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As spring turns to summer, more people are heading out to enjoy the countryside. But if you’re walking through farmland, especially with a dog, there are a few simple things...
As spring turns to summer, more people are heading out to enjoy the countryside. But if you’re walking through farmland, especially with a dog, there are a few simple things you need to know. Let’s keep our countryside safe, enjoyable and thriving for the public, farmers and land managers who look after it.
Why farmland access matters and why it’s complicated
Our farms aren’t just scenic backdrops, they’re workplaces. Fields might look peaceful, but they’re often home to pregnant ewes, nesting birds, young calves, or carefully sown crops. Public footpaths offer a way to enjoy this land, but using them respectfully is key to keeping both people and animals safe.
Over the past few years, the number of people using public footpaths has grown significantly. During lockdowns, many found comfort in rural walks and that connection is something we want to preserve. But with more visitors, farmers have seen a rise in problems too: broken fences, crops trampled, gates left open and of concern – dogs worrying livestock.
Dogs on farmland: why even ‘good dogs’ can cause harm
Members of the public and holiday makers may bring well-behaved dogs into the countryside. But even the best-trained pets may never have seen sheep, lambs or calves before and “playful chasing” can cause injury, miscarriage or stress. What might look like curiosity to us can be deeply harmful to livestock.
The NFU has worked closely with Defra and Natural England to improve the messaging in the Countryside Code and one of the biggest updates is around dog control.
NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts explains “It’s important that people follow the simple rules and respect the countryside around them.”
It’s important to keep your dog on a lead near livestock and always pick up after them, even in fields as dog waste can contain parasites and diseases that don’t exist in livestock. When left in fields, it can contaminate silage and pasture spreading harmful infections to cattle.
That’s why picking up and binning dog waste (even in fields) is so important.
It’s completely natural to feel nervous around cows after all they’re big animals. But they’re usually just curious. If you’re walking through a field with cattle remember:
Stay calm and walk quietly across the field
Keep your dog on a lead, but release it if cows approach closely and you feel threatened
Avoid getting between cows and their calves
Don’t panic or run, move steadily and leave the field if needed
Most incidents involving cattle happen when a dog is present, or when walkers come too close to calves. Farmers are required to manage this risk, but the public can play a huge part by being aware and acting calmly.
Read the official HSE guidance for walking near cattle.
Public responsibilities: simple actions that make a big difference
Whether you’re walking, cycling or riding, the Countryside Code outlines a few key principles to help everyone enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly, in summary we advise:
Keep dogs on a lead near livestock and under control at all times.
Let go of your dog’s lead if you feel threatened by cattle.
Stick to marked public rights of way and don’t wander across private land.
Don’t feed or disturb animals, even if they come close.
When using gates, always close them behind you if you’ve opened them.
Take all litter and dog waste home, we recommend to take only photographs and leave only memories!
These simple actions help farmers protect animals, crops and land and they show respect for the people who work so hard to care for Cornwall’s protected landscape.
Many farmers across Cornwall have seen first-hand how simple steps like clear signage can prevent problems before they start. Some have put up NFU “dogs on leads” posters at footpath entrances, while others use friendly signs to explain what’s in the field and why dogs need to be kept close.
One farmer told us: “We’ve had issues in the past with dogs chasing sheep, especially in lambing season. Since we put signs on the gates explaining what’s in the field and asking for dogs to be on leads, we’ve seen a big improvement.”
From “dogs on leads” notices to signs warning of electric fencing, clear and polite communication can reduce misunderstandings and help visitors feel welcome and informed.
A shared responsibility
As the NFU points out, our countryside offers huge benefits for exercise, learning and wellbeing. But rural access must benefit both the public and our farmers and landowners.
Learn more via these resources:
NFU Countryside Code Resources and dog-owner advice
Read the official HSE guidance for walking near cattle.
