Nidderdale AONB Visitor Centre | Responsible Access

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Responsible Access

Freedom to walk on access land comes with responsibilities. Many of these have been outlined in the new Countryside Code, which was launched in July 2004.

In particular, the Code reminds people visiting all countryside to:

Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs
Leave gates and property as you find them
Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
Keep dogs under close control
Consider other people

Visitors to access land are responsible for their own safety, and for taking care of any children or dogs who accompany them. They must not light (or cause) a fire, feed any animals, leave litter or do any damage.

Full copies of the Countryside Code are available via the countryside access website or by telephoning 0845 1003298.

In the Nidderdale AONB the majority of open access land is on heather moorland. In order to protect these very special habitats a 'Moorland Visitor's Code' (PDF 408KB) has been developed by the Countryside Agency.