10 May, 2012

Our Countryside Code series, which started last month with 'Respect Other People'  is looking at the set of simple principles which can help both members of the public and landowners to get the most out of our beautiful countryside.

This month, we look at the second principal of the Countryside Code for the Public, which is 'Protect the Natural Environment'. It's split into two key points - leaving no trace of your visit and keeping dogs under control - and as with all six principles of the Countryside Code it's an easy to follow guide which if adhered to will keep the countryside protected for many years to come.

Leave no trace of your visit and take your rubbish home

Leaving no trace of your visit to the countryside is essential in allowing others to enjoy their visit too. Protecting the natural environment means taking special care not to damage, destroy or remove natural features including rocks, plants and trees. As well as adding to everybody's enjoyment and making the British countryside unique, they provide homes and food for wildlife and should be left undisturbed.

Make sure that when you go home, you take all your rubbish with you. Dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offences, and leaving your litter and leftover food behind not only spoils the natural beauty of the countryside, but it can also be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals.

The countryside is the perfect place for a picnic, but not a barbecue or bonfire. Fires can easily get out of hand and can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property. Don't start fires, and be careful with any naked flames or cigarettes.

If you see an unattended fire, the best thing to do is report it to the emergency services by calling 999. Although controlled fires are sometimes used to manage vegetation, if you spot a fire but can't see the famer to ask it's better to be safe than sorry and report it.

Keep dogs under effective control

If you are taking your dog with you to the countryside, it's important to make sure they don't disturb any wildlife, farm animals, horses or other people. The easiest way to do this is by keeping them on a lead, but if you do let them off make sure they are always in your sight,  don't let dogs stray into any area where you don't have a right of access, and only let them go if you are confident they will return on command.

Some areas have special rules for dogs, so be on the lookout for any signs that will help guide you. Some places have bans, restrictions, byelaws and controlling orders limiting where dogs can go; for example Open Access land requires dogs to be kept on a lead between 1 March and 31 July to protect ground nesting birds and all year round near farm animals, and in some coastal areas dogs must be kept on the lead during the bird breeding season.

If you know you're likely to come across farm animals or horses it's good practice to keep your dog on a lead, even when it's not a legal requirement. As well as protecting the animals, it can protect you and your dog as farmers can shoot a dog which is attacking or chasing animals without being liable to compensate the dog's owner.

On the other hand, if cattle or horses are chasing you, it's safer to let your dog off the lead and let them take care of themselves.  You can then concentrate on getting yourself to safety.

Finally, clean up after your dog and get rid of its mess responsibly. Also make sure your dog is wormed regularly, to protect the dog, other animals and people.

Coming next in our Countryside Code series - Enjoy the Outdoors

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