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The Countryside Code
Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs- Even when going out locally get information on where you can go. This might change according to the time of year.
- Use up-to-date maps/guidebooks.
- Take responsibility for personal safety by checking weather reports and taking suitable clothing for changes in circumstances.
- Mobile phones might not work in all areas so let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside. See Public Rights of Way for more information.
Leave gates and property as you find them- A farmer may leave a gate closed to hold livestock in but also might leave it open to enable access to food and water.
- If you think a sign is illegal or misleading then call Rights of Way at Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 7083.
- Where possible, follow paths across land that has crops growing on it.
- Use gates and stiles where possible to avoid damage to walls/hedges/fences.
- Do not disturb historical sites and ruins.
- Leave machinery and livestock alone. If you have a concern about an animal then try to alert the farmer.
Protect plants and animals and take your litter home- Make sure you don’t harm animals, birds, plants or trees.
- Litter and leftover food can be dangerous to farm animals and spread disease so take it away with you. Dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offfences.
- Take care to not damage, destroy or remove features such as plants, rocks and trees.
- Do not get too close to farm animals or wild animals as their behaviour might be unpredictable, especially if with their young.
- Don’t drop matches or smouldering cigarettes as they might start fires. Call 999 if you see a fire but if possible check first that the fire is not intentional as controlled fires are sometimes used to manage vegetation between October and early April.
Keep dogs under close control- By law you must control your dog do that it does not disturb or scare farm animals. Your dog should always be on a short lead near farm animals and also on most open country and common land between 1st March and 31st July.
- On most public paths your dog does not need to be on a lead unless you cannot rely on its obedience. Farmers are legally entited to destroy a dog that worries on injures their animals.
- If a farm animal chases you and your dog it is safer to let your dog off the lead; don't risk injury by trying to protect it.
- Take particular care that your dog doesn't scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground or other wildlife.
- Always clean up after your dog; and get it wormed regularly.
At certain times, dogs may not be allowed on some areas of land or may need to be kept on a lead. You can check this by: looking out for signs; contacting a Country Park Ranger; emailing countryparks@leics.gov.uk or calling on 0116 305 6918.- Busy traffic on country roads can be unpleasant and dangerous so slow down and drive carefully. If possible leave your car at home and cycle or use public transport. See Travel Advice for more details.
- Respect the needs of local people, e.g. don't block driveways or other access points with your vehicle.
- Keep out of the way when farm animals are being gathered and follow directions from the farmer.
- When riding a bike or driving slow down for horses, livestock and walkers and give them plenty of room. Cyclists are legally obliged to give way to horse-riders and walkers.
- Support the rural economy, e.g. use the local shops.
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further information
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Contact: Country Parks.
Telephone: 0116 305 6918
E-mail: countryparks@leics.gov.uk
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Last Updated:
10 August 2007
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