Having a shared code of behaviour matters. For many people - particularly those who haven’t grown up with access to natural green spaces - time in the countryside may be a new experience. Clear, gentle guidance like the Countryside Code helps build both confidence and understanding.
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Most people want to take care when they know how - and why. This article explores the Countryside Code and explains why it matters, for both people and the places we enjoy.​
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Please note: this article is not affiliated with or endorsed by the UK Government and is provided for general information and educational purposes only. The official Countryside Code is available on the UK Government website.
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CONTENTS
Introduction
Why It Matters
Respect Everyone
Protect the Environment
Enjoy the Outdoors
Waymarker Signs & Symbols
We are all guardians of our green & pleasant land
Spending time outdoors in the countryside is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to reconnect with our roots and be close to nature. But as increasing numbers of people head out to discover our green and pleasant land, the responsibility to protect it has never been greater.
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The Countryside Code exists to help us do exactly that: to make sure everyone understands how to enjoy these precious places without causing harm.
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The Code is built on three principles:
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Respect everyone
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Protect the environment
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Enjoy the outdoors
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We’ll look at each part in a little more detail below —along with the signs you might see, and why they matter more than ever.
Why the Countryside Code matters
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In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in visitors to the countryside — particularly since the pandemic. While this has brought benefits in terms of wellbeing, education and tourism, it has also led to growing problems:
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Increased litter and fly-tipping
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Disturbance to wildlife
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Damage to paths, plants and habitats
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Conflict between visitors, landowners and farmers
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Littering in particular has become a serious issue. Not only is it an eyesore, it can:
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Injure or kill wildlife and livestock
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Introduce toxic chemicals and microplastics into ecosystems
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Take years (even decades) to break down
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Turn peaceful places into neglected ones, which then attract more litter
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As the official guidance makes clear, dropping litter is a criminal offence and everyone has a responsibility to take their rubbish home.
But beyond the law, it’s about stewardship: acting as guardians of our natural heritage, leaving the living things in peace as this is their home, and leaving the places we visit and everywhere along the way as we would hope to find it.
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Having this shared code of behaviour matters. Many people who haven't grown up with access to natural green spaces, and time in the countryside might be a new experience. The clear, gentle guidance in the Countryside Code helps build confidence and understanding. Most people will make the effort to take care when they know how and why.
Respect Everyone
The countryside is not just a place to visit - it is also where people live and work.​ It is home to many people whose daily lives and livelihoods depend on the land. Every field, track and boundary has a purpose, even if it isn’t immediately obvious.​ Respecting everyone means recognising that you are entering a shared, working environment - not just a recreational space.
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What this means in practice
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Be considerate to others using the space
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Leave gates and property as you find them (open or closed)
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Avoid blocking entrances, gateways, or driveways when parking
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Stick to marked paths and follow local signage
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Slow down, make space, and share routes with others
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Offer a greeting, a smile and a nod or a hello - simple courtesy goes a long way
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These aren’t arbitrary rules. A closed gate may be protecting livestock. An open one may be allowing animals access to water. A clearly marked path may be there to protect crops, wildlife, or fragile ground.
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Farming, livestock & working land
Your actions in the countryside can have a direct impact on people’s livelihoods. Farming is a demanding and often unpredictable job, and visitors play an important role in helping things run smoothly.
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Follow instructions from farmers and landowners, especially when animals are being moved
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Do not interfere with machinery, livestock, or horses
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If an animal appears distressed or injured, try to alert the farmer rather than intervening yourself
Give animals plenty of space. Livestock and horses can behave unpredictably, particularly when they feel threatened or when they are with their young.
Never feed livestock or wild animals, it could make them ill and may alter their natural behaviour in harmful ways.
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Sharing space safely​
The countryside is used by many different people - walkers, cyclists, horse riders and drivers - and everyone has a responsibility to help keep it safe.
