IPPHA Country Code  

      FORESTRY BEST PRACTICE

      Keep barriers locked at all times to avoid others being locked in by accident after you leave.

      Drive slowly and with great care on forest tracks as others could be out walking in the area.

      Report any wrong doings that you witness and photograph if possible.

      Do not drive on peat lands or off road, stay on tracks only.

      Observe warning signs at harvesting in forestry and park so as not to obstruct workers.

      Do not climb on or interfere with log piles in wood lands maintain a safe distance away.

      If there is a problem of any description report it to your club Sites Officer.

      Park safely and sensibly in higher areas well back from steep mountain slopes.

      Always check your handbrake is applied fully.

      PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE

      Before you go check, where possible, if access is allowed and your activity is permitted in the area you wish to visit.

      Respect any signs, regulations, policies and special concerns for the area that you wish to visit. Permits may sometimes be needed for activities on public lands.

      Where possible travel by public transport or share cars; consider the availability of parking.

      Ensure you have the skills and equipment needed for your activity and to cope with emergencies that could arise

      Check the weather forecast and always be prepared for changing weather conditions.

      For environmental and safety reasons, and to minimise your impact on other users, keep group numbers small;

       split larger parties into smaller groups.

      BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

      Respect the people who live and work in the countryside.

      Park appropriately – avoid blocking gateways, forest entrances or narrow roads. Remember that farm machinery,

       local residents and the emergency services may need access at all times.

      Take care not to damage property, especially walls, fences and crops

      Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.

      If you find yourself on farm land that you unfamiliar with do contact the landowner and make them aware of your arrival.

      Let nature’s sounds prevail. Keep noise to a minimum.  

      RESPECT FARM ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE

      Dogs should be kept under close control and should only be brought onto hills or farmland with the landowner’s permission.

      Observe wild animals and birds from a distance. Avoid disturbing them, particularly at sensitive times: mating, nesting and raising young (mostly between spring and early summer). .

      Keep wildlife wild, don't feed wild animals or birds - our foods damage their health and leave them vulnerable to predators.

      Farm animals are not pets; remain at a safe distance

      TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE GROUND

      Durable ground includes established tracks and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.

·         In popular areas:

      Concentrate use on existing tracks and campsites.

      To avoid further erosion, travel in single file in the middle of the track even when wet or muddy.

·         In more remote areas:

      Disperse use to prevent the creation of new tracks and campsites.

      Avoid places where impacts are just beginning to show.

      If camping :

      Protect water quality by camping at least 30m from lakes and streams.

       Keep campsites small and discreet, or better

      Aim to leave your campsite as you found it.  

      LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

      Respect property. For example, farming or forestry machinery, fences, stone walls etc. Leave gates as you find them (open or closed).

      Preserve the past: examine - without damaging - archaeological structures, old walls and heritage artefacts e.g. holy wells, mine workings, monuments.

      Conserve the present: leave rocks, flowers, plants, animals and all natural habitats as you find them. Fallen trees are a valuable wildlife habitat; do not remove or use for firewood.

      Avoid introducing non-native plants and animals e.g. zebra mussels in rivers and lakes.

      Do not build rock cairns , structures or shelters.  

      DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

      “If You Bring It In, Take It Out” - take home all litter and leftover food (including tea bags, fruit peels and other biodegradable foods).

      To dispose of solid human waste, dig a hole 10-12cms deep and at least 30m from water, campsites and tracks. Cover and disguise the hole when finished.

      Bring home toilet paper and hygiene products.

      Wash yourself or your dishes 30m away from streams or lakes and if necessary use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Bring home any solids and scatter strained dishwater.  

      MINIMISE THE EFFECTS OF FIRE

      Fires can cause lasting impacts and be devastating to forests, natural habitats and farmland. Therefore when camping use a lightweight stove for cooking.

      Where fires are permitted:

      Use established fire rings, barbecues or create a mound fire.

      Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Do not use growing vegetation for use as firewood.

      Avoid burning plastics or other substances: which emit toxic fumes.

      Burn all fires to ash, put out fires completely, and then scatter cool ashes.  

                                                      In Short

Ø      Guard against all risks of fire

Ø      Fasten all gates and keep barriers locked

Ø      Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls

Ø      Keep dogs under close control

Ø      Keep to public paths across farmland

Ø      Take your litter home

Ø      Help to keep all water clean

Ø      Protect all wildlife, plants and trees

Ø      Take special care on country roads and tracks

Ø      Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work

Ø      Make no unnecessary noise

Ø      Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone

Help preserve our freedom in the outdoors and keep our countryside beautiful for the next generation by promoting this country code to others.