field of dreams Caroline Smith

Caroline Smith

The Countryside Code is government advice on how to behave in the countryside, to protect people, dogs, horses and livestock. The code is not easy to read, some better writing and graphic design would help enormously. So here’s an easy-to-understand summary, to read and remember.

There are plans to introduce a Code for Countryside Roads alongside the Highway Code, as 70% of road deaths are on rural roads, despite less collisions. This is thought to be due to a combination of low winter sun, fallen leaves and more ice. Read more on making roads safer for wildlife.

Don’t Drop Litter

  • Take litter home with you, use a car trash bag. Glass litter can cause fires, due to the sun’s rays.
  • Don’t ‘release’ anything (balloons, fire lanterns etc) and don’t light barbecues.
  • If you smoke, use a personal ashtray (immediately extinguishes butts until you find a bin). Dropping a butt onto dry land, is like a match to paper, and can cause wildfires.

Pick up the Poop!

Dog poop can leave toxins that can cause blindness in dogs and children. If you’re not near a poop bin, take a DickyBag with you (an odour-proof mini-rucksack to store bags, until you find a bin).

In several sizes (for chihuahuas to Great Danes), it’s sold with biodegradable poop bags included. If laundering, use a microfiber filter (do not tumble dry).

Keep Dogs Safe (and trained)

easy peasy doggy squeezy

Trained dogs are easier to recall (as are neutered dogs). Follow local signs (from 1 March to 31 July, dogs must be on leads on Open Access land, even if there are no livestock nearby). Follow this rule, as farmers can legally shoot dogs that chase or attack animals.

Quality breakaway dog collars keep hounds safe by securing while walking on leads (by sliding the leash between both D-rings), but letting dogs escape if they get caught up (to prevent collar strangulation accidents).

Be Prepared & Follow Maps!

Following a map stops you getting lost, and ending up in a field with horses or livestock accidentally. Also tell others where you are going and when you will be back.

Do Not Disturb Barnyard Friends

perfect place by the water Lucy Pittaway

Lucy Pittaway

  • Follow farmer signs, if animals are being moved or gathered. Sheep can miscarry or cattle could charge to protect their young (or themselves, even without calves).
  • Leave gates and property as you find them, ensure the last person knows how to leave gates. Farmers may close gates to keep animals safe, or leave them open for access to food and water. Do not touch farm machinery.
  • If you see a farm animal in distress, tell the farmer or if no-one is around, call RSPCA (or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous).

Don’t judge farmers, many have financial needs (Farming Community Help can help with free food for livestock and other goods).

Some sheep can get waterlogged in rainy weather, causing them to turn upside down (they die if not righted back up). If you can’t find a local farmer, learn how to right an overturned sheep or it will die (hold upright until rain has drained off, to prevent it happening again). 

Don’t Not Disturb (or feed) Horses

snow ponies Caroline Smith

Caroline Smith

  • Never touch or feed wild horses. Grass cuttings or improper food can kill (even apples which in excess could cause colic or choke).
  • Take extra care near horses, if cycling or driving.
  • For concerns, call British Horse Society.

Other General Advice

  • Keep to marked routes, to avoid disturbing wildlife (including nesting birds). Use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries (don’t climb over boundaries).
  • If walking on roads without pavements, face oncoming traffic on straight roads, where you can safely see ahead.
  • Ensure cars do not block access. Report locked gates or fallen trees on rights of way to your council.
  • Do not disturb ruins or historic sites.
  • Avoid candles and cooking near tents (use torches, and only change gas cylinders when completely empty).
  • If you see an unattended fire, call 999 or 112. Mention landmarks (churches or pubs) if there is no address.

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