The Country Code

One of the stated aims of the Club's Constitution is to increase awareness of the country code. We realised recently that we hadn't got this code online, nor knew much of what it contained... So for posterity, here it is, the country code:

Guard against all risks of fire
Fasten all gates
Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls
Keep dogs under close control
Keep to public paths across farmland
Take your litter home
Help to keep all water clean
Protect all wildlife, plants and trees
Take special care on country roads
Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
Make no unnecessary noise
Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone

Different 'sorts' of paths can be identified:

Public footpaths and bridleways these are often referred to as rights of way. A right of way is defined as "a right established by usage to pass over another's land". Such rights may be legally provided in title deeds or they may simply have developed by the tread of feet over a longperiod of time. Where rights of way do exist it is incumbent upon the owner or tenant to permit through access by means of stiles and gates and keep the route free from hazard, e.g. bulls.The owner might rightly object if the walker does damage, or leaves litter. He may not complain if one pauses to enjoy the view, or to eat lunch.
Public roads are dedicated for the use of the public, on wheels or afoot. Except when prohibited such as walking on motorways.
Private roads , including most farm access roads, have no rights of way unless established by use and recorded on the footpath maps maintained by the local authorities.
Common ground may be freely wandered over by all.