Follow The Northern Ireland Country Code
1. Respect the people who live and work in the countryside.
Show courtesy and consideration to everybody. Be a friendly visitor with a
responsible manner.
2. Know where you are allowed to go.
Most land is private property and access is only available with the goodwill and
tolerance of the owner. Whilst most landowners do not object to recreational
users on their land, some do. Always comply with a landowner’s wishes.
3. Keep to paths across farmland.
Help prevent damage to crops by walking around the edge of a field unless there
is an existing path across it. Avoid fields where there are animals, as your
presence may cause them stress and endanger your own safety.
4. Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls.
When crossing fences, hedges and walls, use the nearest gate or stile. Damage
to fencing can allow animals to stray. If you must climb a gate because it is
difficult to open, always do this at the hinged end.
5. Leave gates as you find them.
If you find a gate closed, close it when you pass through to prevent animals
straying. Farmers sometimes leave gates open to allow animals to pass from
one field to another to graze or drink. Help a farmer by leaving gates as you find
them, but if in doubt, do close a gate.
6. Do not interfere with livestock, machinery and crops.
These are valuable commodities and should be left alone. Interference with
animals and equipment may endanger you. Pay attention to warning signs as
they are there for your protection.
7. Keep dogs under control.
Keep your dog on a lead when walking on roads or when close to farm animals.
A dog can cause distress to animals and endanger yourself. Keep your dog
under control at all times so as not to disturb wildlife or annoy other visitors.
8. Protect wildlife plants and trees.
Leave all natural places as you find them. Never uproot plants as they will be lost
for ever. Keep your distance from wild birds and animals to prevent disturbance
and stress especially to adults that are with young and in winter when food may
be scarce or weather harsh.
9. Keep all water sources clean.
The public water supply is not available to everyone living in the countryside so
take care with your personal hygiene and do not pollute water. Don’t interfere
with water troughs which provide clean water for livestock.
10. Take your litter home.
All litter is unsightly and glass, tins and plastic bags can be dangerous to people,
livestock and wildlife. Keep the countryside clean by taking home your own litter
and any which you may come across.
11. Guard against all risk of fire.
The countryside is vulnerable to fire especially during dry weather. Accidental
fires pose a great risk to farmers and foresters. Be careful to put out all used
matches and cigarettes and use a stove for cooking rather than a fire. Never
throw cigarettes out of a car window.
12. Make no unnecessary noise.
One of the attractions of the countryside is its peace and quiet. Do not disturb
this with noise or disruptive behaviour which might annoy residents and visitors
or frighten farm animals and wildlife.
13. Respect other recreational users.
Behave responsibly. Where possible, warn others of your approach and slow
down or stop if necessary. Irresponsible behaviour could lead to you and your
activity being banned from the area in the future.
14. Take special care on country roads.
Always drive carefully with reduced speed on country roads. Consider others
when parking and avoid blocking entrances, gateways or the visibility of other
drivers. Walkers should take special care on narrow country roads and if
appropriate, walk in single file.
15. Consider your personal safety.
If possible do not go alone. Wear suitable clothing and footwear as the weather
can change very quickly. Don’t go if the weather conditions are beyond your
experience.
Also check out:
Coping in the Wilderness - Low Impact Kayak Camping
by: UkSeaKayakGuidebook.co.uk
The Seaside Code
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