The countryside code
The new open access rights introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 have given rise to a need to update the original Countryside Code as established in the 1950s. This updated advice now includes advice for farmers/landmanagers. The Countryside Agency website contains detailed information on the new countryside code and can provide you with up-to-date information, links, addresses and further guidance including a wide range of promotional material.
Advice for the public
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 and guidebooks.
- You're responsible for your own safety and for others in your care, so be prepared for changes in weather and other events.
- Check weather forecasts 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 else know where you're going and when you expect to return.
- Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside to show paths and open countryside.
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.
- In fields where crops are growing follow the paths wherever possible.
- Use gates and stiles wherever possible - 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 your dog 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. 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 at all times 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.
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.
- Respect the needs of local people - for example, don't block gateways, driveways or other entry points with your vehicle.
- By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders on bridleways.
- Keep out of the way when farm animals are being gathered or moved and follow directions from the farmer.
- Support the rural economy - for example, buy your supplies from local shops.
Advice for land managers
Know your rights, responsibilities and liabilities
- People visiting the countryside provide important income for the local economy. Most like to follow a visible route, prefer using proper access points like gates, and generally want to do the right thing - but they need your help.
- Visitors are allowed to access land in different ways. For more guidance on how this affects you and what your rights, responsibilities and liabilities are, contact your local authority or National Park authority.
- The Ordnance Survey's 1:25,000 maps show Public Rights of Way and designated areas of open land. These maps are generally reliable but not 'definitive' so you will need to check the legal status of rights of way with your local authority.
- By law, you must keep rights of way clear and not obstruct people's entry onto access land - it's a criminal offence to discourage rights of public access with misleading signs.
- Trespassing is often unintentional - contact the Countryside Agency for advice on tackling trespass. Alternatively, request a copy of guidance from the Open Access Contact Centre on 0845 100 3298.
Make it easy for visitors to act responsibly
- Keeping paths, boundaries, way marks, signs, gates and stiles in good order will help manage access over your land. Contact your local authority to find out what help is available.
- Where there is public access through a boundary feature, such as a fence or hedge, use a gap if you can. If this isn't practical, use an accessible gate or, if absolutely necessary, a stile. When installing new gates and stiles, make sure you have the permission of the local authority.
- Encourage respect for your wishes by giving clear, polite guidance where it's needed. For example, telling visitors about your land management operations helps them to avoid getting in your way.
- Rubbish attracts other rubbish - by getting rid of items such as farm waste properly, you'll discourage fly tipping (dumping rubbish illegally) and encourage others to get rid of their rubbish responsibly
Identify possible threats to visitors’ safety
- Your duty of care under the Occupiers' Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984 depends on the type of access right - so it's important to know what rights, if any, apply to your land. Contact the Country Land and Business Association or the National Farmers' Union for more guidance.
- Consider possible man-made and natural hazards on your land and draw any risks to the public's attention if they are not obvious.
- Avoid using electric fencing and other hazards close to areas that people visit, particularly alongside narrow paths and at the height of a child. The use of plain wire is strongly recommended in place of barbed wire.
- Animals likely to attack visitors should not be allowed to roam freely where the public has access - you may be liable for any resulting harm.