Countryside Code updated

On 1 April 2020, Natural England and Natural Resources Wales published an updated version of the Countryside Code to help people enjoy the outdoors.

Scope

The new Code comes in two parts, one for visitors, the other is for land managers. The general aim of this guidance is to help people enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of nature, while giving it the respect it deserves.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions on travelling abroad, more people than ever are enjoying the English and Welsh countryside. Therefore, the updated guidance will provide the much-needed information for everyone to ensure that all the rules are followed to protect nature and ensure people, pets and wildlife are safe. The guidance also provides information on how footpaths, trails, bridleways and byways are marked and who may use them. 

The key changes included in the new Countryside Code involve:

• new advice for people to 'be nice, say hello, share the space' as well as 'enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory';
• advice not to feed the livestock, horses or wild animals;
• a reminder to stay on the marked footpaths, even if they are muddy, to protect crops and wildlife;
• information on the need for permission to do certain outdoor activities, such as wild swimming;
• clearer rules for dog walkers to take home dog poo and use their own bin if there are no public waste bins in the area;
• refreshed and clearer wording to make the guide easier to understand.

It is also crucial to remember that all visitors must follow the current national coronavirus guidance before they leave home.

For more information on this subject, see:

• The Countryside Code: advice for countryside visitors;
• The Countryside Code: advice for land managers.