetation, particularly on heaths and moors between October and early April, so please check that a fire is not supervised before calling 999.

• Keep dogs under close control. By law you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife.You must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and common land between 1 March and 31 July, and at all times near farm animals. By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.

• Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife - eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.
• Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and how it can cause infections, so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly.

• Busy traffic on small country roads can be unpleasant and dangerous to local people, visitors and wildlife - so slow down, and where possible leave your vehicle at home, consider sharing lifts and use alternatives such as public transport or cycling. For public transport information, phone Traveline on 0870 608 2608 or visit http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk/

• When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down for horses, walkers and livestock and give them plenty of room. By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse-riders.
• Support the rural economy - for example, buy your supplies from local shops.