Newsletter

No 20 May 2021

www.tavistockramblers.org.uk Message from the Chair

elcome, everyone, to our May 2021 Newsletter. We have not been idle W through lock-down. Ramblers is Well, here we are well in to spring with hope in our hearts that involved in the the easing of lock-down will progress smoothly. It feels a bit Ramblers Don’t Lose like walking down a steep damp slippery path as we ease our Your Way Project and way through the tricky bits hoping that our descent won’t be you can read more impeded by a problem which delays our entering safe territory. about this from David Hopefully with sufficient care and patience we will eventually in this newsletter. be able to walk that safer path. Christine and Frances Shortly after Easter we were able to recommence our Group are heading the Slow Walks and, judging by the speed of people booking a place Ways Initiative for our once the programme was published, and the numbers Group and you can attending the walks, members just couldn’t meet up and get read more about this out on a walk again soon enough! With a bit of a struggle we as well. just managed to fill the programme for May, and June is looking good, but a few leaders are leading several walks in Thank you to all those who have helped to produce this order to fill the programme. We really do need more leaders Newsletter, particularly Long John who has once again so please in order to fill our programme with three walks a week. ably produced the finished article. Thanks must also go to the There is help at hand for those who would like to join the team committee for their support and to all who participate in our of leaders. If you are new to leading walks please see Lynda’s Tavistock Ramblers activities. Your support is greatly article in this newsletter. appreciated.

Despite the easing of lock-down so far, we are not out of the Best wishes woods yet. We hope that we will soon be able to car share which would greatly increase the territory which we can cover Rosemary in our walks. As lock-down eases we will keep you updated PS See also the “Stop Press” Covid update on the next page. with changes which affect our Ramblers activities.

News from the Committee

Your Committee met virtually by Zoom on Monday 10th May.

Present Covid19 restrictions are starting to ease and hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Group Membership numbers have remained steady over the last 3 months and now stand at 175, a slight increase. Leader’s Day 2021

Hopefully, as more people return to a less restricted lifestyle, We are very much hoping to hold a half day workshop they will pick up again. session, later this summer, for new potential leaders.

Financially we are holding steady with income steady and We really want to encourage more leaders to come forward. It outgoings well controlled. will include walk planning and care of the group.

Walks Programme is running well in its present format and If you are interested please send your name to Lynda by most walks have been well attended. email [email protected] by 31st May.

We are keeping to the same format for the time being but it will be reviewed by the Committee as time goes on. Thanks to all Leaders who have supported the programme.

Footpaths David is continuing his checks on footpaths in our Area, please let him know if you encounter a problem.

David has also been very busy with the Don’t Lose Your Way Campaign, putting in a lot of work to help save some of our older paths. His update is in this Newsletter.

Social Programme At the present time we are unable to do any social activities but if all goes to plan, we are hoping to arrange something in August – watch this space!!

Other Business News about the Way, Don’t Lose Your Way and Slow Ways can be found in here.

Photo on the cover of blubells at Challacombe by Long John. Get there quickly before they are gone. Stop Press!

Just as this Newsletter was about to be published, Ramblers revised their Covid guidance in the light of the Government’s easing of Lockdown restrictions with effect from 17th May. This is the latest guidance from Tavistock Ramblers:

We are delighted to advise that, in line with the latest step in the UK government roadmap which has relaxed the requirements for meeting others outdoors, we are able to advise of some further relaxation of restrictions to our walks.

1. Ramblers organised walks continue to be exempt from legal gathering limits, as long as they follow Ramblers’ covid-secure guidance. We are therefore removing our previous restriction of maximum 15 on any group walk. However, Walk Leaders will continue to have discretion to limit numbers on their walks e.g. walk numbers will take into consideration matters such as the nature of the walk and the car-parking available at the walk start.

2. It continues to be necessary to maintain a register of all those attending each walk and to maintain this for 21 days following the walk. To facilitate this, and to enable the Walk Leaders to govern the number attending their walks, we ask that you advise the Walk Leader of your desire to join the walk by text at least 24 hours before the walk. Completion of the Risk Assessment Form remains compulsory.

