Statutory guidance

The Countryside Code

Responsibilities for visitors to the countryside and those who manage the land.

From:
Natural England and Natural Resources Wales
Published
19 August 2014
Last updated
26 May 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

The Countryside Code: advice for countryside visitors

HTML

Countryside Code summary

PDF, 278 KB, 2 pages

The Countryside Code: advice for land managers

HTML

Details

Read the code in other languages, access resources and get more information on the Countryside Code campaign site.

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.

Read the Marine and coastal wildlife code to help you minimise disturbance to wildlife when you visit the coast.

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.

Published 19 August 2014
Last updated 26 May 2023 + show all updates

  1. Added links to the marine and coastal wildlife code.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Full version of the Countryside Code reinstated.

  5. We've published a revised version of the Countryside Code.

  6. New Countryside Code leaflet published.

  7. Added bookmark and details of how to obtain hard copies of both the leaflet and bookmark.

  8. First published.