The Countryside Code is your guide to enjoying outdoor spaces in England and Wales. Whether a park, the countryside, the coast, or waterway, it’s there to not only protect these environments, but give you the tools to get the most out of your visit.

The best part about the Countryside Code, is that you’re probably already doing it. Simple messages around leaving no trace, picking up after your dog and following marked paths are steps that need no real skill, just the right attitude. We’ve designed the Code so that anyone entering an outdoor space can pick it up, know what to do and do it well.

Developed almost 75 years ago, the Country Code as it was then titled introduced a set of guidelines to protect outdoor spaces. In 2004, it was rebranded the Countryside Code and during the pandemic, refreshed to keep the messaging appropriate to the time we live in.

How to follow The Countryside Code

The messages of the Code are split into three sections, which funnily enough, form our strapline: Respect. Protect. Enjoy. Three words that encompass all the right behaviours to ensure nature and people live harmoniously together.

1. Respect

So what is Respect in practice?

• be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
• leave gates and property as you find them
• do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
• be nice, say hello, share the space
• follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available

Respect is centred around giving people that work and live in the outdoors space to carry on without interruption. When you’re taking a trip into the countryside, be mindful that some people work there. They could be farmers, providing the food that ends up on your plate, or they could landowners. It’s important that they’re allowed to get on, with access to land to that provides for them and for us. 

2. Protect

To make sure we get the most out of nature, now and in the future, we must protect the landscapes we visit.

• take your litter home - leave no trace of your visit
• do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
• always keep dogs under control and in sight
• dog poo - bag it and bin it in any public waste bin or take it home
• care for nature - do not cause damage or disturbance

These simple, but effective messages can be summed in a few words: Leave no trace. It’s that easy. Nature thrives when it’s best left to do it’s thing. If you visit an outdoor space, consider the impacts you can have. A sad fact is that it can take up to 80 years for a crisp packet to decompose. It’s estimated over 6 billion packets are consumed each year in England. Now imagine that on your walk, on a hill, or at the coast.

Dog poo is another popular topic discussed frequently on social media. Picking up after your dog prevents harmful bacteria from damaging wildlife, but also from entering our water supply. When it rains, dog poo is washed into rivers, streams, and large bodies of water. At some point, this water may reach humans. When you consider that there are almost 12 million dogs in England alone, it’s essential we pick up after our canine friends to prevent this happening.

3. Enjoy

Finally, and importantly. Enjoy. We know that even 15 minutes in nature can positively impact your physical and mental health.

• check your route and local conditions
• plan your adventure - know what to expect and what you can do
• enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory

By planning early, you’ll get the most out of your visit into the outdoors. Whether you’re going on a short walk, or traversing some of our stunning landscapes, following the Countryside Code will help you benefit from all that nature offers, whilst ensuring our spaces are ready for the next person to do the same.

So why is the Countryside Code important for nature? In essence, the Code helps keep our environment clean and let’s wildlife thrive so that we, as visitors to these spaces, can get the most out of them. It helps our ultimate goal of nature recovery, so the next time you’re out in nature, think about how you can have a positive impact on the environment by Respecting, Protecting and Enjoying what’s on offer in England in Wales.

The Code has been developed alongside 25 partners, including our recent fantastic partnership with Aardman and Shaun the Sheep, who became champion of the Countryside Code in 2023. Follow the link below to find out more about this partnership and The Countryside Code.

Find out more about The Countryside Code