With large numbers of people taking their once-daily exercise in the countryside, the NFU and CLA are highlighting key do’s and don’ts amid this COVID-19 crisis.
The 2 rural organisations have issued a joint statement, having received intelligence from their members that the sunny weather has brought large numbers of people to the countryside, not all of them behaving appropriately, despite Government advice to avoid unnecessary travel.
An NFU South East spokesman said:
“We fully recognise that people want to take their once daily exercise in the countryside at a safe social distance from others during this C19 crisis.
“But we are reminding people that the countryside is also a working environment for farmers who are producing our food. Therefore we urge people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds before leaving home and on their return.
“Please follow the Countryside Code, sticking to designated footpaths and at this critical time, please keep dogs on leads at all times, particularly as ewes (female sheep) are giving birth to lambs. This will not only reduce the risk of dog attacks on farm animals, it will also help to avoid unnecessary social contact between countryside users and farmers, many of whom are older and at greater risk of C19.”
Michael Valenzia, Regional Director of CLA South East which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses, said:
“We would urge people to follow Government calls to limit outdoor exercise to once a day, and do so as locally as possible, as well as practising responsible social distancing.
Article continues below this advertisement “If you have to walk in the countryside, please respect the Countryside Code which helps to protect British landscapes as well as farmers and those living and working there. Now, more than ever, our farmers must be allowed to get on with the job of feeding Britain. Stick to public rights of way, keep dogs under control, take litter home, close gates and don’t block entrances or gateways. m/f…
“With most recycling centres shutting due to the coronavirus pandemic, we would also urge anyone tempted to fly-tip to think seriously about their actions. Fly-tipping is a scourge on the countryside and has a huge environmental and financial impact. We ask everyone to be a responsible member of our community, especially at this time, when we should be supporting each other. Anyone committing this crime deserves to face the full force of the law.”
Lets just hope this is not a case of ‘Ger off my land’ as I have a huge home, cupboards, freezers, and land full of food and am relatively safe, so long as ‘you’ stay in your tiny box with gardens so small, IF at all, that the 2 meter rule is impossible to apply over a few strands of wire.
Many of our leaders, MP’s and ilk live similarly, with indoor pools, hot tubs, gyms, paddocks with horses, large homes with adequate space for huge lounges with massive entertainment potential, whilst the plebs are left with a ‘bug hutch’ size home, an X box, and a garden to fit the wheel bin in, just.
So whilst I know we can’t all live the same, UNDERSTAND why many want to go into the country, or use their cars to escape the mass overcrowded, vile beings that normal decent people now have inflicted upon them.
so, what else is not happening –
are all the immigrants still swarming to the shores by dinghy – or are they self isolating in tents in france.
have all the climate change protesters glued themselves to their front doors or are they selfishly panic buying.
the “eternally offended” transgender brigade have been silenced – I guess they have realised that the world doesn’t revolve around them.
have all the terrorists taken a month off – none of them seem to be at work.
all the regular workplace “sicknotes” are self isolating – this virus must be absolute gold for them – ready made excuse.
pickpockets must be worried about the downturn in work affecting trade.
the endless sponging charities aren’t bugging everyone for “just £2 a month to help pay their wages” I mean help their cause.
must be more!
Stay home or die
@Johnny – dumb statement – if people do not go out for food …they die of starvation.
if key workers do not go out, others might starve, who cannot feed themselves
Can I still go metal detecting on my own?
See LIST OF ALL 13 REASONS YOU CAN LEAVE HOME DURING CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN
https://www.islandecho.co.uk/list-of-all-13-reasons-you-can-leave-home-during-coronavirus-lockdown/
Metal detecting is not one of them.
Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives. Its that simple.
You should not be out in the country side in the first place unless you live there. And are taking exercise locally to you.