A coded message?

Byline: By Tony Henderson Environment Editor

Landowners in the North-East have welcomed a new Countryside Code launched today.

The new version updates the original 1950s code and is aimed at helping to prepare people for the gradual introduction of the public's new right of access to the countryside.

But Douglas Chalmers, regional director of the Country Land and Business Association, also warned that the code was only a start and much more needed to be done to avoid "huge potential for misunderstanding" over where people could roam.

Aardman, the Academy-award winning animation company has created the characters Colin the pony, John the dog, Ricky the spider, Andy the fly and Issy and Dawne the seagulls to help the Countryside Code reach the widest possible audience.

The characters ( in coastal, farmland and moorland scenes ( will be screened on TV channels across England and Wales and at selected cinemas and outdoor venues from today.

Educational materials, specially developed for teachers and youth leaders, will be available from January next year.

The introduction of the updated Code by the Countryside Agency follows the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) which creates new rights of access to open country and registered common land in England.

The agency is responsible for mapping 458 square miles of land in the North-East for open access. A target date of May next year has been set for the new rights to come into force.

Landowner James Cookson, who owns a 4,000-acre estate at Meldon Park near Morpeth, backed the launch of the new Code.

He said: "Next year the public will be able to enjoy greater access to some of the most beautiful countryside in the North-East.

"The introduction of the Countryside Code is a helpful way to prepare everyone for co-existence in the countryside.

"It helps clarify the rights and responsibilities of both the public and those who manage the land, extending the public's ability to enjoy the countryside, while providing safeguards for landowners."

For the first time the Countryside Code includes a special section for land managers.

Huw Davies, regional director of the Countryside Agency, said: "We want to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our countryside while giving them confidence in their new rights and responsibilities and respect for those who depend on it through the key themes ( respect, protect, enjoy."

To help people plan what to do and where to go in the countryside, a new website is also launched today at www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk.

It provides advice on the new public right of access to open country and registered common land as well as details of national trails, national parks, rights of way and links to many related organisations.

The website also features a special section on the Countryside Code.

Mr Chalmers added: "I hope that the publication of this new Countryside Code and all the associated publicity will help get the message across that people must behave responsibly when out and about in the countryside and remember that farms are a place of work as well as someone's home.

"The code appears to be aimed at children and families, which is of course important, but I hope that the serious messages do not get lost in the presentation.

"The Code is a start, if a simple one. What the Countryside Agency must now do is soemthing else as well.

"They must make it absolutely clear where and when walkers can enjoy the new open access rights because there is huge potential for misunderstanding. "

"The danger with this Code is that it might give a false sense of security to the walker."