Countryside Code
Cumbria has always been a popular tourist destination – hillwalking, incredible food, stunning sights, breathtaking lakes that seem to be make-believe, quaint hamlets and towns, inspiring cities, and of course world-renowned attractions and cultural sites. You can see why 18 million people come here annually.
It’s a beautiful place to visit and live, for the most part, but with the increasing popularity and power that influencers and social media have over our lives, Cumbria, and the world in general, is also becoming more easily accessible. The once-loved natural secret spots and hidden gems for many have suddenly become inundated with visitors seeking the perfect shot.
With this increase in visitors, the county has seen a rise in disrespectful behaviour to the people who live here, the wildlife and the environment. The news is also inundated with reports of people being rescued from the fells and waters, some of which end in truly tragic circumstances.
It’s all good for us to repeat well-known phrases: “One person can spoil it for everyone,” “There’s always one,” “Leave it to one person to ruin a good thing”, but in truth, as a group, we do tend to watch and follow, a little like the Herdy sheep that call the fellsides home. Or the people who followed suit when many cars recently parked in a private field in Rydal, so that they could look at the astonishing views and landscape that they were so ready to destroy, yet so eager to visit.
What is encouraging is that so many people do tend to follow the right path, but perhaps with a helping hand, we could get more of us to take the correct track when it comes to the Countryside Code and the Highway Code.
The Countryside Code – Respect *
Protect * Enjoy
Respect everyone
- Be considerate of people living and working in the countryside.
- Leave gates and property as you find them.
- Keep dogs under effective control and on leads where required.
- Follow local signs and guidance.
Protect the environment
- Leave no trace – take your litter home
- Don’t light fires or barbecues where they could cause damage.
- Leave plants, rocks, and wildlife undisturbed.
- Stick to paths where appropriate to avoid erosion and disturbance.
Enjoy the outdoors
- Plan ahead and be prepared.
- Check weather and access information.
- Know your abilities and those of your group.
- Enjoy the countryside safely.
It’s funny, isn’t it, how writing some bullet points you think you’ll have solved the problem, but in truth, an article last week about someone being caught for not having insurance on their car doesn’t bode well for them parking respectfully – not on the pavements, on the edge of the quiet countryside roads where emergency services can’t get past to rescue the same people stuck on the fells, or in a farmers field, where he is trying to make a living.
But maybe if we have a bit of faith and continue to publicise what we should be doing, people will realise that the Codes put in place are not just a list, not just an afterthought, but something there to protect, not just the beauty of the area but the people and wildlife that call it home.
Every gate left open, every piece of litter dropped, every car parked thoughtlessly, and every unnecessary rescue has an impact.
Most visitors come here because they appreciate what makes this county extraordinary. The challenge is ensuring that appreciation is matched by responsibility. If each of us follows the code, sets a good example and thinks beyond the perfect photograph or convenient parking spot, then perhaps the next generation will be able to enjoy the same hidden corners, peaceful views and sense of wonder that have drawn people here for centuries.
Respect. Protect. Enjoy. It really is that simple.
For more information about visiting the Cumbria then head to The Lake District National Park Website!
