New gatepost sign reminds walkers of Countryside Code
24th August 2020
The NFU has designed a new sign for its members to use on public rights of way, reminding walkers to stick to the Countryside Code.
It follows concerns about the influx of visitors to rural areas after the easing of lockdown, with farmers reporting issues from littering and use of disposable barbecues, to gates being left open.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more members of the public have taken to the countryside for rural entertainment, but many are not used to being in rural spaces and as a result farmers and wildlife organisations have reported issues such as dogs off leads, littering, fly tipping and BBQs.
A number of devastating fires have been reported since the start of lockdown, for example in Wareham Forest in Dorset in mid-May, which was thought to have been started by a disposable BBQ or camp fire.
The sign is free for NFU members and should only be displayed on public rights of way. If used near livestock, it should be accompanied by NFU’s yellow dog walking notice.
NFU says orders can be placed now but will not be processed until 1st September.
Click here to order signs: https://www.nfuonline.com/account/login?returnurl=%2fmembership%2fyour-nfu-member-services%2fnfu-gatepost-signage-request%2f