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Slow down or stop for horses and livestock when cycling or driving
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Always give others plenty of room when passing
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Cyclists should give way to walkers and horse riders on bridleways
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Walkers should also be aware of others and avoid blocking paths
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A moment of patience or awareness can prevent accidents and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
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Travel & parking
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Country roads can be narrow, winding, and shared with wildlife and farm vehicles.
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Drive slowly and with care
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Park responsibly without blocking access points
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Always leave space for emergency vehicles
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Where possible, consider using public transport or planning routes that reduce traffic pressure on rural areas.
If walking along a road without a pavement, walk facing oncoming traffic and follow the rules set out in the Highway Code.
Take extra care at railway crossings - only cross where it is clearly safe to do so.
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Follow signs & use access points
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Local signs and waymarkers are there to guide you safely and responsibly through the landscape.
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Stay on marked paths, even if they are muddy
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Use gates, stiles, and designated gaps to cross boundaries
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Do not climb over fences or walls, as this can cause damage and put animals at risk
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Learning to recognise countryside signs not only helps you navigate - it helps you understand how the land is being used and protected.
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A shared experience
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Respect in the countryside often comes down to small, human moments and interactions with others who are also out and about.
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A friendly “hello,” stepping aside on a narrow path, or waiting patiently at a gate all contribute to a sense of shared space and mutual care.
These gestures may seem minor, but they help maintain something essential: the traditional social contract of trust amongst visitors and those who live and work on the land.
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Why it matters
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When respect breaks down, the consequences are real:
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Gates left open can lead to lost or injured livestock
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Blocked access can delay emergency services or farm work
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Careless behaviour can create tension between visitors and communities
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But when respect is shown, the countryside remains open, welcoming, and sustainable for everyone.
Protect the Environment
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The countryside is a living, interconnected environment. Every plant, animal, and natural feature plays a role in maintaining its balance.
Protecting it is not just about avoiding obvious harm - it’s about understanding that even small actions can have lasting effects.
We all share a responsibility to care for these spaces, not only for those who use them today but for those who come after us for generations to come.
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What this means in practice
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Take your litter home—leave no trace of your visit
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Do not light fires and only use barbecues if clearly permitted
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Keep dogs under control and in sight
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Always bag dog waste and dispose of it properly
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Avoid causing damage or disturbance to wildlife, plants and habitats
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Take your litter home
Leaving no trace is one of the simplest and most important principles of the Countryside Code.
Always plan ahead and bring a bag with you. Do not assume there will be bins available.
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Take all rubbish home, including:
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Food packaging and drink containers
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Fruit peels and food waste
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Wet wipes and tissues
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Dog waste bags
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Litter does more than spoil the landscape - it can seriously harm wildlife and livestock. Animals may ingest it, become entangled or be exposed to harmful substances.
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Dropping litter or dumping waste is a criminal offence, but beyond that, it undermines the shared care that keeps the countryside accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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Do not light fires
Fires cause devastating and long-lasting damage to habitats, wildlife, and surrounding land. There are very few places where ​​fires and barbecues are permitted.
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Even small flames, cigarettes, or embers can start wildfires - particularly in dry conditions. In some landscapes, such as heathland or moorland, fires can smoulder underground spreading rapidly and destroying large areas.
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If you ever see an unattended fire, you must report it by calling 999.
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Care for nature
Caring for the countryside means leaving it as you find it.
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Do not pick plants unnecessarily or damage trees
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Leave rocks, stones and natural features undisturbed
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Avoid damaging habitats, even unintentionally
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Many ecosystems are delicate. What may seem like a small action—moving stones into a pile to photograph for an Instagram post, trampling plants, or disturbing ground cover—can disrupt habitats that wildlife depends on.
This is especially important when it comes to ground-nesting birds and other vulnerable species, which can be easily disturbed without being seen.
Historic features, such as ruins, walls, and archaeological sites, are also part of the landscape. These should be treated with care and left undisturbed.
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Keep dogs under control
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Dogs are welcome in many countryside spaces, but they must be managed responsibly.
