Follow the country code

Please take care to respect and protect the outdoors as well as enjoy it.

Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs:

• Get up-to-date information of the area
• Be prepared for changes in weather and other events
• Check weather conditions before you leave, and don't be afraid to turn back
• Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside

Leave gates and property as you find them:

• Leave gates as you find them
• If you think a sign is illegal or misleading such as a 'Private No Entry' sign on a public footpath, contact us 
• In fields where crops are growing, follow the paths wherever possible. Use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries rather than climbing over walls, hedges and fences
• Be careful not to disturb ruins and historic sites
• Leave machinery and livestock alone

Care for the environment:

• Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
• Fires can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats (cigarettes can cause fire)
• Litter and leftover food spoil the countryside and can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals
• Discover the beauty of the natural environment and take special care not to damage, destroy or remove features such as rocks, plants and trees
• Do not get too close to wild and farm animals especially if they are with young

Keep dogs under close control:

• By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife
• Keep your dogs on short lead (no more than 2 metres long) on most open country areas and common land between 1 March and 31 July and all year round near farm animals
• Keep your dogs under close control on the public paths especially in the field where there are animals.
• There is no definition of 'close control', it generally mean that a dog responds to commands and is kept close at heel. If your dog wanders off out of sight and doesn’t come back when called, then it should be walked on a lead.
• If farm animals attack you, let the dog go
• Take particular care during lambing season and nesting seasons for ground birds
• Clean up after your dog and dispute of the mess responsibly
• At certain times, dogs may not be allowed or need to be on a lead on some areas of access land. Phone the Open Access Contact Centre on 0845 100 3298 for more information.

Consider other people:

• Leave your vehicle at home where possible. Share lifts and use public transport or cycle. For public transport information, phone Traveline on 0871 2002233
• Respect the needs of local people, don't block gateways or driveways 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 eg buy your supplies from local shops