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The Environment |
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The Countryside Code |
1. | Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs | |
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Take maps/guidebooks | |
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Be prepared for changes in weather | |
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Check the weather so you know what to expect | |
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Let someone know where you are going, how long you plan to be away | |
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Learn signs and symbols used in the countryside |
2. | Leave gates and property as you find them | |
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Farmers may leave gates open to allow their animals to move - so leave an open gate open, and a closed gate closed | |
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Contact the local authority if you see a sign which may be misleading or illegal (e.g. Private, no entry - on a public footpath) | |
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Follow paths, especially where crops are growing | |
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Use gates or stiles if possible, rather than climbing walls or fences, to avoid damage | |
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Don't disturb ruins or historic sites | |
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Don't interfere with machinery or livestock |
3. | Protect plants and animals and take your litter home | |
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Litter and leftover food spoils the beauty of the countryside | |
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Don't damage, destroy or remove features such as rocks, plants and trees | |
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Give wild animals and farm animals plenty of space as they can behave unpredictably | |
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Be careful not to drop matches or smouldering cigarettes |
4. | Keep dogs under close control | |
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By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife | |
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Farmers are, by law, entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals | |
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Always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly |
5. | Consider other people | |
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Respect the needs of local people | |
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When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down for horses, walkers and livestock and give them plenty of room | |
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By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse-riders on bridleways | |
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Support the rural economy - for example, buy your supplies from local shops |