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Dogs in the countryside
Dogs and dog walkers are welcome at National Trust coast and countryside sites, but we do suffer problems in some places when a minority of thoughtless dog owners cause trouble for other visitors and vulnerable wildlife.
Please:
| 1. |
Take dog mess away with you. |
| 2. |
Keep your dog under close control at all times. |
| 3. |
Observe local notices on the need to keep dogs on a lead at sensitive times of the year - e.g. during the breeding season for ground-nesting birds or when sheep are lambing or deer are having calves. |
| 4. |
Abide by seasonal access restrictions on popular beaches in the summer. |
| 5. |
Don't leave dogs in cars on hot days. |
Where access for dogs has been restricted, the Trust attempts to find suitable alternative locations to walk a dog nearby.
The Countryside Code
We want everyone to enjoy their visits to National Trust coast and countryside, whatever you're up to, follow these simple steps and you'll help both wildlife and farmers, as well as having a great day out!
Respect - Protect - Enjoy:
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Check weather forecasts before you leave and don't be afraid to turn back. |
| 2. |
Follow local signs, advice and access restrictions. |
| 3. |
Leave gates and property as you find them. |
| 4. |
Litter can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals - take rubbish home with you. |
| 5. |
Don't damage or remove rocks, plants or trees - they are homes and food for insects, birds and animals. |
| 6. |
Wild animals and farm animals can behave unpredicably, especially if they're with their young, so give them plenty of space. |
| 7. |
Consider others - drive carefully on country lanes and give way to walkers when you're on a bike. |
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Let the Creature Comforts animals explain more about The Countryside Code: how you can explore, enjoy and help look after the countryside. (PDF/270KB) |
Tick bites and Lyme disease
Come spring and summer we all want to get outside, enjoy the weather and explore beautiful places. But if you're visiting woodland or heathland areas, it's important to be aware of the risk of tick bites.
Reports show there has been a rise in the number of people infected by ticks carrying Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis), particularly in Exmoor, the New Forest, the South Downs, parts of Wiltshire and Berkshire, the Lake District and the Yorkshire moors. Peak times for tick bites are late spring, early summer and autumn.
Be tick aware:
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Wear long-sleeved shirts (fastened at the cuffs) and trousers (with socks tucked into shoes) when walking through tall vegetation. |
| 2. |
Light coloured fabrics are useful, as it is easier to see ticks against a light background. Consider using insect repellent on your clothes. |
| 3. |
Inspect skin frequently and make sure that children's head and neck areas, including scalps, are properly checked. At the end of the day, check again for ticks, especially in skin folds. |
| 4. |
Check that ticks are not brought home on clothes and that pets do not bring unfed ticks into the home on their fur. |
| 5. |
If you do get bitten, remove any attached ticks carefully. |
| 6. |
If you are concerned in any way or become unwell, see your doctor as soon as possible. |
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The Just a Tick leaflet gives practical advice on protecting yourself from ticks, as well as guidance on what to do if you have been bitten. (PDF/2.5MB) |
Come prepared
What should I bring?
| 1. |
Comfortable footwear with sturdy soles… walking boots/shoes are the best option, but wear them around the house before venturing outdoors in them for the first time. |
| 2. |
In hot sunny weather pack a hat, sun glasses, suncream and an extra large bottle of water. |
| 3. |
In cold weather, dress up warm… lots of layers, gloves and a scarf. |
| 4. |
Try to avoid wearing bright colours or anything that rustles as you walk along (you might scare away wildlife). |
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A camera or note book and pencil to jot down what you see, a map and compass, binoculars and a field guide to identify the wildlife you encounter! |
© NTPL / Ian Shaw
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