THE association for sheep farmers has again called for members of the public to show the countryside more respect, as lockdown continues to ease.

The call has been made by Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association (NSA), is calling for visitors to the countryside to show more consideration and respect for the land and people who farm it.

Mr Stocker insists the NSA has long believed that people visiting the countryside benefit physically and mentally and that in most cases they appreciate what they experience.

But he has called on people to be better behaved.

He said: “In many cases, visitors also contribute to rural economies and get the opportunity to see some farming in action and learn more about the fabric of the countryside.

“However, with the lockdown restrictions now easing and so many attractions and venues still closed, we are seeing people coming onto farms who wouldn’t normally do so and some of the things we are seeing suggest that there is either little knowledge of, or care about the Countryside Code.”

He says the NSA has heard of distressing reports from all devolved nations, despite lockdown regulations being tighter outside of England.

Reports have ranged from cars parked in narrow lanes preventing access, to used disposable barbecues and litter being left in fields.

People are being caught out because they expect toilet facilities and there are concerning cases where livestock are being encountered with no idea over how to behave.

A new category of dogs is also experiencing livestock for the first time and its no surprise that uncontrolled they are finding a new form of ‘fun’.

Mr Stocker added: “What we are seeing shows that there are a lot of people who don’t realise that the farmed countryside is a working environment.

“Most farmers welcome legal and responsible access but too many people seem to think they are visiting a staffed public attraction where the only objective is their enjoyment and a paid litter picker will be along soon.

“Some of this behaviour is illegal, it is certainly disrespectful, and it’s dangerous to farm animals and to the public too. It’s not as though guidance doesn’t exist and its time the Countryside Code was dusted off and put into wider use.

“This would be a good time for a government-sponsored television and radio campaign to raise awareness of the Countryside Code and invest in the responsible use of the countryside.”