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  • Where can people go?
  • What rules should they follow?
  • What are your rights and responsibilities?
  • Are there any dangers for people and how would you deal with risks?
  • How can you help people access the land responsibly and keep to the Countryside Code?
  • What help and advice can you get?
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2. Advice for Farmers and Landowners >
3. What rules should they follow?

What rules they should follow?

Public footpaths are for walking, and horse riders and cyclists are allowed on bridleways. You need to check with your Highway Authority about rights on any other public routes across your land, including unclassified public roads, byways open to all traffic and restricted byways.

Most rights of access to areas of land only allow access on foot for the purpose of open-air recreation. However, you may also have areas where the rights include other activities, such as horse riding on urban commons.

The public must keep dogs under close control so that they do not disturb livestock or wildlife. People using access land created by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 must also keep their dogs on a short lead when livestock are nearby and at all times between 1 March and 31 July. A short lead means up to two metres long. You may be able to make extra rules for dogs on access land created by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

If you have problems with trespass, it is best to get advice on the most effective solutions. Good information often helps if your problem is people straying and getting lost.