Helping everyone to respect, protect &
enjoy our countryside
The Countryside
Code started life in the 1950s as the Country Code. This new version
was launched in July 2004.
The Countryside
Code applies to all parts of the countryside. Most of it is just good
commonsense, as it’s designed to help us all to respect, protect and
enjoy our countryside.
The Code, which
applies in England and Wales, makes it clear what the responsibilities
are for both the public and the people who manage the land. Scotland
has its own Outdoor
Access Code
.
Code
for The public
There are five
sections of The Countryside Code dedicated to helping members of the
public respect, protect and enjoy the countryside. Follow the links
below for more information.
Be
safe, plan ahead and follow any signs
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 and local signs, and be
prepared for the unexpected.
Refer to
up-to-date maps or guidebooks, visit the maps
page on this
website 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. Visit our countryside
directory
for links to
organisations offering specific advice on equipment and safety, or
contact visitor information centres and libraries for a list of outdoor
recreation groups.
Check weather conditions before
you leave, and don't be afraid to turn back.
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 know where you're going and when
you expect to return.
Get to
know the signs and symbols used in the countryside. Download and print
out our Finding
Your Way Advice Sheet to take with you. It shows all the up to date
signs and symbols.
If you’re
looking for ideas, explore the Things To Do section.
Leave
gates and property as you find them
Please respect
the working life of the countryside, as our actions can affect people's
livelihoods, our heritage, and the safety and welfare of animals and
ourselves.
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 on signs. If walking in a group, make sure
the last person knows how to leave the gates.
If you think a
sign is illegal or misleading such as a 'Private - No Entry' sign on a
public footpath, contact the local authority.
In fields where
crops are growing, follow the paths wherever possible.
Use gates,
stiles or gaps in field boundaries when provided - 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
Protect
plants and animals and take your litter home
We have a
responsibility to protect our countryside now and for future
generations, so make sure you don't harm animals, birds, plants or
trees.
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.
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
The countryside
is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s duty to make
sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or
other people.
By law, you must
control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or
wildlife. On most areas of open country and common land, known as
'access land' 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 all year
round near farm animals.
You do not have
to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close
control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot
rely on its obedience. By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog
that injures or worries their animals.
If a farm animal
chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead –
don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.
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 it can cause infections – so always
clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Also make
sure your dog is wormed regularly to protect it, other animals and
people.
At certain
times, dogs may not be allowed on some areas of access land or may need
to be kept on a lead. Please follow any signs. You can also find out
more by phoning the Open Access Contact Centre on 0845 100 3298.
Consider
other people
Showing
consideration and respect for other people makes the countryside a
pleasant environment for everyone - at home, at work and at leisure.
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 use our other
useful links
Respect the
needs of local people - for example, don't block gateways, driveways or
other entry points with your vehicle.
Keep out of the
way when farm animals are being gathered or moved and follow directions
from the farmer.
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 on bridleways.
Support the
rural economy - for example, buy your supplies from local shops.