3. It is now permitted to car-share although numbers are restricted to 6 plus maximum 2 households (see government guidance:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for- passengers#private-cars-and-other-vehicles). We are therefore suggesting that, for the time being, you organise your own car-sharing with friends/people who live local to you following the foregoing guidance. It will not be the role of the Walk Leader to facilitate appropriate car-sharing. To be clear, the Walk Start point and time continue to be as shown on the programme – there is no prior meet at Pixon Lane until otherwise advised.

We have also been advised that Group social events can now take place for groups of up to 30 outdoors, and groups of 6 indoors, although preference is for online events indoors. Your Committee is looking forward to arranging some events for the coming summer – watch this space!

It’s great that “normality” is beginning to return in time for the summer – fingers crossed there are no further setbacks! The June programme is now complete and will be published around 24th May. A Walk in the Park

walk in the Park? Well, yes most of For those not confident with navigating it was in a Park, the Dartmoor on these stretches an alternative route is ANational Park. in the written description. The distance, 133 miles; - the equivalent What better way of combining both of the distance from Tavistock to passions than by undertaking a Gloucester, and at 19,500 feet of ascent, sponsored walk around the Dartmoor the equivalent of nearly seven Munros, Way to raise funds for the replacement spread over ten consecutive days, and vehicle. there you have your “Walk in the Park”! On with the well-greased boots, on with a So why would I, a septuagenarian well-packed rucksack, provisioned grandmother, undertake such a venture? enough for whatever weather conditions There must be a reason. were possible (and which indeed did happen), and off I set on day one from Through family involvement with the Buckfast, eyes focused on the 15.5 miles Dartmoor Search and Rescue Tavistock, I of up hill and down dale to finish that day decided to join their Supporters Club. at . Everyone in Dartmoor Search and Rescue is a volunteer and they get no My walk to Tavistock on the second day Government funding. Many of those in the completed the High Moor Link and so full team work for a living. Regular weekly of enthusiasm with a fifth of my walk training sessions in the evening cover a completed and only a deluge of hail multitude of skills and high standards stones on the “Conchies Road” on a On I walked enjoying my expedition, have to be achieved before you can go moorland stretch coming in to although the weather was not at its out on a “Call Out”. Extra training is Princetown, on the third day I set off to gentlest all the time! My mind flashes required for specialist skills such as for walk right around Dartmoor over the next back to my rapid transit over Dean Moor Swift Water Rescue, 4 x 4 off Road Driver, eight days. and the slopes of Lambs Down with the Rope Rescue and Search Dog Handler wind forcing me along. No brakes! The and often this training is at weekends. On The route visits major conurbations such last day of 12.75 miles was in a top of all this the Rescue Team members as Ivybridge, , Ashburton, downpour and strong winds battling need to raise the day to day running costs Bovey Tracey, , against me from in front but Tavistock to keep the team operational! Costly items , and and many was beckoning me on. such as essential vehicles and the pretty villages and hamlets in between. Rescue Centre building require additional Places of interest such as Buckfast Oh what a welcome! What a surprise! In funding, hence the Rescue-50 Appeal to Abbey, Castle Drogo, Finch Foundry, Tavistock’s Bedford Square Tavistock raise £50,000 to replace and equip the 19 Gorge and castles at Ramblers members and Dartmoor year old Rescue Control Vehicle which is Okehampton and Lydford are either on or Search and Rescue were there to greet the mobile communications centre when near the route. I passed through lanes me. Thank you so much! out on rescues. The Supporters Club are and woodlands, over lofty heights with there to assist with the raising of funds stunning views and valleys with rushing I would also like to thank those who and hopefully relieving some of the sparkling streams. Springtime is certainly accompanied me on several of the days pressure on the active team members. a good time to do this walk. With flowers and also provided the all important Perhaps I could help them by doing a in abundance, banks of primroses, transport, and also the great team who sponsored walk? woodland glades of bluebells, paths lined have helped with publicity. It was great with wild garlic, orchids, wild strawberries to have your company and you all made and all manner of shades of green from my journey all the more enjoyable. the new foliage on trees it is a feast for the eyes. I can imagine that the autumn I must just mention one, my ten year old tints would be good as well. grandson, who walked nearly fifteen miles on my fourth leg of the journey. What a star! Oh, and the little group who spent the last day getting absolutely saturated, you deserve a mention as well! Each and every one of you have As a Ramblers member I have also been helped to raise funds towards DSRT involved with the setting up, including Tavistock’s Rescue -50 appeal. waymarking, of the new Dartmoor Way Walking Route. Thank you for your many generous contributions which have far exceeded The Dartmoor Way circumnavigates my original expectations, however if Dartmoor with the High Moor Link across there are any who would still like to the centre of the moor from Buckfast to contribute then do so either through me Tavistock. The route has been designed personally or through the Just Giving to be walkable by all those of reasonable link fitness and does not require specialist www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rosema navigational skills. It has a detailed ry-Clarke10 website with downloadable printable maps and written description. The route is Rosemary waymarked with the exception of short sections over open moorland where way marks are not allowed. Stephens’ Grave Remember CROW?

