We have reviewed the present Country Code in the light of current needs and the forthcoming access legislation. The Code was last revised in 1981 and requires some updating. The new legislation provides a good opportunity to give it a new twist and ...
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NCAF 8/4 A new country code - proposed consultation

1. We have reviewed the present Country Code in the light of current needs and the forthcoming access legislation. The Code was last revised in 1981 and requires some updating. The new legislation provides a good opportunity to give it a new twist and fresh publicity, while retaining most of the familiar, and still important, messages. The National Countryside Access Forum is invited to give its views on the proposed new Code and draft consultation paper at Annex 1, and on our proposals for consultation below.
Extent and timing of consultation

2. The two previous versions of the Country Code have served well for nearly 50 years and we propose retaining a similar set of substantive messages (see Annex 1). The messages reflect the interests of both countryside user and countryside manager and there has been considerable thought over the years about how best to strike the right balance. We have examined the issues raised in the 1981 consultation and concluded that a short, well-focused consultation would be most appropriate and effective.

3. We will consult all of the groups represented on the Forum, plus other key contacts in government departments and agencies, local authorities, outdoor education, land-owning and management bodies, youth organisations and user groups. We will also draw attention to the proposed revision through 'Countryside Focus' in October.

4. To help us analyse the consultation response, we propose adding a short structured questionnaire to the consultation paper, enabling respondents to give a 'score' for each of the proposed messages, as well as an opportunity to explain any concerns and suggest an alternative. This will help us to establish the relative weight and balance of comments we receive.

5. We propose starting a four week consultation in mid-October. This timetable would enable us to include the new wording of the Code in the general information and advisory leaflet on rights and responsibilities to be published shortly after Royal Assent for the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill. It will also fit in with our plans to launch new Country Code promotional materials at Easter 2001. The initial package will include a children's activity pack as well as bookmarks and posters etc., with a succession of other promotional materials and activities giving fresh impetus to the messages over the next few years.