Hedd writes...
Over the past two years the Coronavirus pandemic has brought to light the multiple health and wellbeing benefits of getting out into our beautiful countryside with millions of people taking the opportunity to visit the great outdoors during lockdown.
As well as the advantages to people’s health, it was also a chance for the general public to learn more about where their food comes from and to appreciate the iconic landscapes, maintained and enhanced by Welsh farmers.
"We want people to enjoy the countryside, but we want it to be enjoyed responsibly."
Hedd Pugh
The love of the Welsh countryside has continued, even since restrictions have been lifted and a revised Countryside Code, launched last year by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), will remind walkers of the importance of following the simple rules and respecting the countryside. This is extremely important given much of the access land and rights of way network is an active working environment where farmers and growers carry out their daily jobs of producing food.
What to do when out in the countryside
Farmers love welcoming people to the countryside and enjoy talking to members of the public who are interested in food production and land management, so please be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside. Please leave gates and property as you find them, do not block gateways or driveways when parking and be nice, say hello and share the space. It is also important to follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available.
Spring is also a time where we see young lambs appearing in the fields and we would remind dog owners to act responsibly and keep their animals under control around sheep and other livestock.
Dogs worrying or attacking sheep and lambs is a distressing issue and while we encourage people to enjoy the countryside, we would also ask that you think about the animals living in the fields. Dogs should be kept on a short lead and under control around livestock. Dog attacks on sheep and other livestock are a very serious matter and we continue to see instances where animals are badly hurt or, sadly, killed. We appreciate the majority of dog owners do the right thing and keep their pets under control, but there’s a small minority who don’t, and this can be extremely distressing for the animals, as well as the farmers who care deeply for the health and wellbeing of their livestock.
We want people to enjoy the countryside, but we want it to be enjoyed responsibly.
