Skip to main content
SouthHams.com Logo search icon

Police are reminding people to "respect and protect rural communities and businesses this Easter"

SA Updated
Police are reminding people to "respect and protect rural communities and businesses this Easter"

Blog Tags

Search by Tag
Select existing or new tags and apply to your post.

Devon & Cornwall Police are reminding people to respect and protect rural communities and businesses this Easter, when exploring the countryside.

With the tourism season traditionally starting over the Easter holidays, Cornwall and Devon’s population can increase by around a third.

Rural Affairs Officer for Devon and Cornwall Police, PC Chris Collins said: “We’d like to encourage people to take extra care when they explore the countryside this Easter to help protect our environment, our wildlife and our historic landmarks.

“We ask that people observe any rural safety signage they see, respect wildlife and livestock by ensuring dogs are kept on leads and please leave no negative footprint behind. Devon and Cornwall are home to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is unique and totals almost a third of Cornwall’s area.

“Sadly during the holiday periods, we can see an increase in incidents such as livestock worrying and anti-social behaviour. Our aim is to reduce these incidents and we will continue to work with partners and communities to identify and aim to prevent unlawful events, to protect our historic land and communities.”

“It is also important that people remember that when they walk across the countryside, all land is owned and any abuse of access has a significant impact on landowners, farmers, livestock, and wildlife and this can often lead to conflict between users.”

We ask that people follow the countryside code to protect our beautiful landscape so that everyone can enjoy it. Below are useful resources and tips to keep our rural communities safe:

Follow the countryside code and be considerate to those living there, working there and enjoying the countryside. View the Countryside Code here; www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ8ilOD1wh0

Follow local signs and marked routes, leave gates as you find them and do not block access when parking. Keep to marked paths to protect crops and wildlife. 

Be cautious when driving on rural roads, give livestock and other vulnerable road users plenty of space and remember to pass slowly and wide. VIDEO

Do not feed livestock, horses or wild animals as it can cause them harm. Sheep are especially vulnerable at this time of year, so always keep dogs under control. On open access land, dogs should be kept on a lead at all times, but release your dog if chased by cattle. VIDEO

Protect the environment and historic features and take litter home. Avoid the risk of wildfire by not lighting fires or BBQ’s. VIDEO

PC Collins added “We all have a responsibility to protect our open spaces, I would urge visitors to respect the countryside and be considerate to our rural communities. Enjoy the countryside but keep yourself safe, plan your visit, check the weather, tides, and local conditions.

"Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.”

 

User comments

There are no user comments for this listing.
Comments

You might also be interested in

Police appeal for information after jewellery theft in Dartmouth
Category: General News
Police are appealing for the public's help to identify a man in connection with a jewellery theft in Dartmouth. 
South Hams District Council is "investing more in local housing"
Category: General News
South Hams District Council is to boost its stock of homes to address the district’s immediate and future housing needs, a "top priority for...
"Huge improvements" to Follaton Arboretum in Totnes
Category: General News
A long-term project to make lasting improvements to Follaton Arboretum in Totnes is close to completion.
Ivybridge man faces five charges including sexual offences and robbery
Category: General News
A 34-year-old Ivybridge man has appeared before magistrates charged with five offences, including inciting an underage girl to engage in sexual activity. ...
Fire crews called to house struck by lightning
Category: General News
Fire crews across the South Hams have been dealing with weather-related incidents after heavy rain, wind, thunderstorms and flooding over the weekend. ...
Ivybridge man charged with sexual offences
Category: General News
Police have charged an Ivybridge man in connection to an incident in Plymouth.