Code ‘may be the catalyst for change’

RURAL: The Country Land and Business Association is calling for the Countryside Code to be taught in schools saying the pandemic could “provide a catalyst” to change behaviour.

In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, CLA President Mark Bridgeman said it was the “perfect time” to get the code into classrooms.

THE COUNTRY Land and Business Association (CLA) is calling for the Countryside Code to be taught in schools saying the pandemic could “provide a catalyst” to change behaviour.

In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, CLA President Mark Bridgeman said it was the “perfect time” to get the Countryside Code into classrooms, citing a “lack of education on how to treat the countryside” leaving a generation without a basic understanding of what is acceptable behaviour.

The plea comes after an increase in visitors to rural areas led to several incidents of fly-tipping, littering, trespassing, dogs chasing livestock and gates being left open.

These issues have escalated over the past few weeks as the hot weather and easing of lockdown restrictions have seen people flocking to the countryside.

Mr Bridgeman stressed the organisation did not want to discourage people from visiting rural areas but just wanted to ensure visitors and those who lived and worked there were kept safe.

“The countryside is a wonderful place and we want to see everybody enjoy it,” Mr Bridgeman said. “But we also want them to be safe, and respect the countryside as a place of work.”

“A lack of education on how to treat the countryside has left a generation without a basic understanding of what is an acceptable and indeed necessary standard of behaviour in a rural, working environment which produces food for the nation.

“We all have a part of to play in improving that understanding, but help in the classroom would be a great start.”

He said recent problems, which have included the death of a walker in North Yorkshire attacked by cattle thought to be protecting their calves, made it timely to bring the Countryside Code into classrooms.

“There is an opportunity for lessons to be learned from the crisis,” he said.

The Country Code was established in the 1930s to give visitors guidance on safe ways to enjoy the countryside.

It was revised in 2004 and became The Countryside Code.

The Country Land and Business Association president Mark Bridgeman.

Published by he Government’s advisory body on the natural environment, Natural England, it covers three key areas – Respect, Protect and Enjoy the countryside.

“It is imperative we set standards and expectations, while promoting an ethos of respect for the countryside in schools up and down the country, emphasising the impact it plays in children’s health, wellbeing and attainment.”

The Countryside Code also stresses the dangers posed by people using barbecues, something which as also been an issue in recent weeks.

“There have been reports of disposable barbecues in rural areas catching fire and destroying land and habitat.

“Reducing the risk of wildfires is key at this time of the year, and raising awareness is one way in which the risk can be reduced,” Mr Bridgeman said.

Dorothy Fairburn, Northern Director of the CLA, agreed asking for people to be “extra vigilant” in the countryside.

“There is an increased risk of wildfires due to the current dry conditions on farm fields, moors and heathfields.

“Prevention is better than cure, especially when we can ill afford undue stress on emergency services,” she said.

There is an opportunity for lessons to be learned from the crisis.