avistock Ramblers have walked to, An inquest determined that he had taken o you remember when you hadn’t Tand paused by, Stephen’s grave many his own life. In those days, suicides were Dheard of Brexit or Covid, thought a time over the years. not permitted to be buried in consecrated Zoom was a fast car and that a crow ground and bodies were buried at was a bird that nested in solitary trees? Stephens’ grave is beside the track up crossroads. This was done in order to from Peter Tavy and is a small grassy confuse the spirit who, it was believed, Do you also remember when the Eden mound with a stone on a plinth which has would rise and try to find its way back. Project opened, Tony Blair was PM, the letter “S” incised upon it. The “grave Sven-Goran Eriksson was England stone” is probably original but the plinth It may not look obvious today, but the football manager and you saw the film of was placed there by the Dartmoor spot where Stephen’s Grave is to be Bridget Jones’s Diary for the first time? Preservation Association in 1936. found is, indeed, on a crossing of old You do? Well, you might also remember paths onto the moor from Peter Tavy, when the Countryside and Rights of Like many Dartmoor stories, there is more Wedlake and Cudlipptown. Way (CROW) Act came into force. than one version but the basic facts of them all are much the same. It is generally More than one version of the story, and Believe it or not, that was just over 20 accepted that the stone marks the spot repeated by William Crossing, has it that years ago. It was hailed as giving which is the last resting place of George at the moment George’s body was laid to walkers the right to roam over 3.4 million Stephens*. The most credible version of rest some washing that was hanging to acres of mountain, moor, heath and the story, as it is supported by some dry at Higher Godsworthy “was caught up downland in England and Wales. th written evidence, dates from the late 19 in the air and never more seen”. There century. It goes rather like this: are also stories of poltergeists at Of course, it wasn’t as simple as that. Godsworthy and Wedlake. Nothing ever is. It took five more years George is said to have lived at to roll out as areas of access were Godsworthy Farm where he was Other examples of suicides being buried precisely defined, mapped and added to employed by the farmer, a Roger Chubb. at crossroads are to be found on on the Ordnance Survey map. Living where He became enamoured by Mary Bray, the Dartmoor, the best known of which is we do, we are all familiar with the daughter of the farmer of nearby Wedlake probably Jay’s Grave in the parish of orangey wash over the map of much of Farm. Although it is said that his feelings Manaton and not far from Swallerton Dartmoor. Undoubtedly there were big were reciprocated, Mary’s parents were Gate. But that’s another story gains and benefits in and very much against the match and forbade Cornwall which we can now all enjoy. them to meet. As far as I know, these are the only two grave locations actually marked on the There were and still are, restrictions Stephens became very depressed at OS map. Anybody know different? though. Everybody else’s dog, not yours being prevented from seeing Mary and of course, must be kept on leads was said to having been seen in Peter Note: between 1st March and 31st July to Tavy churchyard a few days later “quite protect ground nesting birds and low in spirits”. Some versions of the story say landowners have the right to close their Stephens’ name is John, including land for management or conservation. Apparently, at around the same time he John Haywood in his book was at the Michaelmas Fair in Tavistock “Dartmoor 365”. At the moment, the CROW Act remains and saw Mary in the company of another the current legislation although the man. William Crossing, however, says that Countryside Code, (guidance, not law) his name is George, and that is good has just been revised and there is a The story goes that George became very enough for me. summary elsewhere in this newsletter. jealous and this prompted him to decide So, Happy Birthday CROW! upon a “rash act”. He went to a shop and Long John bought poison, telling the shop keeper that it was to poison rats. It is believed that he took the poison there and then because he became very unwell whilst still in Tavistock.

