Don't Take Your Daily Walk In Someone Else's Workplace

Mary Dorrell, Vice Chairman Barford & Wramplingham Parish Council

EDP April 2020

 

At the moment we can only leave our houses for very limited purposes. The Government gives us very clear rules: one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household. This is not a very onerous restriction for those of us who have the privilege of  living in one of Norfolk's many beautiful villages, with miles of public footpaths on our doorstep.

In our two villages it is noticeable that there are far more people out and about on foot, than there are cars on our lanes. Alone or in households, people are out exploring our recreation ground, footpaths and bridleways, enjoying the spring sunshine. Some are new to our local, rural pathways. Some are not familiar with the ways of the countryside, so not all local businesses are enjoying the increase in walkers and runners. Here is what some of them have to say:

Jenny, Farmer: "I thought I'd post a picture of the public footpaths around Barford on the local Facebook Group, there seem to be some people that are frequently getting lost. I met a runner going along the track beside our cows today, not only is this not a public footpath, I've now worked out why my cows keep getting upset for no apparent reason! Sorry for the moan, but ultimately my first concern is that of the cows/sheep welfare. Where there is a public footpath, allowing you to walk through the farm and see some of our cows and calves, please keep your dogs on a lead."

Sue, Landowner: "We own or rent several pieces of land in the village. People seem to think they have a right to walk in this land. We have even had runners on there with headphones. When challenged, they said that thought you can go anywhere. There’s livestock and with people with dogs off their leads. Owners have no control over these. Not sure these people would like it if we were to turn our animals out in their gardens. It’s not the dogs fault. Just irresponsible owners."

Sara, Shepherd: "Lambing time is underway, it is a busy time of year. Walkers should keep their dogs on a lead. There may be livestock in the next field or around the corner, don't let your dog run ahead. And don't forget that farmers are also looking after wildlife too, stick to footpaths and avoid ground nesting birds and other wildlife"

Farmers are not the only people hard at work in our village. Many people here have home offices and there are some industrial units. Nobody would take their daily walk, or run through one of these workplaces. Our villages will not be the only places where this is the case and the Government gives very clear rules on this issue too. It is called The Countryside Code

• Respect other people:

  • consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors

  • leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available

• Protect the natural environment:

  • leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home

  • keep dogs under effective control

• Enjoy the outdoors:

  • plan ahead and be prepared

  • follow advice and local signs

Norfolk fields are the factory floor for our farmers, who are working hard to put food on our plates. We should not be taking our exercise on private fields and trackways, only on public rights of way. The NCC website shows footpaths very clearly: https://maps.norfolk.gov.uk/ If in doubt, consult this before your walk or during your walk and then make the most of local beautiful county and spring weather!

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