Reasons to Follow England’s Countryside Code
Follow the Countryside Code to help dogs and livestock safe. Read our post on humane dog training, to keep dogs under control near sheep (if in doubt, don’t walk nearby).
Put dogs on leads on Open Access land (a legal requirement between 1 March and 31 July). This is for your dog’s safety too, as farmers can legally shoot dogs that worry sheep. Also read our post on pet-friendly gardens (to know which flowers to keep dogs away from).
Report farm animal concerns first to farmers with a friendly word. If no joy, call RSPCA (or Crimestoppers (anonymous).
- Follow local signs, and keep to marked paths
- Leave gates & property as you find them and do not block access.
- Follow farmer advice if animals are being moved.
- Do not touch or feed livestock (or horses).
- Do not touch farm machinery.
- Keep dogs under control and in sight, and pick up the poop. Put dogs on leads on Open Access land (a legal requirement between 1 March and 31 July). This is for your dog’s safety too, as farmers can legally shoot dogs that worry sheep.
Sheep (and goats) spook easily, which is why they have rectangular eyes to see predators from all angles. So never approach them (ewes can miscarry from shock).
Check weather forecasts before you begin (conditions can change quickly – turn back if need be).
Take care on hills and slippery paths (wear non-slip vegan walking shoes). Wear warm visible waterproof and take a flask with hot tea! Learn to read a map and compass!
Don’t judge farmers, many have financial needs (Farming Community Help can help with free food for livestock and other goods).
How to Help an Overturned Sheep
Pregnant sheep (and sometimes due to wool waterlogged from rain) can sometimes roll over onto their backs, and can’t get back upright, due to having four stomach chambers (so will die if not turned back upright).
If you see a sheep on its back, just firmly right it back, then stay with it, until rain has drained off, so it won’t happen again. Then inform your local farmer.
A New Code for Countryside Roads
There are plans to introduce a new Code for Countryside Roads alongside the Highway Code, as around 70% of road deaths are on rural roads, despite having far less collisions. This is thought to be due to a combination of low winter sun, fallen leaves and more ice.
Along of course with wild deer, which sadly often kills these beautiful wild creatures too. Read more on making roads safer for wildlife.
Top advice? Simply slow down, especially when going around bends and up and down hills. There is less rush on rural roads anyway, as there is less likely to be traffic.
Leave Animals Alone in the Countryside
The rise in popularity in people taking selfies is having a surprising detrimental effect on our countryside and its creatures too. A few years ago, a foal fell to its death from a cliff, after it was spooked when nearby people were taking selfies.
In another case, a pony died from eating raw potato peels (you should never feed animals anything without a farmer’s permission – even apples can cause colic in some horses). If you are given permission to feed one as an occasional treat from the horse’s guardian, then cut it up (remove the core) and feed from a flat palm, to avoid choking.
Another farmer in the Highlands said that people were trying to ‘boop’ her cows in order to launch a video for social media, which spooked the cows so much (they have sensitive nerve endings on their noses) that she was wary of anyone approaching her for months later.
The USA’s 7 Leave No Trace Principles
The Countryside Code is a bit lengthy to remember. It would be better to do what the USA does, and have 7 key principles (for visiting the countryside, parks and camping) that everyone knows (like they do all 50 or so state). In Summary:
- Plan ahead and prepare (know regulations, prepare for weather, visit in small groups and use a map).
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces (use maintained trails, camp at least 200ft from lakes and streams).
- Dispose of waste properly (take litter with you, use biodegradable soap).
- Leave what you find (do not touch or disturb anything)
- Minimise campfire impacts (to prevent wildfires)
- Respect wildlife (need feed animals or disturb them, keep pets away)
- Be considerate of other visitors (don’t make noise, let nature’s sound prevail)