He managed to get home where his farmer employer sent for a doctor but by the time the doctor arrived, he was dead. The doctor was in no doubt that George had died because of the effects of poison. The date was 30th October 1792.

Tavistock Ramblers at Stephens Grave on 21st April 2019

Photos by Long John Cycling on Footpaths

know we all hate to see a cyclist Cycling on Dartmoor however is a Cycle tracks and the conversion of Ibombing down a footpath and churning different kettle of fish altogether. DNP footpaths to bridleways so that bikes can up the surface but unfortunately there is have bylaws that prohibit the use of use them is covered by the Cycle Tracks not a lot we can do about it except get out mechanised vehicles on the moor and Act of 1984. No I am not making it up, it of the way. I have had to correct people this included pedal bikes although, as I really does exist. If you would like to read on several occasions who say that it is have said above, it is perfectly OK for a about it the Ramblers have an advisory illegal for it actually isn’t. cyclist to use a bridleway on the moor note. Advice note: Shared use of unless the DNP have prohibited it for footpaths with cyclists (England) In respect of bridleways it is perfectly they have powers to make bylaws to February 2018. ”legal” to cycle on a bridleway and this prohibit cycling on specified paths includes many of the moorland tracks. A including bridleways. Pretty well all cycle tracks, for instance, person on a bike on a footpath is in fact the Drake’s Trail are shared routes. Those only committing a trespass against the There are loads of bridleways that cross that aren’t are, I think, mostly those cycle land owner on whose land the path is the moor and cyclists use them every lanes by roads where the highway located. It is not a crime and only civil day. However, should the cyclist decide authority have converted a bit of original action can be taken by a landowner and to make a shortcut and cycle on the open road to a cycle lane and these will not be the most this is likely to result in is an moor he or she is causing an offence shared and will be for exclusive use of the injunction against doing it any more. under the DNP bylaws that prohibit cyclist. cycling except on bridleways. Under the Highways Act of 1894 and So next time you are out on a path and further under the Fixed Penalties Order of Infringement of DNP Bylaws is a criminal some bikes comes whizzing past it’s 1999 a police officer can make an on the offence. “No person shall without probably because they can. spot fine for cycling on a footway which reasonable excuse ride or drive a we now know as a pavement that runs cycle, motor cycle, motor vehicle or David Simkins alongside a highway. any other mechanically propelled vehicle on any part of the access land where there is no right of way for that class of vehicle.” To do so can incur Don’t Lose Your Way a fine of up to £500. he Don't Lose Your Way project is Tnow well on its way. The master map that you can see on the Ramblers web site was divided up into 20 parts to cover the whole of the Tavistock patch. Snowdonia 2022 Four volunteers have been allocated a section each and all the lost footpaths Tavistock Ramblers are planning a trip to Snowdonia next year. The are being closely examined to determine emphasis is on walking and we shall be staying in Betws-y-Coed. if any are worth saving. The duration is one week starting on Sunday 19th June 2022 This first phase is called clearing out the dross and I have to tell you that nearly We still have a number of places. Please let Peter Luff know if you are 90% of all the paths identified have been interested in travelling and he will be able to let you know costs etc. discarded. Some were just workers’ paths that just went to a farm or a mine. Contact details: [email protected] or 07979 541256 Others are now below Roadford Reservoir and a great many were only of benefit to the land owner.

When all the dross has been sifted out we will then go to the next phase to determine priority for the paths that are considered worthwhile. After that we can then start on finding the evidence to support opening up a lost path and that is going to be a huge task.

