The Countryside Code

The High Weald AONB is one of England's most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes. Please take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints. Stick to marked footpaths where possible, especially in spring when ground-nesting birds are active. Wildflowers, fungi, and berries are best left for wildlife and other walkers to enjoy.

Gates in the countryside are positioned deliberately — either to contain livestock or to allow their movement. The rule is simple: if a gate is open, leave it open; if it is closed, close it behind you. This is one of the most important things you can do to protect the livelihoods of local farmers and the welfare of animals.

Dogs are wonderful walking companions in the countryside, but they must be kept under close control at all times — and on a lead near livestock, horses, and ground-nesting birds. Even the most well-trained dog can disturb wildlife or frighten animals. If livestock chase you and your dog, it is safest to let the dog off the lead — it can outrun the animals, but you cannot.

Public footpaths, bridleways, and byways are the legal routes through the countryside. Straying from these paths — even onto open-looking land — can damage crops, disturb wildlife habitats, and trespass on private property. The Ordnance Survey maps and the OS Maps app clearly show all public rights of way in the area.

Open fires in the countryside are dangerous and often illegal without landowner permission. The ancient woodland surrounding The View is irreplaceable — a single fire can destroy centuries of growth. Please never light fires in the forest, on footpaths, or in fields. Barbecues should only be used in designated areas, raised off the ground.

Litter is harmful to wildlife, unsightly, and disrespectful to the farmers and landowners who maintain the countryside. Please take all litter home with you — including food waste, which can harm animals and attract pests. If you see litter on your walk, please pick it up if it is safe to do so. The countryside belongs to all of us.

The countryside is shared by walkers, cyclists, horse riders, farmers, and local residents. Please be courteous and considerate — give way to horses and cyclists on bridleways, keep noise to a reasonable level, and be mindful that what feels like open countryside to you may be someone's workplace or home.

During dry weather, the risk of fire in the countryside is significant. Never drop cigarettes or matches in the countryside, and be extremely careful with disposable barbecues — they remain hot for hours after use and should never be placed directly on grass or soil. If you see a fire, call 999 immediately.