Updated Countryside Code

More people are coming out to enjoy the countryside now that lockdown is easing, and some of them seem to have no idea how to behave, judging by news reports of beauty spots choked with litter and fires starting because of disposable barbeques.  Last year near Hay I saw a dog chasing a ewe and lamb - the owner of the dog was completely unable to call the dog off.  I was there with a responsible dog owner (her dog was on a lead) and we were both furious with the family whose dog it was.  Just the other day, I met a family who were unaware that they should leave gates as they find them (closed, in this case).

I've been aware of the Countryside Code since I was a child, even though I grew up in the middle of Manchester.  I think I cut the rules out of my mum's Womans' Realm magazine - simple rules like keeping dogs under control, keeping to the footpath, not leaving litter and not starting fires.

At the beginning of April, the Countryside Code was updated on its 70th anniversary - the first Countryside Code was brought out in 1951.  Back then there were no disposable barbeques, but other things have stayed the same.  Keeping your dog under control, especially around sheep and nesting birds, is still important, but walkers in 1951 didn't need to think about collecting dog poo in little bags and taking it with them, rather than throwing the little bags to dangle from the trees.

There are horses on Cae Mawr now, and signs saying that people shouldn't feed them - there have been cases of horses and donkeys dying because they were fed something inappropriate by ignorant passers by, and feeding the horses encourages them to rush up to the next passer by to see if they've got something tasty, too, which can be frightening for someone who's not used to horses.

More people visit the countryside by car now than in 1951 - as could be seen at Storey Arms the last time there was a bit of snow, with cars abandoned up and down the road verges, making the road more dangerous for other road users.  So there are sensible rules about going slowly down country lanes, and not blocking access to fields or tracks, and being careful of horse riders, cyclists and walkers.

There are reminders, too, about dressing sensibly for the conditions if hill walking, having the appropriate maps, and following the signposts.

There are lots of public footpaths around Hay, as well as places like the Warren where people can relax and picnic, and it only takes a little thought to keep those areas beautiful for everyone to enjoy.