Countryside Code UK: How to Enjoy the Countryside Responsibly

The Countryside Code is guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly while respecting other people, protecting the natural environment and staying safe.

In England, the Countryside Code is built around three simple ideas:

Respect everyone. Protect the environment. Enjoy the outdoors.

In practice, this means following local access arrangements, leaving gates as you find them, keeping dogs under control, taking your rubbish home, avoiding disturbance to wildlife and livestock, and being considerate to other visitors and the people who live and work in the countryside.

The exact access laws and guidance differ across the UK, so always check the relevant guidance for the country you’re visiting.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn the main principles of the Countryside Code and how to apply them when walking, camping and exploring the outdoors.

You’ll also learn why countryside access involves more than simply following a path and how your behaviour can affect farmers, wildlife, landowners and other visitors.

Equipment

No specialist equipment is required.

For a countryside walk, suitable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing and a map or navigation device are useful.

Depending on the route, you may also want water, food, a charged phone and a basic first-aid kit.

Prerequisites

No previous experience is required.

Before visiting an unfamiliar area, check the access arrangements and any local restrictions.

If travelling outside England, check the relevant national guidance because countryside access arrangements differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Instructions

1. Respect Other People

The countryside is shared by walkers, cyclists, horse riders, farmers, residents, land managers and many others.

Be considerate of people using the same area.

If you’re walking as a group, avoid spreading across the entire path and allow others to pass where it is safe to do so.

Remember that farms and rural properties are working places and homes, not simply part of the scenery.

2. Follow Access Rules

Use paths and areas where you have a right or permission to be.

Don’t assume that land is accessible simply because there is no fence or sign telling you otherwise.

In England and Wales, different types of public rights of way provide different access rights. Scotland operates under a broader responsible-access system, while Northern Ireland has its own arrangements.

Check the rules for the area you’re visiting rather than assuming that the same access rights apply everywhere.

3. Leave Gates as You Find Them

If you find a gate closed, close it again after passing through.

If it is open, it may be appropriate to leave it open.

Gates can be essential for controlling livestock, so don’t leave them in a different position without a good reason.

Make sure any fastening is secure when you leave.

4. Keep Dogs Under Control

Dogs should be kept under control around livestock, wildlife and other people.

Follow local requirements about leads and dog access.

If you’re walking through farmland, be especially careful around cattle, sheep, horses and other animals.

Remember that a dog running towards livestock can cause animals to become frightened or defensive.

Always clean up after your dog where required and dispose of the waste properly.

5. Give Livestock Space

Never approach, chase, feed or deliberately disturb livestock.

Cattle can be particularly unpredictable when they feel threatened, especially when calves are present.

If animals are blocking your route, give them plenty of space and consider changing your route rather than attempting to force your way through.

If you’re walking with a dog and cattle become aggressive, prioritise getting yourself to safety.

6. Protect Crops and Plants

Stay on appropriate paths and avoid walking through crops.

Crops are often someone’s livelihood, and trampling them causes real damage.

Don’t pick flowers or plants unnecessarily and avoid damaging vegetation to create shortcuts, viewpoints or campsites.

If an established path is difficult to follow, look for appropriate local guidance rather than simply creating a new route.

7. Take Your Rubbish Home

If there isn’t a bin, take your rubbish with you.

This includes food packaging, bottles, tissues and other small items.

Don’t leave food scraps behind either. Food can attract wildlife and encourage animals to associate people with a source of food.

A small rubbish bag in your rucksack makes it easy to carry everything home.

8. Leave Natural Objects Where You Find Them

Avoid taking stones, plants, flowers, feathers and other natural objects as souvenirs.

What seems insignificant when taken by one visitor can become a problem when repeated by thousands.

Take photographs instead.

Also avoid disturbing historical features, archaeological remains or other objects you encounter.

9. Protect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance.

Don’t chase animals, disturb nests or dens, or deliberately approach wildlife to get a better photograph.

Keep dogs under control and pay particular attention to signs indicating sensitive habitats or seasonal restrictions.

Quiet observation is usually the best way to experience wildlife without disturbing it.

10. Keep Fires Under Control

Only light fires where they are permitted and appropriate.

Follow local restrictions and campsite rules.

Where fires are allowed, use established fire areas where possible and avoid damaging vegetation.

Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving.

In many situations, a camping stove is a more practical and lower-impact option.

11. Be Careful With Barbecues

Disposable barbecues and other sources of heat can cause grass fires and damage surfaces.

Follow local restrictions and never use them where they are prohibited.

Avoid placing hot equipment directly on sensitive vegetation or other surfaces that could be damaged.

If conditions are dry or there is a fire risk, reconsider whether using a barbecue is appropriate at all.

12. Keep Noise Reasonable

Excessive noise can disturb wildlife and other visitors.

There’s nothing wrong with talking and enjoying yourself, but loud music, shouting and other unnecessary noise can affect the experience of people around you.

This is particularly important in quiet rural areas, wildlife habitats and campsites.

13. Keep to Appropriate Paths

Sticking to established routes helps reduce erosion and damage to vegetation.

Don’t take shortcuts across fields or around muddy sections unless the local access guidance indicates that this is appropriate.

Repeated shortcuts can turn a small worn area into a much larger damaged section of ground.

14. Respect Working Farms

Farmers and other land managers may need to move machinery, livestock and materials through areas you’re visiting.

Give agricultural machinery plenty of space and follow temporary signs or instructions.

Never interfere with farm equipment or enter buildings, yards or other private areas without permission.

Remember that the countryside can be someone’s workplace even when you’re there for recreation.

15. Take Care Around Roads

Many countryside walks include roads or road crossings.

Stay alert to traffic, including tractors and other large agricultural vehicles.

Don’t assume a quiet-looking country lane is free from vehicles.

Large groups should take particular care when crossing roads and should avoid obstructing traffic.

16. Plan Ahead

Good countryside behaviour begins before the walk.

Check the weather, plan a suitable route and make sure you have the equipment you need.

Look for information about access restrictions, livestock, seasonal conditions and facilities.

Planning reduces the likelihood of getting lost, damaging the environment or finding yourself somewhere you shouldn’t be.

17. Enjoy the Countryside Safely

The Countryside Code isn’t only about protecting the environment.

You should also take responsibility for your own safety.

Wear appropriate clothing, carry enough food and water and take suitable navigation equipment for the area and conditions.

Tell someone where you’re going when appropriate, particularly for longer or more remote walks.

If conditions become unsafe, change your plans.

The Countryside Code in England

The official Countryside Code for England focuses on three broad principles:

Respect everyone.

Protect the natural environment.

Enjoy the outdoors.

These principles are supported by practical advice covering issues such as access, livestock, dogs, litter, fires, wildlife and respecting local communities.

The Countryside Code Across the UK

Although people often refer to “the UK Countryside Code”, access arrangements aren’t identical throughout the UK.

England: The Countryside Code provides guidance for responsible visits to the outdoors.

Wales: Countryside access and responsible recreation are covered by Welsh guidance, including the Countryside Code.

Scotland: The Scottish Outdoor Access Code explains responsible access under Scotland’s distinctive access rights.

Northern Ireland: Access is governed by a different legal and practical framework, with specific guidance for enjoying the countryside responsibly.

When planning an activity, use the guidance that applies to the country and location you’re actually visiting.

Final Tip

You don’t need to memorise a long list of countryside rules.

Remember the three basics:

Respect people. Protect nature. Enjoy the outdoors.

Plan your visit, use the access you’re entitled to, leave gates secure, give livestock and wildlife space, take your rubbish home and leave the countryside ready for the next visitor.