JSPCA
COUNTRYSIDE CODE FACT SHEET
In Jersey the countryside offers every opportunity for enjoyment and relaxation and in the UK there are country parks, beaches, woodlands, rivers and forests, as well as thousands of miles of public rights of way and other signposted routes you can explore on foot, on a bicycle or on a horse. In the UK it is also possible to walk freely across areas of mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land (known as “access land”) without keeping to a path.
The countryside is our biggest natural resource. Today, most people in Britain live in towns and cities, but may visit the countryside for leisure activities, relaxation or sport. The countryside is also an important resource for many aspects of education and offers opportunities for those with specialist interests, for example geology and natural history. However, the countryside is a place where people work, live and manage the land.
Therefore it is important to ensure that the countryside is treated with respect. The following are tips to help protect both the countryside and its visitors from harm:
o Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs:
Even when going out locally, its best to obtain the latest information about where you are permitted to go. For example, your rights to go onto some areas of open land in the UK may be restricted in certain circumstances while work is to be carried out in the area for safety reasons, or during animal breeding seasons.
Refer to up to date maps or guidebooks or contact local information centres.
Follow advice and local signs and be prepared to the unexpected.
You are responsible for your own safety and for others in your care, so be prepared for changes in weather and other events. Contact local information centres for advice about specific equipment and safety.
Check weather forecasts before you leave and do not be afraid to turn back.
Part of the appeal of the countryside is that you can get away from it all. In the UK especially, you may not see anyone for hours and there are may places without clear mobile phone signals, so let someone else know where you are going and when you are expected to return.
Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside to show paths and open countryside areas.
o
Leave gates and property as you find them:
Please respect the working life of the countryside, as our actions can affects people’s livelihoods, our heritage and the safety and welfare of animals and ourselves.
Beware of sudden drops and uneven footpaths, especially if walking on cliff paths.
A farmer will normally leave a gate closed to keep livestock in, but may sometimes leave it open so they can reach food and water. Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs. If walking in a group, make sure the last person knows how to leave the gates.
In fields where crops are growing, follow the footpaths wherever possible.
Use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries when provided – climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them and increase the risk of farm animals escaping.
Be careful not to disturb ruins or historical sites.
Leave machinery and livestock alone – do not interfere with animals, even if you think they are in distress. Try to alert the farmer instead.
o
Protect plants and animals and take your litter home:
It is our responsibility to protect the countryside now and for future generations, so ensure that you do not harm animals, birds, plants or trees.
There are hidden dangers to wildlife and pets in rubbish and discarded household refuse which, if disposed of irresponsibly, can cause injury and suffering; litter and leftover food can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals and can spread diseases. Therefore, to ensure the well being of our pets and wildlife, litter should be disposed of safely and responsibly. Dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offences.
Do not damage destroy or remove features such as rocks, plants or trees. They provide homes for wildlife.
Wild animals and farm animals can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they are with their young, so give them plenty of space.
Fires can be devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property, so take care all year round.
o
Keep dogs under close control:
The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it is every dog owner’s duty and responsibility to ensure that their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people.
By Law, you must control your dog so that it does not scare or disturb farm animals or wildlife. In the UK, on most areas of open county and common land, known as “access land”, you must keep your dogs on a short lead between 1st March and 31st July and all year round when near farm animals.
You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close control. However, as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. In England and Wales, by Law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.
Take particular care that your dog does not scare sheep and lambs, or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife.
If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead – do not risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.
Dog mess is unpleasant and can cause infections, so it is important that you always clean up after your dog and dispose of the mess responsibly. Also, ensure that your dog is wormed regularly to protect it, other animals, as well as people.
o
Consider other people:
Show consideration and respect for other people and animals.
Busy traffic on small country roads can be unpleasant and dangerous to local people, visitors and wildlife – so slow down and, where possible, leave your vehicle at home – consider sharing lifts or use alternative means of transport such as buses or cycling.
Respect the needs of local people – do not block gate ways, driveways or other entry points with your vehicle
Keep out of the way when farm animals are being gathered or moved and follow directions from the farmer.
When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down for horses, walkers and livestock and give them plenty of room.
To
conclude, remember:
JSPCA working to
“prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for aged,
sick, lost and unwanted animals.”
Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(Inc.)
Founded 1868 – Incorporated 1936
89 St Saviour’s Road, St
Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ
Tel: 01534 724331
Fax: 01534 871797
E-mail: info@jspca.org.je Website: www.jspca.org.je
References and
further reading:
States of Jersey Environment Department
The Countryside Agency - "the Countryside Code" - www.countrysideaccess.gov.je