The Countryside Code – a Quick guide

IN Sustainability
28th April 2014/by Carl Reavey

The ‘Countryside Code’ is a commonsense approach to enjoying and protecting the outdoors. It is important to respect other users of the countryside and the wider community.

Please respect the working life of the countryside.
Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs.
In fields where crops are growing, follow the paths wherever possible.
Use gates and stiles wherever possible – climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them.
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.
Protect plants and animals and take your litter home. Dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offences.
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.
Do not start fires.

Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs.

For formal information on the countryside code and access in the UK please consult:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code

Respect the needs of local people – don’t block gateways, driveways or other entry points with your vehicle.
By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders on bridleways.
Keep out of the way when farm animals are being gathered or moved and follow directions from the farmer.
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.
If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead. The farm animal will follow the dog.
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.
Always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly.

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