Farmers urge Northamptonshire public to stick to the Countryside Code as lockdown lifts

With some lockdown restrictions easing next week, farmers in Northamptonshire have urged people heading for the great outdoors to help them care for the iconic British landscape.

From Monday, March 29, when most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays, outdoor gatherings - including in private gardens - of either six people (the Rule of Six) or two households will be allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.

Many people will be heading out into Northamptonshire’s stunning countryside and farmers want walkers, joggers and cyclists to help them ensure the beauty of county’s rural areas is preserved as they exercise outdoors.

Matthew Robinson, the NFU’s Northamptonshire county chairman, said: “During the pandemic when most people were stuck at home, the importance of the beautiful British countryside was brought into sharp focus, not only as a food producer but also as a place to escape the restrictions of lockdown.

“We welcome everyone who wants to explore the great outdoors but we also want to remind people that this stunning rural scenery is also a working environment, with farmers busy lambing and moving cattle to fresh pasture at this time of year, for example.

“Following simple rules like keeping to footpaths to avoid crop and wildflower damage, cleaning up dog mess and making sure your dog is on a short lead near livestock, is the easiest and most effective way of doing your bit to protect our countryside.

“If walkers, runners and cyclists stick to the Countryside Code, our rural areas can continue to be a refuge for many and a safe place to farm.”