Countryside Code: Visitors urged to say hello, stick to footpaths and bin dog poo
Visitors to the outdoors are being urged to say 'hello' to other people, stay on footpaths, and bag and bin their dog's poo in a new-look Countryside Code.
The updated version of the code, which provides advice for visitors to natural places, is being launched on the 70th anniversary of the booklet's first publication in 1951.
It is the first refresh of the Countryside Code in more than a decade, although there were some updates last summer in response to issues raised during lockdown, such as an increase in litter and dogs worrying livestock.
Officials said the new version, which comes as more people are using green spaces, aims to help the public be safe, look after the natural environment and protect the livelihoods of people who live in the countryside.
It is being launched as easing lockdown restrictions ahead of the Easter weekend is expected to lead to large numbers of people visiting rural areas.
Over the bank holiday there will be police patrols, additional car parks, temporary toilets and new signage.
Cumbria Police are asking people to stick to the rules and to respect the countryside.
Changes to the code include advice on creating a welcoming environment for other people by being nice and saying hello, and reminders not to feed livestock, horses or wild animals and to stay on marked footpaths, even if they are muddy, to protect crops and wildlife.
There are also clearer rules for dog walkers to bag up their pet's poo and take it home to their own bin if there are no public waste bins, and information on permission for certain activities such as wild swimming.
The code is aiming for a change of tone to create a guide for the public, rather than a list of rules, as it recognises the benefits for people of spending time in nature and encourages people to "enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory".
Jill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism
It also makes clear that the guidance applies to all natural places, including parks and waterways, coast and countryside.
The new version, launched by government agencies Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, has been drawn up following an online survey that garnered nearly 4,000 responses, and has been welcomed by rural and farming groups.
Natural England chairman Tony Juniper said:
He added:
His comments were echoed by Mark Bridgeman, president of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA),which represents 28,000 rural businesses owners across England and Wales, who said:
He added: