Improvements to Countryside Code include guidance for farmers and landowners

Natural England has launched new guidance for farmers and landowners under the Countryside Code giving them information on how to make land more accessible and advice on how to report anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and livestock worrying. These changes will allow more people to access the countryside safely whilst also supporting land managers and helping to avoid damage to property, livestock and wider anti-social behaviour.

Sarah Lee, Director of Policy at the Countryside Alliance said: "The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns lead to more people getting out and enjoying the countryside which was to be welcomed. However, sadly, there were numerous reports of littering in beauty spots as well as reports of horses and livestock being spooked by dogs off the lead which in turn, could have heightened anxiety among some living and working in the countryside.

"This new guidance for landowners provides many welcome additions, such as advice on reporting anti-social behaviour and how to report fly-tipping as well as reminding the public not to feed horses and stressing the importance of keeping your dog on a lead or in sight.

"However, it also puts an onus on landowners to replace stiles with gates. Stiles have multiple uses from providing a stock proof barrier while allowing people to move freely and it should be up to individual farmers what works best for their farm while welcoming visitors. We would also be concerned over the cost to the farmer of changing field access points. It might be the case that money will be available through the new farming schemes to make land more accessible, but that is not clear at this stage.

"It is important to remind visitors that each of us have a personal responsibility to abide by rights of way and respect that the countryside is a full time place of work for many."

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

• Clearer guidance on keeping rights of way usable, including recommendations for cutting back vegetation and keeping public waterways clear
• Instructions for where visitors can walk freely on open access land or in a coastal margin
• Information about common land and understanding that horse-riding rights are applicable
• The process of reporting anti-social behaviour – criminal damage and threatening behaviour will not be tolerated, and farmers and land managers are advised to contact the police to report any such incidents
• Advice on reporting noise disturbances and fly-tipping to the local authority
• Guidance on managing and protecting livestock, and a reminder of responsibilities when using firearms and fencing
• Advice for creating a safe environment, including the safe storage of bales, logs and the management of trees
• Information on using and storing dangerous substances responsibly

Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said: "With 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. I 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."