WIREDGOV

It’s been a long winter and now that summer is just around the corner, everyone’s itching to make the most of it and explore the countryside.

The May Bank holiday is a great opportunity to get out and Natural England, the NFU, the Ramblers, Moorland Association and British Mountaineering Council are all encouraging visitors to make the most of England’s beautiful, world-famous landscapes and to have a look at the Countryside Code’s useful advice on how to enjoy, respect and protect the countryside.

Revised last year, the Countryside Code has become established as the most familiar source of advice on using rights of way, preventing fires and controlling dogs around livestock and wildlife. With a series of simple tips the Countryside Code helps ensure that everyone can play a part in keeping the countryside a safe and enjoyable place for people to live in, work and visit. The Code can be accessed on and reminds visitors how they can:

• Enjoy the outdoors – Even when going out locally, it’s best to get the latest information about what’s accessible, as arrangements can change at short notice. For example, access to some areas of open access land and coastal land may be restricted in particular places at particular times. Find out as much as you can about where you are going, plan ahead and follow advice and local signs.
• Protect the natural environment – We all have a responsibility to protect the countryside and the Code encourages everyone to ensure they avoid harming animals, birds, plants or trees and that they take home everything they brought with them. When out with a dog, visitors are reminded to make sure it is under effective control, and does not disturb farm animals, horses, wildlife or other people.
• Respect other people - Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors. Remember that the countryside is a working environment and even small actions can lead to big disruption. Leave gates as you find them and take extra care to avoid the risk of starting wildfires.

Chair of Natural England, Poul Christensen said “Spring has been a long time coming and now it’s here, it’s natural to want to enjoy the great outdoors. As a farmer, I know the countryside isn’t just a place for relaxation – it supports livelihoods and wildlife and we all have a responsibility to look after it. The Countryside Code gives straight forward advice on how we can all share and care for our natural heritage.”

Robert Benson, Chairman of the Moorland Association said: "At this time of year, the moors are alive with important ground nesting birds like curlew, golden plover, merlin and lapwing. The birds are hidden away in the heather but can be easily frightened off their nests which can be fatal to eggs and chicks. Walkers can help by sticking to paths and on open moorland dogs must be on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July. Please also remember camp fires and BBQs are illegal on moorland. It only takes one spark to destroy the beauty you came to enjoy.”

Carey Davies, Hill Walking Development Officer at the British Mountaineering Council, said: “England’s massive footpath network and the Open Access Land that gives ordinary people the right to roam over huge swathes of our mountains and moors are fantastic national achievements. But these hard-won rights come with responsibilities. The environment can be fragile and people depend on the countryside for their livelihood. The Countryside Code is the handbook for the behaviour and cooperation we need to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the places we love.”

NFU President, Peter Kendall said: “I’d recommend the Countryside Code to everyone planning to visit the countryside this Spring and Summer. Following just a few simple tips will ensure your trip is a safe and enjoyable one. Our farmland is a beautiful landscape to enjoy, but it is also a working environment where animals graze. With young animals in fields particularly at this time of year the Code’s advice on giving animals plenty of space, leaving gates and property as you find them, and keeping to footpaths are all particularly relevant. If you’re walking with a dog we like to remind people to keep it under effective control, but let it run free if you feel threatened by cattle.”

Benedict Southworth, Ramblers Chief Executive said: “The weather is getting warmer, wildlife is abundant and bluebells have finally arrived. It’s the perfect time to go for a walk in the countryside and explore our wonderful network of paths and areas of open access land. However the countryside is also a working environment, and it’s important to be mindful of that, especially at this time of year when farm animals are rearing their young. We encourage everyone to brush up on the Countryside Code to help you stay safe, and to help care for and protect the countryside when out walking this spring and summer.”

Notes to Editors:

About the Countryside Code

The Countryside Code applies to all parts of the countryside. Most of it is just good commonsense, 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.

For further information (media only) contact: Lyndon Marquis 0300 060 4236, lyndon.marquis@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005.