Enjoy great outdoors, but keep to the footpath
Country walkers are causing a headache for some farmers and landowners. Philip Bowern reports
IN normal times, many footpaths that cross farmland in the Westcountry see no more than a dog walker or two once or twice a week.
But in lockdown people have been keen to take their once-a-day exercise and the pressure on some footpaths, especially those close to towns, has been significant.
Now farming and land organisations have urged people to take care and stick to the rights of way, even when they are muddy, rather than diverting off the path to keep their shoes clean.
Some rural folk have taken to social media to complain footpaths across fields of growing crops or grassland are getting wider and wider – as those unused to rural walks, or without wellies or walking boots, take measures to try to stay out of the mud.
While rural organisations have welcomed the new interest in the countryside, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) warns that crops are at risk of damage and urges everyone to stick to the footpaths.
The organisation, which represents farmers and landowners, says it supports people finding solace during coronavirus in taking a walk in the countryside. But it warns farmers across the country are reporting increasing damage to both growing crops and wildlife habitats by those who are failing to follow the country code.
Mark Bridgeman, president of the CLA, said: “It is perfectly natural, in times such as these, for people to want to enjoy the countryside. They are genuinely welcome and we encourage people to enjoy the thousands of miles of footpaths available to them. But we need to work together to ensure the public can have an enjoyable time while also protecting farmland, animals and wildlife.
“Land is very wet at the moment and likely to get worse before the spring, with heavy rain forecast, and, with so many walkers enjoying the countryside, public footpaths have become very muddy.
“Unfortunately,” he added, “that means many are circumnavigating the mud and walking over planted crops, damaging food crops and
‘Our advice is to use a decent pair of wellies and stick to the route of the footpath’ MARK BRIDGEMAN, CLA
impacting farmers’ businesses.
“Our advice is to use a decent pair of wellies – or walking boots – and stick to the route of the footpath.”
Mr Bridgeman continued: “It’s always best when we work together. Farmers are working hard to feed the nation, so let’s help them by sticking to the public right of way and following the Countryside Code.”
There are 150,000 miles of public footpaths in Great Britain, much of which is maintained by landowners and farmers across the country for the public’s benefit.
Members of the CLA, which represents 30,000 rural businesses across England and Wales, also warned of an increasing problem with dog attacks on livestock, with several reports of sheep being killed by dogs that had been let off their leads on open farmland.
The Countryside Alliance has also urged people out walking in the countryside to avoid spreading the virus. Its head of policy, Sarah Lee, said: “Getting out into the Great British countryside during these bleak times is incredibly important for so many of us, especially for our mental well-being. It’s important to remember that the countryside is also a place of work for so many people.
“Please respect the importance of sticking to footpaths and other walkways while maintaining social distance. If you cannot avoid opening a gate, please be sure to close it behind you and remember to use a sanitiser after doing so. This is about everybody’s safety.”
The National Farmers’ Union says its members should respect the rights of way network and not unlawfully obstruct or restrict footpaths or bridleways.
However, it adds: “Where large numbers of people are using such routes, landowners may consider the following measures:
■ “Tying gates open if it is safe to do so, so that walkers do not need to touch the gate.
■ “Temporarily displaying polite notices that encourage users to respect local residents and workers by following social distancing guide.
■ “Offering a permissive alternative route around gardens and farmyards where it is safe to do so.”
In a recent column for Farmers Weekly, Andrew Meredith urges farmers to keep the damage done by more walkers in perspective.
He writes: “Access to farmland for walks on footpaths is a right, a privilege and an opportunity for those who visit to see the great care most farmers take of their land, crops and livestock.”
Mr Meredith goes on to say: “The real farmers who have taken to social media to raise awareness of the damage being done deserve the rest of the industry’s gratitude for recognising the plight that these walkers are in and not resorting to outright confrontation.
“Hopefully, much of what will be lost in depleted yields will be partly compensated for if the currently healthy market prices can be maintained.”