Celebrate the British Countryside
Appreciating the countryside around you can be more fun with activities and information to support you along the way.
If visiting a farm on Open Farm Sunday has inspired you to explore the British Countryside, see some of our ideas to make your visit enjoyable whilst respecting the land around you.
Our family friendly scavenger hunt and map stick ideas should keep everyone engaged and happy! Take a seasonal picnic feast with British produce from the supermarket or your local farm shop. Find the time to stop, look, listen and connect with nature. Relax and enjoy all the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors.
Remember, the countryside is managed by farmers and the Countryside Code is there for a reason: to keep both you, and the landscape a safe space to enjoy. We’ve listed the basics below for you to digest in a user friendly format.
Whether you’re exploring footpaths, bridleways, byways, national parks or open access land – the countryside code applies to all routes. Respect. Protect. Enjoy!
Respect other people
• Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors
• Park carefully so access to gateways and driveways is clear
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• Follow paths and give way to others where it’s narrow.
Protect the natural environment
• Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home
• Don’t have BBQs or fires
• Keep dogs under effective control
• Dog poo: bag it and bin it.
Enjoy the outdoors
• Plan ahead; check what facilities are open; be prepared
• Follow advice and local signs.
Download the simplified version of the countryside code from Natural England here, or read the full version on their website.
In Scotland, access legislation is different to the rest of the UK. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives visitors the rights to access most land and inland water for a whole range of non-motorised outdoor activities, as long as you behave responsibly. Learn about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Scottish Right of Way & Access Code.
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