Although humans and dogs enjoy countryside walks, it’s really important to follow the Countryside Code, which mostly uses common sense, in order to keep your pets (and barnyard friends) safe. Also read our post on pet-friendly gardens (to know which flowers to keep dogs away from).
Report concerns of farm animals in the first instance (most will be thankful you did). If you can’t find them (or have no joy), call RSPCA (or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous).
- Follow local signs, and keep to marked paths
- Leave gates & property as you find them and do not block access.
- Follow farmer advice if animals are being moved.
- Do not touch or feed livestock (or horses).
- Do not touch farm machinery.
- Keep dogs under control and in sight, and pick up the poop. Put dogs on leads on Open Access land (a legal requirement between 1 March and 31 July). This is for your dog’s safety too, as farmers can legally shoot dogs that worry sheep.
Check weather forecasts before you begin (conditions can change quickly – turn back if need be).
Take care on hills and slippery paths (wear non-slip walking shoes). Wear warm visible waterproof and take a flask with hot tea! Learn to read a map and compass!
Don’t judge farmers, many have financial needs (Farming Community Help can help with free food for livestock and other goods).
How to Help an Overturned Sheep
There are sheep everywhere in England (Cumbria, Shropshire and Northumberland have more sheep than people!) So it’s good to know (if farmers are not around) how to upright a sheep, if one falls over due to a waterlogged coat or pregnancy.
Sheep don’t sleep on their backs (due to having four stomach chambers). So if they fall over, they will die unless you help.
Try to find the farmer afterwards, to inform.
It’s pretty simple. Just gently approach the sheep, grab a handful of wool and turn it back upright. The sheep will likely run off to join the flock, or be a bit wobbly at first. Stick around to ensure the sheep is okay. It’s good to stick around for a while, to ensure rain has fallen off, so it doesn’t happen again.
Don’t turn a sheep on its side, this could twist the intestines and cause a blockage. Here’s a simple video on what to do.
Sheepeasy was invented by an engineer. It’s a seat to let farmers easily keep sheep, goats and alpacas secure, while treating their feet!
A New Code for Countryside Roads
There are plans to introduce a new Code for Countryside Roads alongside the Highway Code, as around 70% of road deaths are on rural roads, despite having far less collisions. This is thought to be due to a combination of low winter sun, fallen leaves and more ice.
Along of course with wild deer, which sadly often kills these beautiful wild creatures too. Read more on making roads safer for wildlife.
Top advice? Simply slow down, especially when going around bends and up and down hills. There is less rush on rural roads anyway, as there is less likely to be traffic.
