The Countryside Code
Responsibilities for visitors to the countryside and those who manage the land.
Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Details
Countryside visitors must check and follow national rules during the coronavirus pandemic before leaving home.
Rules for countryside visitors
The Countryside Code for visitors is your guide to visiting the countryside. It includes the rules you must follow when you’re enjoying parks and waterways, coast and countryside. It’s available to read online or download as a PDF leaflet.
You must follow the signs in the countryside that tell you where you can go and who can use the right of way.
Rules for land managers
The Countryside Code for land managers can help you to make it easier for visitors to follow the Countryside Code. It includes rules and guidance about public rights of way, protecting livestock and keeping visitors safe.
Enquiries
Telephone: 0300 060 3900
Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Opening times: 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
Find out about call charges at www.gov.uk/call-charges.
Last updated 7 February 2022 + show all updates
-
Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have updated the Countryside Code advice for land managers. They have worked with a group of stakeholders to update the guidance.
-
Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have updated the Countryside Code advice for countryside visitors. They have worked with a group of stakeholders to update the guidance. The messages in this code will be part of a campaign to make sure people can enjoy the outdoors responsibly. We will update the advice for land managers later in 2021. The current version is available on GOV.UK.
-
Full version of the Countryside Code reinstated.
-
We've published a revised version of the Countryside Code.
-
New Countryside Code leaflet published.
-
Added bookmark and details of how to obtain hard copies of both the leaflet and bookmark.
-
First published.