Higham Ferrers Footpath Group

The Countryside Code

Ramblers were heavily involved in the consultation process. The code contains advice both for walkers and for land managers, which answers the long standing complaint that it was impossible for walkers to follow the old code unless land managers also kept their side of the bargain, for example by keeping paths open so that visitors could keep to the correct route.

Advice to walkers is organised under five key headings. For each point there is both a brief explanation and a more detailed one. These explanations are available on the Countryside website.

Countryside Code - advice for the public

• Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
• Keep dogs under close control
• Consider other people

Countryside Code - advice for land managers

• Know your rights, responsibilities and liabilities
• Where can people go on your land?
• What rules apply to people while they are on your land?
• What are your rights and responsibilities towards people on your land?
• Make it easy for visitors to act responsibly
• How can you help people get access to your land responsibly and keep to the Countryside Code?
• What help and advice can you get?
• Identify possible threats to visitors' safety
• Are there any risks to the safety of people on your land, and how can you deal with these risks?

Old Country Code

• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
• Guard against all risk of fire
• Fasten all gates
• Keep your dogs under close control
• Keep to public paths across farmland
• Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls
• Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
• Take your litter home
• Help to keep all water clean
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees
• Take special care on country roads
• Make no unnecessary noise

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