19 April, 2012

As a rural insurer, we want everyone to be able to enjoy the countryside we live and work in, and our FarmSafe for Schools initiative promotes how we can all do this safely.  Alongside FarmSafe for Schools, for the next six months, we will be looking at the different sections of the Countryside Code on our blog. The Countryside Code is a series of simple principles designed to help both landowners and visitors to the countryside, all following the mantra of Respect, Protect, Enjoy. This month, we look at the Countryside Code for the Public, and part one of this is 'Respect Other People'.

The first principal of the Countryside Code for members of the public is simply 'respect other people'. This is split into two key points - consideration of local people and others enjoying the countryside, and leaving gates and property as you find them and following paths.

Consider the local community and others enjoying the countryside

There are several simple steps you can take to ensure your visit to the countryside doesn't upset or inconvenience others. For example, if you are driving make sure your parking spot isn't blocking any gateways, driveways or other paths. If you encounter walkers, horses or farm animals while driving or cycling, slow down or stop for them to pass and make sure you give them plenty of room. If you're cycling on a bridleway, be aware that by law you must give way to walkers and horse riders.

Bear in mind that there are people at work in the countryside as well as fellow visitors, so be as cooperative as you can to help them continue to go about their daily activities. For example, try to keep out of the way when farm animals are being moved, and follow the directions and instructions of the farmer.

Countryside roads are often narrow, winding lanes, where busy traffic can cause a real problem. If at all possible, leave your car at home and walk, cycle, take public transport or lift-share. If you do have to drive, go slowly and be considerate of other road users and wildlife.

Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths

Although leaving gates shut so animals can't escape their fields seems like the most sensible thing to do, sometimes the farmer may intentionally leave gates open so their animals can move between fields to access food and water. For this reason, you should always make sure you leave gates as you find them, and if you're in a large group make sure the message gets passed back to the last person so they know what to do.

Steer clear of any machinery or farm animals you come across as you could risk putting yourself or others in danger. Even if you see an animal that looks like it is in distress, try and alert the farmer rather than getting involved yourself. Also take care not to disturb any ruins or historic sites you come across.

When exploring the countryside, follow paths unless you know wider access is allowed, such as on open country or registered common land. Use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries if you can, as climbing over walls, hedges and fences can cause damage and potentially increase the risk of farm animals escaping.

If you come across a sign you think is incorrect or misleading, such as a 'Private - No Entry' sign on a public path, contact the local authority who can look into it.

Coming next in our Countryside Code series - Protect the Natural Environment.

For more information about the Countryside Code, please visit the Natural England website.