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Even well-behaved dogs can unintentionally cause harm by:
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Disturbing wildlife
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Chasing livestock
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Damaging sensitive habitats
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To prevent this:
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Keep your dog in sight at all times
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Make sure it will return when called
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Keep to paths and areas where you have the right of access
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In many situations, dogs should be kept on a lead—particularly:
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Around livestock
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During bird nesting season (especially spring and early summer)
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Where local signs require it
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In some areas, restrictions are legal requirements and it’s important to follow them carefully.
It’s also worth knowing that livestock worrying (when dogs chase or attack animals) is taken very seriously. In extreme cases, farmers are legally allowed to act to protect their animals.
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Dog waste: bag it and take it home
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Dog waste is more than just unpleasant—it can pose a real risk to health.
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It can spread diseases that affect:
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Livestock
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Wildlife
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People
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Always clean up after your dog and:
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Use a bag to collect waste
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Dispose of it in a public bin, or take it home if no bin is available
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Never leave bags in the countryside, even temporarily. Hanging them on trees or leaving them by paths is still littering.
Planning ahead—by bringing enough bags and a way to carry them—makes this simple to manage.
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Why it matters
The impact of environmental damage is often gradual, but significant.
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Litter accumulates and harms wildlife
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Disturbance affects breeding and survival rates
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Fires and damage can take years—or decades—to recover
But the opposite is also true.
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When people take care:
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habitats remain healthy
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wildlife can thrive
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landscapes stay beautiful and accessible
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Protecting the environment is not about perfection—it’s about awareness, intention, and small, consistent actions.
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A shared responsibility
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Every person who visits the countryside has a responsibility towards it. Taking your litter home, keeping dogs under control and treading carefully may seem like small acts - but together, they make a lasting difference. Caring for these places is not someone else’s job, it belongs to all of us.
Enjoy the Outdoors
The countryside is a place to relax, explore, and connect with nature. It offers calm, fresh air, activity and inspiration - benefits for both body and mind. Whatever you enjoy doing outdoors, your experience will be richer if you plan ahead, stay aware and respect your surroundings.
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Check your route and local conditions
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Before you set off, make sure you know where you’re going:
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Use up-to-date maps, guides or reputable websites
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Check local visitor centres for advice on trails, points of interest or specialist activities
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Explore online resources such as GetOutside, Visit England or Visit Britain for local guidance
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Why it matters: Countryside conditions can change quickly. Trails may be muddy, rivers can rise and weather can shift suddenly. Planning helps you enjoy your visit safely. If possible, take a physical paper map with you as rural areas often have poor mobile signal coverage or none at all the further you venture from settlements.
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Check weather, tide, and water conditions
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Look at local weather forecasts before leaving
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Be prepared to turn back if conditions change
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Check tide times if you’re near the coast to avoid being cut off
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Watch rivers and streams, which may be affected by tidal changes or heavy rain
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Take care on slippery rocks, mud, or wet vegetation
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If you plan to swim, paddle, or enjoy other water activities, check the Environment Agency website for water quality and local conditions.
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Plan your adventure
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Preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable visit:
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Tell someone your plans: Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
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Bring the right things: Clothing, footwear, maps, first aid kit and equipment suitable for the activity and conditions
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Have the necessary skills: Be realistic about your own abilities and those in your group
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Stay flexible: Be ready to adjust your plans if paths are busy, inaccessible, or conditions change
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Even small steps—like carrying an extra layer or checking your phone battery is fully charged before you set off —can make a big difference to safety and enjoyment.
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Rights, permissions, and responsible behaviour
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Some activities are likely to require landowner permission:
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Camping
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Freshwater swimming
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Fishing
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Always check local regulations or posted signs before carrying out these activities. Following these rules ensures that everyone can continue to enjoy the outdoors safely and sustainably.
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Enjoy your visit making memories
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Being outdoors isn’t just about rules—it’s about experiencing the beauty, wonder and peace that nature offers.
