New Countryside Code launched to help people enjoy Norfolk and Suffolk
A refreshed version of the Countryside Code's been unveiled.
The updated Countryside Code's release coincides with Covid-19 restrictions beginning to ease again in England and Wales.
It follows reports last year of an increase in rubbish, anti-social behaviour, and vandalism as people started to get out and about again.
Between April and June last year, a huge increase in visitors to Suffolk Coast's National Nature Reserve (NNR) led to more than 150 recorded incidents, mostly trespassing and vandalism.
It had a negative impact on breeding birds, with all but one lost on the beaches of the NNR for the first time since the organisation took over in 1982.
Usually the NNR welcomes around 40,000 visitors a year, but by the end of the summer it received an estimated 175,000.
Adam Burrows, senior reserve manager for the Suffolk Coast nature reserve, said: "We had a difficult time at the end of the first lockdown last year as not all our visitors properly respected the beaches.
"We very much support the refresh of the Countryside Code, and while we welcome visitors, we ask that they adhere to the code and behave appropriately to help protect wildlife."
It was a similar story in Norfolk, with the Broads, Winterton Dunes, Holkham, and Dersingham Bog NNR all reporting incidents of recreational disturbance and lots of issues with dogs off leads in restricted nesting areas.
There were also problems with increased levels of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
The aim of the refreshed Countryside Code is to try and help everyone enjoy parks and outdoor spaces in a safe way, whilst encouraging them to look after the natural environment and the livelihoods of those who work there.
What's new?
A number of changes have been made including:
- 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 activities, such as wild swimming
- Clearer rules for dog walkers to take home dog poo and use their own bin if 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 working to make clear that the code applies to all natural places, including parks, waterways, coast and countryside
Natural England chair Tony Juniper said: "The Countryside Code has been providing an excellent guide for people on how to get out and enjoy the outdoors safely for over 70 years.
"With more people than ever before seeking solace in nature, this refresh could not come at a more crucial time. We want everyone to be aware of the code, so people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the invaluable health and wellbeing benefits that nature offers, while giving it the respect it deserves."
Rural Affairs Minister Lord Gardiner said: "With so many people visiting the countryside, the Countryside Code has never felt more relevant. Crucially it now covers all green spaces, waterways, the coast and even parks in towns and cities, so that everyone, as we lift restrictions, can enjoy a greener future.
"I'd like to thank National England and all the many stakeholders who helped shape this updated version. It is an excellent guide and I urge visitors to nature - old and new - to follow its advice."