Citizens and visitors of the UK have the freedom to roam and enjoy this country’s rural beauty from Dunnet Head to Land's End. However, enjoying the great outdoors comes with an aspect of responsibility to preserve the welfare of our rural landscapes. Making the most of the countryside by walking, camping, and picnicking can be a tremendously rewarding way to spend your free time, provided you do it safely and responsibly. Here are some tips to help you respect, protect and enjoy the countryside.
Countryside paths and trails exist for two main reasons - to protect wildlife and keep walkers safe. The UK is a small country, and the likelihood of becoming completely lost to the point where your life is endangered is relatively low; however, sticking to a trail means you have a higher chance of being discovered by other countryside patrons should you become ill or injured. Furthermore, veering from the path when you’re out hiking could cause irreparable damage to protected plant life and animal habitats.
Up until recently, the Countryside Code stated that walkers should always leave gates closed to prevent livestock from straying; however, the guidelines now state that gates should be left exactly as you found them. If a gate is left open, a landowner has likely done so purposefully to give their livestock access to food, water, and shade. Furthermore, this rule applies to all aspects of the countryside - leave areas precisely as they were and remember the phrase “take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints”.
The UK has a big litter problem. Not only does litter make an area look unattractive, but it can be profoundly harmful to the ecosystem, interfering with habitats and stunting plant growth. Everyone has a duty of care to keep the countryside clean and litter-free, so always deposit your litter in public bins, or carry it with you until you find one. Moreover, dropping waste is classed as a criminal offence subject to a fine of up to £2,500.
Dog owners must always pick up after their dogs, regardless of how far out in the thick of the countryside they are. Dog faeces contains bacteria and parasites like roundworms, hookworms and cryptosporidium, classifying it as an environmental pollutant. Furthermore, you should always dispose of your dog poop bags in public litter bins, as livestock and horses sometimes ingest carelessly discarded plastic bags. Failure to pick up after your dog could also land you with a £100 fixed penalty notice and/or prosecution with a maximum fine of £1,000.
Whilst out and about in rural areas, keeping your wits about you is crucial to avoid landing yourself in danger. Take care when walking on rugged terrain, and be wary when hiking around bodies of water. Be courteous and observe trail etiquette, avoiding private land, particularly if you hear barking dogs or hunting horns. As a general rule, you should avoid hiking alone - instead, bring a friend or family member to ensure your safety. Additionally, always carry water for hydration and a first aid kit.
Fire safety is part of being a responsible camper. Fire spreads quickly, particularly during periods of low rainfall when the ground is arid. Uncontrollable fires cause irreparable harm, not only to the lives and habitats of wildlife but to human life too. If you want to light a campfire, you must first consider whether or not it is legal to do so, as some areas prohibit barbecues and campfires. Always build your campfire away from flammable objects like branches and shrubbery, and border it with stones and rocks to keep it contained.
One of the most crucial aspects of the Countryside Code is the importance of understanding signs and symbols. For instance, depending on the colour of a trail arrow, a trail may be appropriate for different individuals and vehicles - i.e. a blue arrow denotes a path suitable for walkers, mobility aid users, cyclists and horse-riders only. Moreover, always heed private property signs and be considerate to those living and working in rural areas.
You can read more about the Countryside Code here.