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Take time to notice wildlife, plants, and landscapes
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Enjoy activities like walking, cycling, birdwatching, or just sitting quietly
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Make memories with friends, family, or on your own
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Planning and preparation don’t limit enjoyment—they make it possible to fully relax and immerse yourself in the experience.
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A gentle reminder
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Enjoying the outdoors responsibly benefits everyone:
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You stay safe
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Others can enjoy the space too
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The countryside remains healthy and vibrant for future generations
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In short: a little foresight and care allows the countryside to remain a welcoming, inspiring place for all.
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Understanding Countryside Signs and Waymarkers
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When you’re out in the countryside, signs and symbols help you understand where you can go and how you can use the land responsibly.
Learning to recognise them makes it easier to explore with confidence—while respecting the landscape and those who manage it.
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Rights of Way (Waymarkers)
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These coloured arrows show the legal rights of access for different users. They'll be attached to a gate or fence post or tree. Sometimes you might need to have a good look for the sign to make sure of the direction it is pointing, hedgerows and vegetation grow quickly and often it might be difficult to spot your arrow. This is why it's always a good idea to plan your route beforehand - and always take a map.
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Yellow arrow – Public Footpath
For walkers and mobility aid users only
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Blue arrow – Bridleway
For walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and mobility aid users
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Purple arrow – Restricted Byway
For walkers, cyclists, horse riders, mobility aid users, and horse-drawn vehicles (no motor vehicles)
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Red arrow – Byway Open to All Traffic
Open to all users, including motorised vehicles
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​​These routes are legally protected. Keeping to them helps protect crops, wildlife, and private land.
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Long-distance routes
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Acorn symbol – National Trail
Marks long-distance walking routes across England and Wales, such as the England Coast Path
Some sections may also be suitable for cycling, horse riding, or people with limited mobility—check routes in advance for suitability.
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Open Access land
Brown symbol with person walking over hills
Open Access land, where you can walk away from paths
This includes areas such as: Moorland, Heathland, Mountains, Downs, Coastal margins, Registered common land
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Even on Open Access land, it’s important to follow local restrictions, especially around wildlife, livestock, and seasonal access.
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Permissive paths
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A permissive path is:
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A route where the landowner has chosen to allow access
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Not a legal right of way
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Access can be changed, restricted, or removed
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Because of this, there is no legally required signage format.
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Access may be:
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Limited to certain users
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Seasonal
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Withdrawn at any time​
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Permissive paths are often marked by local signs, but there is no standard format. They may look very different depending on the landowner, so it’s important to read and follow any instructions given. Always follow the guidance on local signs when using these routes.
What signs can look like in reality:
Permissive path signs vary a lot. Common variations that you might see could be:
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Wooden signs with carved or painted text
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Small waymarker discs (sometimes different colours)
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Handwritten or temporary signs
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Estate-branded signage (especially on private land)
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Simple wording on a gate or fence
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Typical wording (but not fixed):
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“Permissive Path”
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“Permitted Footpath”
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“Path by kind permission of the landowner”
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“Access Allowed”
Sometimes with conditions such as:
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“Dogs on leads”
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“No access during lambing season”
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“Closed at dusk”
There is no standard sign for Permissive Paths because unlike public rights of way, footpaths, bridleways etc. are legally protected and so they use standard coloured arrows. But permissive paths are voluntary and informal (legally speaking), so signage is entirely up to the landowner​. It is important to be aware that not everything in the countryside is standardised and awareness and attentiveness matter - always check the sign in front of you.
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Why these signs & waymarkers matter
Waymarkers are not just for navigation—they help:
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Protect wildlife and habitats
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Safeguard working farmland
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Reduce conflict between users
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Ensure access remains open for everyone
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Taking a moment to recognise and follow them is a simple but important part of caring for the countryside.​​​
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This resource is based on guidance from the Countryside Code, published by GOV.UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0
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This guide is intended to offer general information only for enjoying the countryside responsibly. It is not a substitute for professional or specialist advice.
While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, conditions in the countryside can change quickly, and we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or up to date. You are responsible for your own safety and decisions when spending time outdoors.
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