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Enjoy The Countryside And Respect Its Life and Work
Help those who live and work in the countryside by being a careful
and considerate visitor, and by following the Country Code. A courteous
approach to all you meet will help us all enjoy the countryside
better.
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Guard Against All Risk of Fire
Accidental fire is a great fear of farmers and foresters. Be careful
to put out all used cigarettes and matches, and cook by stove rather
than by fire. Be especially careful during dry periods, and never
throw a cigarette out of a car window.
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Leave All Gates As You Find Them
But if you find a gate closed, always make sure that you leave it
closed, to avoid farm animals straying. Farmers sometimes leave gates
open to allow their animals to graze in the next field or to get water.
So help a farmer by leaving gates as you find them but, if in doubt,
do close a gate.
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Keep Your Dogs Under Close Control
Always keep your dog on a lead when walking on roads or when close
to farm animals. Your dog may be well behaved but the farmer does
not know this. At other times always keep your dog under close control
so as not to disturb wildlife, or annoy or alarm other visitors.
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Keep To Paths Across Farmland
Avoid damage to growing crops by walking around the edge of fields
or by keeping to an existing path across it. Avoid entering fields
with farm animals, especially where there are young animals, and if
you are with a dog.
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Use Gates And Stiles To Cross Fences, Hedges And Walls
Damage to a fence, wall or hedge can allow animals to get out, so
help the farmer by using gates and stiles. If you must climb a gate
because it is difficult to open, always do this at the hinged end.
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Leave Livestock, Crops And Machinery Alone
Crops, animals and machinery are all of high value. Help the farmer,
and care for your own safety too by not interfering with any equipment
or animals - and don't let others do so.
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Take Your Litter Home
Broken glass, tins and plastic bags can be dangerous to people and
farm animals, and wildlife can also be trapped and die. All litter
is unsightly so always take yours, and any that you may come across,
home with you to dispose of properly.
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Help Keep All Water Clean
Not everyone living in the countryside is on the public water supply,
so take care with your personal hygiene to avoid causing any pollution.
Farm animals need clean water too, so don't interfere with water troughs
provided for livestock.
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Protect Wildlife, Plants And Trees
Leave all natural places as you find them. Never uproot plants as
they'll be gone forever. If you come across wildlife, keep your distance
and don't watch for too long lest you cause disturbance and stress,
especially if adults are with their young and in winter, when food
may be scarce or weather harsh.
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Take Special Care On Country Roads
Always drive with care and reduced speed on country roads. Park your
car with consideration to others needs, especially to avoid blocking
gateways or other drivers sight-lines. Walkers, particularly large
groups, should take special care on country roads.
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Make No Unnecessary Noise
People go to the countryside to enjoy its peace and quiet, so avoid
noise or disruptive behaviour which might annoy residents or visitors,
or frighten farm animals or wildlife.
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Scottish Natural Heritage
is a government body established by Parliament in 1992, responsible
to the Secretary of State for Scotland.
Their task is to secure the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's
unique and precious natural heritage - the wildlife, the habitats
and the landscapes which have evolved in Scotland through the long
partnership between people and nature.
They advise on policies and promote projects that aim to improve
the natural heritage and support its sustainable use.
Their aim is to help people enjoy Scotland's natural heritage responsibly,
understand it more fully and use it wisely so that it can be sustained
for future generations.
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Graphics courtesy of K. Roper
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© Ardnamurchan Estate 1999, all rights reserved
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