MP warmly welcomes Countryside Code relaunch
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has warmly welcomed this morning's news that Natural England have launched a new national campaign to promote the Countryside Code.
Tim has been calling for a widespread public information campaign on the Countryside Code since lockdown rules were first eased last summer.
Natural England have also updated the Code for the first time in over a decade to help "people enjoy countryside in a safe and respectful way."
Key changes to the Countryside Code include:
- New advice for people to 'be nice, say hello, share the space' as well as 'enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory'.
- A reminder not to feed livestock, horses or wild animals.
- To stay on marked footpaths, even if they are muddy, to protect crops and wildlife.
- Information on permissions to do certain outdoor activities, such as wild swimming.
- Clearer rules for dog walkers to take home dog poo and use their own bin if a there are no public waste bins.
- A refreshed tone of voice, creating a guide for the public rather than a list of rules - recognising the significant health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature.
- New wording to make clear that the code applies to all our natural places, including parks and waterways, coast and countryside.
Tim said: "It's fantastic to see the Countryside Code finally being given a proper relaunch to encourage visitors to respect the local environment, wildlife, livestock and local communities.
"For it to have proper impact, we now need to be seeing the Code constantly on television, on the radio, in newspapers and everywhere throughout the summer.
"Let's Protect, Respect and Enjoy our wonderful countryside."