Natural England

Natural England is urging those enjoying the countryside over the Bank Holiday weekend to follow the Countryside Code. After a record breaking April there is a heightened risk of fire, which can devastate wildlife, landscapes and livelihoods.

Natural England is advising walkers to take extra care not to drop a match or smouldering cigarette, and not to light barbeques or gas stoves without the land manager's permission.

Roger Ward, head of Natural England's access programme, advised: “We want visitors to the countryside to feel confident and safe when out and about during the summer months, and the best way to do this is by planning ahead. Natural England is encouraging visitors to stay safe by following local signs, advice from visitor centres and the Countryside and Moorland Codes.”

Mr. Ward added: “With increasingly hot and dry conditions looking set to become a fact of life during English summers, we must all learn to take extra care and vigilance.”

In order to get the best enjoyment, visitors are advised to check for fire restrictions before setting out on a walk. Whenever possible, restrictions and closures will be shown on the open access maps available for viewing on the Countryside Access website, and reinforced by signs on the ground.

Walking on access land gives you the chance to enjoy vast areas of England's outdoors without the need to stick to paths. Commonly known as the 'right to roam' this right covers some of England's most wild and dramatic landscapes, heaths, moors, down and areas of registered common land.

To read the Countryside and Moorland Codes, to check for fire restrictions and to find out where to go to explore newly opened access land, visit the Countryside Access website.