Talk:The Countryside Code

Always Close The Gate
My recollection was that there was a rule in the Country Code requiring you to always close the gate, except in some area such as the Isle Of Wight where the rule was to leave it as you found it. Can we find an old copy to check this? DavidFarmbrough (talk) 15:31, 24 September 2021 (UTC)
 * This is correct, the 1981 code said to "fasten all gates" and this Wikipedia article was wrong to say that "Leave all gates as you found them" dates back that far. It looks like the change was made some time before the 2004 Countryside Code, as I've found a 1999 book that uses the "leave gates as found" wording when quoting the Country Code. --Lord Belbury (talk) 12:31, 18 August 2022 (UTC)

Changes needed to the page
This page needs updating to reflected change to the Countryside Code. The title page also needs to change to the Countryside Code as the Countryside Code no longer exists.

The Countryside Code is a set of guidelines designed for use by both the public and land managers across England and Wales. It is titled as a guide for enjoying parks and waterways, coast and countryside. It was established in 2004 as a relaunch of the The Country Code, which existed since the 1930's.

The Countryside Code is managed by Natural England in England and Natural Resources Wales in Wales. Whilst both organisations oversee the Countryside Code, they are each individually responsible for promoting it in their respective country.

The Country Code evolved from the work of various organisations and had several different versions from the 1930s. The most widely accepted version of The Country Code was published in 1981 by the Countryside Commission:


 * 1) Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
 * 2) Guard against all risk of fire
 * 3) Fasten all gates
 * 4) Keep your dogs under close control
 * 5) Keep to public paths across farmland
 * 6) Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls
 * 7) Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
 * 8) Take your litter home
 * 9) Help to keep all water clean
 * 10) Protect wildlife, plants and trees
 * 11) Take special care on country roads
 * 12) Make no unnecessary noise

In the 1960s and 70s the Country Code was publicised by several public information films shown in cinemas and on television.

At some point after 1981, the instruction to fasten all gates was replaced with one to instead leave gates as found.

In 2004 The Country Code was revised and relaunched as The Countryside Code (Côd Cefn Gwlad in Welsh) to reflect the introduction of new open access rights and changes in society over the preceding years. The revised Code was produced through a partnership between the Countryside Agency and the Countryside Council for Wales. As part of the relaunch, the strapline 'Respect', 'Protect', 'Enjoy' was introduced into it's branding.


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

A new, refreshed Countryside Code has was launched by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the creation of the founding booklet. Changes included 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 included:


 * 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 a 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.

In May 2023, Natural England and Aardman Animations announced a new partnership, with Shaun the Sheep becoming the new Countryside Code champion. This partnership aimed to engage children, young people and families with the messaging of the Countryside Code.

Sheffski (talk) 15:33, 30 May 2023 (UTC)


 * Some of this is a close WP:PARAPHRASE of the source at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-countryside-code-launched-to-help-people-enjoy-the-outdoors and would need rewording for the article. --Belbury (talk) 08:30, 31 May 2023 (UTC)

Add the Countryside Code logo
The countryside Code logo needs to be added to the top of the page. The updated logo is found here;

Countryside Code - CPRE Sussex

Sheffski (talk) 20:10, 17 June 2023 (UTC)