The Countryside Code

Respect. Protect. Enjoy.

The Countryside Code in England has been revised and re-launched to reflect the introduction of the new open access rights (Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) and changes in society over the past two decades.

The Countryside Agency has produced the Countryside Access website which provides information and guidance for the general public and land managers.

Countryside Code

You can download the new Countryside Code below. A brief text summary follows:

General public

When visiting the countryside, be sure to observe the new Countryside Code:

Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs.
Leave gates and property as you find them. Read more
Protect plants and animals and take your litter home. Read more
Keep dogs under close control. Read more
Consider other people. Read more

Land managers

For land managers and owners, you should:

Know your rights, responsibilities and liabilities.
Make it easy for visitors to act responsibly.
Identify possible threats to public safety.

Watch the videos

Creature Comforts™ characters and sets have been especially created by academy-award winning Aardman (makers of 'Wallace & Gromit') to help spread the important messages of the Code.

Creature Comforts™ by Ardman Animations appearing in the new Countryside Code twelevision adverts

The videos are in MPEG format. When fully downloaded onto your desktop, you will be able to watch it in the application you have set as your default media player.