Guidelines for Responsible Rural Behavior
The Countryside Code, a comprehensive guide for visitors and land managers, is designed to help everyone enjoy and care for the UK's parks, waterways, coast, and countryside responsibly.
For visitors, the key rules focus on respecting the environment, wildlife, and other visitors. Here are some of the main points:
1. Respect other people: Be considerate of the local community, other visitors, and farm activities. 2. Care for the environment: Take litter home, avoid damaging plants and wildlife, and prevent fires. 3. Keep dogs under control: Ensure your pet does not disturb livestock or wildlife, and always clean up after your dog. 4. Follow paths: Stick to public rights of way and avoid damaging crops or disturbing animals. 5. Leave gates as you find them: Do not cause damage or disturbance to property or livestock. 6. Take extra care with fires and smoking: Make sure all flames and cigarette ends are fully extinguished.
These rules aim to minimise impact and help preserve nature and rural livelihoods while enjoying outdoor activities.
For land managers, the Countryside Code provides guidance to maintain safe and sustainable access and land use. Key points include:
1. Managing access responsibly: Ensuring paths and access points are safe and clearly marked. 2. Maintaining habitats and biodiversity: Protecting wildlife and farming in harmony with nature. 3. Communicating with visitors: Providing information about the land, any hazards, and how to enjoy it responsibly. 4. Preventing risks: Such as controlling livestock and reducing hazards caused by machinery or other farm operations. 5. Working with local authorities and communities: To facilitate public access and address any conflicts or concerns.
The Countryside Code also includes the Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code, which provides guidelines to help visitors minimise disturbance to marine and coastal wildlife.
The Countryside Code for land managers offers rules and guidance about public rights of way, protecting livestock, and keeping visitors safe.
Enquiries about the Countryside Code can be made via telephone at 0300 060 3900, by email at [email protected], or by visiting the Natural England website. Information about call charges can be found at www.our website/call-charges.
The Countryside Code is available to read online or download as a PDF leaflet in various languages to access resources and get more information on the Countryside Code campaign site.
The Natural England office is open from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
By adhering to these guidelines, visitors and land managers can work together to support sustainable countryside enjoyment and conservation. For official, detailed rules, the Countryside Code website or Natural England resources would be authoritative sources.
- To enhance a harmonious outdoor-living experience while preserving nature and rural lifestyles, it's essential that home-and-garden enthusiasts follow the Countryside Code, especially when visiting parks, waterways, coast, and countryside.
- In addition to providing guidance for visitors, the Countryside Code also offers rules and recommendations for land managers, such as maintaining habitats, communicating with visitors, and offering safe and sustainable access for public enjoyment of the countryside.
