While 'care of the countryside' may seem an obvious subject to many, a considerable number of people will not give the matter any thought at all. Many leisure activities that involve dogs also involve the countryside. It is important that a care and respect for rural areas is maintained.Things to consider.
The 'right to roam' does not mean the right to exhibit irresponsible behaviour. A farmer will appreciate you asking permission to cross his land. It will also give you the opportunity to find out where animals are grazing and where any unsafe areas might be. Keep your dog on a lead where ever animals are kept. Remember you are a shop window for ALL dogs, and ALL dogs will be judged by your behaviour. There is no excuse for allowing a dog to chase farm stock or any wild or free-range animals. The buck stops with you!
A closed gate should remain closed after you have passed through it. While the field or pasture may seem empty, more often or not something will be grazing out of sight and when the opportunity arises will wander off through that open gate to possible injury or death.
Do not leave any litter. Take it home or find a bin. You would be amazed at what some people leave in a lay-by near me. When the nice weather starts and people come into the countryside common sense sometimes seems to go out the window. I have picked up paper, tins, dirty nappies half eaten meals and worse. Wild animals are naturally curious and quite often litter can cause a long and lingering death. A tin can get stuck over a nose or head if the animal is lucky it will dislodge it and receive a few cuts for it's trouble or it will suffocate or starve with no one the wiser. Paper can choke something in a very short space of time. Bottles and litter are a danger to farm animals as well. Glass will cut feet and swallowed paper or plastic will kill. Just take it all home.
Where required, pick up after your dog. The person that walks after you on that beautiful path will appreciate it.
Leave the pretty plants and flowers alone. Where they grow is where they belong.
Be careful of any walls and water. Things might not be as safe as they seem. It is wise to get some local information before embarking on a trek across unknown territory. Do not throw sticks for your dog into unknown water. If you do not know about the underlying currents or whirlpools you could lose a treasured pet.
Only light a fire in designated areas. Once a fire is out of control, everything and everyone is at risk. A day out can turn into a nightmare.
The countryside is there for everyone to enjoy. Treat it with care and respect and it will be around for us forever. Abuse the privilege and in time it will become one of those memories that we all like to reminisce about while wishing we had looked after it properly.