{"id":11069,"date":"2022-02-11T13:41:30","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T12:41:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=108912"},"modified":"2022-02-11T14:00:18","modified_gmt":"2022-02-11T13:00:18","slug":"countryside-code-updated-to-support-farmers-and-land-managers","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/countryside-code-updated-to-support-farmers-and-land-managers\/","title":{"rendered":"Countryside Code updated to support farmers and land managers\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Daniel Graham\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 11 February 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Whether it\u2019s closing the gates behind you or leaving no trace that you\u2019ve been there, the Countryside Code is designed to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the natural world in harmony with wildlife, the environment and the people who work within it. It is set out by Natural England<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Countryside Code\u2019s latest update (8 February 2022) provides recommendations to land managers on how to make land more accessible to the public. The change will allow more people to experience nature safely whilst also supporting land managers and helping to avoid damage to property, livestock and wider anti-social behaviour.<\/p>\n

The advice follows the newly refreshed Countryside Code<\/a> for the public in April 2021, 70 years since the first booklet was published in 1951.<\/p>\n

Five-minute guide to the Countryside Code<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Our brief guide on the Countryside Code includes how to follow the rules and why they are so important for the natural environment and wildlife.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Getty<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>

\""Public\"<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>

The update provides recommendations to land managers on making rights of way more accessible \u2013 for example by adding self-closing gates instead of stiles \u2013 creating safer environments, and installing clear signage to help the public respect, protect and enjoy the countryside.<\/p>\n

It also includes advice on how to report anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, littering, livestock worrying and other offences correctly, allowing more people to access nature safely while also supporting land managers and helping to avoid damage to property and livestock.<\/p>\n

\""A\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Self-closing gates allow easy access for people while keeping livestock safe\/Credit: K Neville, Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Natural England<\/a> and Natural Resources Wales<\/a> worked alongside stakeholders, including the National Farmers Union<\/a> (NFU), Health and Safety Executive<\/a> (HSE) and the Country Landowners Association<\/a> (CLA), to develop the advice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith more people than ever before spending time in nature, this refreshed advice for land managers has never been more important in helping to ensure we work together to protect our outdoor spaces,\u201d said Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England.<\/p>\n

\u201cI urge all land managers to follow this new advice and continue to help make nature accessible to everyone, so people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the invaluable health and wellbeing benefits that nature offers, while giving it the respect it deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\""Public\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Countryside Code advises that\u00a0land managers \u201cmake signs clear and easy to follow\u201d\/bunsview, Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Minister for Rural Affairs Lord Benyon added: \u201cWe want to ensure that nature is accessible for all, whilst also supporting people to do the right thing when they are visiting the countryside.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new advice in the Countryside Code will help farmers and land managers to help the public enjoy the outdoors in a responsible way. I am grateful to all of those stakeholders who have helped shape this updated guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vice Chair of Young Farmers (NFYC) Council<\/a> Ed Dungait said: \u201cUnderstanding the Countryside Code and following its advice helps to protect the countryside and all who work within it, inhabit or visit. We are pleased to help promote this code of good practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\""Public\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
\u201cUnderstanding the Countryside Code and following its advice helps to protect the countryside and all who work within it, inhabit or visit,\u201d said\u00a0Vice Chair of Young Farmers (NFYC) Council Ed Dungait\/SolStock, Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Director of the Moorland Association<\/a> Amanda Anderson said: \u201cAs moorland land managers we welcome the supportive collaboration from government in this guidance to help increasing numbers of visitors make the most of England\u2019s glorious countryside, while crucially safeguarding it for others and those who live and work on the land. The vast majority of visitors leave no trace, but incidents of antisocial behaviour such as fly-tipping and vandalism have increased recently, causing a disproportionate amount of damage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is even the threat to life from the inappropriate use of BBQs on moorland, which can lead to devastating wildfires. The new guidance recognises these issues and offers constructive advice on how to change unhelpful behaviour and prevent damage to the very thing visitors cherish.\u201d<\/p>\n

\""Rural\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Countryside Code asks land managers to \u201cuse friendly language if you need to use signs to tell visitors what they can or cannot do.\u201d\/Credit: Richard P Long, Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

President of the Country, Land and Business Association<\/a> Mark Tufnell commented: \u201cThe CLA is delighted to have played its part in revamping the Countryside Code and will continue working towards making green public spaces accessible and enjoyable for all.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Code now offers landowner-specific advice which will be particularly helpful for our members, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to smoothly manage increased public interest in accessing green spaces.<\/p>\n

\u201cRather than pitting rural communities and visitors against each other, the guidance unites them by focusing on a shared appreciation of our countryside.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost importantly, it outlines how both can work together to enhance it.\u00a0With over 150,000 miles of public rights of way\u00a0and 2.5 million acres of open access land\u00a0in Great Britain,\u00a0there is so much to enjoy responsibly.\u201d<\/p>\n

As well as advice for protecting livestock, using machinery in public spaces and the safe storage of chemicals, other key changes include:<\/p>\n