The Countryside Code has been updated.

The new Countryside Code has been launched today (April 1) by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the creation of the founding booklet.

With more people enjoying the outdoors than ever before, the code has been revised to help people enjoy the countryside in a safe and respectful way.

Changes include advice on creating a welcoming environment, for example by saying hello to fellow visitors; clearer rules to underline the importance of clearing away dog poo; staying on footpaths; and not feeding livestock. It also provides advice on how to seek permissions for activities such as wild swimming.

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 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

The first Countryside Code booklet was published in 1951.

This update has been shaped by nearly 4,000 stakeholder responses to an online survey, which sought views on best practices for visiting the c

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.”

Ahead of the Easter weekend and the easing of some lockdown restrictions it is expected to be a bumper period for visitors to the countryside.

In the summer of 2020, the Countryside Code was updated to respond to issues that were being raised during lockdown, such as an increase in littering and sheep worrying by dogs.

Today’s refresh aims to help everyone enjoy parks and open spaces in a safe way, whilst encouraging them to look after our natural environments and the livelihoods of those who work there.

The pandemic has changed people’s relationships with nature. Evidence from Natural England shows the importance of nature to people’s health and wellbeing, with 85 per cent of people surveyed saying that being in nature makes them happy.

As part of today’s announcement, Natural England are also setting up a long-term Countryside Code campaign to increase awareness of the Code through 2021 and beyond.

The campaign will focus on encouraging behavioural change amongst public audiences to act responsibly when visiting outdoors, by respecting those who manage the land and adhering to the Code.

NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the countryside has been invaluable in Britain’s recovery, with millions of people visiting during lockdown to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

"This new look Code is vital to deal with the extra pressures on the countryside from walkers and people enjoying our farmed environment, so it’s important that people stick to the messages such as keeping to public rights of way, ensuring dogs are under control and binning dog waste.”