Call to respect the countryside as lockdown restrictions ease

YORKSHIRE’S LAND Network, which represents more than a third of the county’s countryside, is asking people to remember the Countryside Code as lockdown restrictions ease.

With gatherings of up to six people permitted outdoors from this week, the network, which includes Yorkshire Water, the Forestry Commission and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, has urged people to continue to follow government guidelines and respect the countryside.

Crispin Thorn, Yorkshire and North East Forestry Commission director, said: “The easing of lockdown restrictions is welcome news and the prospect of meeting up with friends and family outside in larger groups will be a relief for many.

“We are expecting open spaces to be particularly busy once restrictions are eased and we enter a period of school holidays and bank holiday weekends.”

Mr Thorn said the county offers a “wide range” of opportunities for people to meet and socialise in green spaces and open countryside, but stressed it was important people were considerate of the environment.

“Visitors should make sure to follow the Countryside Code and take litter home with them, as well as adhering to the latest government Covid guidelines.”

Mr Thorn also raised the issue of disposable barbecues being the cause of wildfires.

“In recent years we have seen a number of damaging wildfires which are often started by disposable barbecues,” he said.

“The fires are a danger to life as well as local ecosystems, as they damage moorland, peat soils, trees and impact valuable habitats and wildlife such as birds, reptiles and insects.

“Landowners in Yorkshire are united in asking visitors not to set fires or use barbecues unless in a designated area.”

Natural England, which saw a wildfire burn for 10 days across the Humberhead Peatlands last year, has also asked people to abide by the Countryside Code to help the nature reserve’s recovery.

In May and June last year large areas of the nationally important moorland were devastated by the fire with large parts of the moorland habitat, peatbogs and wildlife damaged.

Paul Duncan, Yorkshire Area Manager for Natural England, said that after careful management the moors are starting to show signs of recovery.

“The moors are greening over after the serious wildfire last year. Paths have been repaired and trees that were damaged by the fire have been made safe.

“We need visitors’ help to keep the National Nature Reserve safe for its wonderful wildlife.

“It’s really important people are aware of the Countryside Code and follow it, including protecting the natural environment by leaving no trace of your visit, taking all litter home, not having barbecues or fires, never discarding a lit cigarette and keeping dogs on a short lead.

“Our changing climate means that high-risk drought conditions are occurring much more frequently than in the past, and we need everyone’s help to protect the ancient bogs of Thorne and Hatfield Moors.”

The Countryside Code, which can be found online, asks people to consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors, to leave gates and property as found and keep dogs under control.

The fires are a danger to life as well as local ecosystems. Crispin Thorn, Yorkshire and North East Forestry Commission director.