There’s been a rise in the number of people taking their daily exercise across farmland – both on and off registered footpaths – since lockdown restrictions were introduced.

Being in the British countryside is an undoubted pleasure, possibly more so now than ever. But walkers may often find themselves close to a working farm environment which is potentially very dangerous. And at this time of year there’s the additional concern of proximity to lambs and other livestock, particularly if walking with dogs.

Robust health and safety practices as well as signage warning of foreseeable dangers have always been essential. However, further intervention by farmers and landowners may now be useful. 

While ongoing maintenance of all footpaths continues, including dealing with potentially hazardous trees, additional actions such as tying gates open to reduce the need for anyone to touch them and displaying notices requesting that users follow social distancing guidelines can all help.

It’s also possible to offer a temporary, alternative route for walkers to avoid gardens and farmyards. However, unless you have permission to close it, the original route must stay open and you can only advise that people use the alternative. Any temporary diversion should also be clearly signposted as permissive rights. This will ensure that any provisional measures that have been put in place can be removed once coronavirus restrictions come to an end.

Now may also be a good opportunity for landowners to ensure rights of way documentation is up to date and lodged with councils.

Further information 

Contact Savills Rural