Countryside Code

In the 1930s the ‘Commons and Open Spaces Society’ produced a ‘Country Code’ followed by a ‘code of courtesy’ from the Council for the Protection of Rural England and a ‘ramblers’ code’ from the Ramblers Association in the 1940s.

It was not until the 1949 ‘National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act’ that a national Country Code was produced by the National Parks Commission and later in 1950s it was integrated into the Highway Code.

Through the fifties and sixties this Country Code became well established with both visitors to the countryside and landowners. Generations of boy scouts, guides and brownies acquired their Country Code badge, the Central Office of Information publicised the code on television and British Railways advertised it on trains, Butlins promoted it in holiday camps and factories in their canteens. Demand for the Country Code booklet consistently outstripped supply

The first long distance footpath, the Pennine Way, was designated in 1965 and an increasingly mobile population with an increased interest in leisure established the need for a code to encourage responsible use of the countryside.

This came in 1979 when the Code was reviewed by the Countryside Commission (previously the National Parks Commission) and which lead to the next Code which was published in 1981.

Following the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 incorporating the public’s new right to walk over and enjoy more of England’s countryside a new Countryside Code was launched to make the public aware of their new rights and responsibilities.

The outline of it -

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Keep dogs 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.

• 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.