David Simkins Dartmoor Quiz

Congratulations to Jan Draper who was the first to submit an all correct answer to the Dartmoor quiz in the last Newsletter.

She won an amazing prize!

By the way, Elephant Rock is on Trewortha Tor (near Hawks Tor) and the other “Where Am I?” Tor was Leedon Tor. What is the Slow Ways Initiative? Now that the website has gone live, There are others from Lydford and Phase two of Slow Ways is looking for Yelverton plus Okehampton which can Slow Ways is a network of walking routes volunteers to walk, review and rate all of be found on the website. which connects all of the UK’s towns and the walks to ensure that they are fit for cities. purpose. We are looking to walk these routes and review/rate them (plus survey if we wish). Building on the wave of increased Each route needs at least 3 separate walking, which came about following the verifications that it is good/safe enough to It may be that our local knowledge first Covid lockdown, the project kick- be confirmed as a Slow Way route. means that we know a better route – if started in February 2020 with the aim of so, we are asked to upload it for mapping a network of walks to encourage It is also intended that each route will reviewing/rating. more walking, more often, further and have more detailed surveys undertaken – for more purposes. The initiative also online training is provided for those that It is probably not surprising that some of includes wheelchair and mobility scooter are interested in getting involved with the Slow Ways here are longer than the access. this. national average given our rural location.

It has received the support of local So how can Tavistock Ramblers help? We thought it might make sense to join councils including Tavistock Town up as teams to tackle some of the longer Council. Our nearest Slow Ways are: ones so we are looking for volunteers to spend a few hours reviewing these In Phase One, a group of volunteers drew Caltav - Callington to Tavistock (10 routes. up 7,500 walks (100,000 kms) across the miles) UK, on a desktop basis, each connecting Lautav – Launceston to Tavistock (17 If you would be able to give up some time two towns (2,500 towns). The average miles) to get involved please contact the Walks route length in England is 7.5 miles. The Tavlyd – Tavistock to Lydford (9 miles) Team on [email protected]. routes are expected, as far as possible, Tavpri – Tavistock to Princetown (8 to: miles) Christine Youds - Be safe to walk Tavyel – Tavistock to Yelverton (7 miles) Lydpri 1 and Lydpri 2 – Lydford to - Respect local codes and laws Princetown (both 13 miles) Yelpri 1 and Yelpri 2 – Yelverton to - Be as accessible as possible Princetown (8/9 miles)

- Be direct

- Be off-road

- Have resting places to eat/sleep every 5-10kms

- Pass through train and bus sta- tions

- Be easy to navigate

- Be enjoyable/beautiful but not a tour

- Use established routes but not be distracted by them

It is accepted that not all of these can always be met!

The routes put together have been named by using the first 3 letters of the two towns being linked. Routes have gradings (1 = easy – 5 = difficult) and signing of issues impacting routes (stiles, gates, steps etc.)

The central element of Slow Ways is its website providing detailed information on each of the routes. This enables anyone to plan long distance walks across the country. The website aims to provide full details of the route, including length, maximum and minimum elevation, type of terrain, photos showing any difficult access points, places to eat/rest on route etc. A Rambler’s Repast – Food to Pack for a Hike

here’s a particular kind of contented sigh when we heave Sandwich filling findings Toff our backpacks and stop for lunch. Everyone settles down on the grass or perches on a slab of granite, What tops the charts of Tavistock Ramblers’ favourite fillings? conversation stops and there is a relaxed air of happy Here’s the hit parade of a highly unscientific and random survey munching. Tucking into something tasty while contemplating a from some recent hikes: beautiful view is one of life’s great pleasures and, to quote Derek, “the best sauce is sunshine “. Ham is in first place - with mayonnaise and cucumber for Helen; lettuce and yellow pepper for Ros; cheese and spinach But what’s inside those backpacks? Which foods travel well for Sue and traditional mustard for Derek and Christine. Robert and is there something specific that fuels the walker? I’ve produced a bacon and egg doorstep, and envious glances. been peering into the lunchboxes of the Tavistock Ramblers and picking the brains of a local dietician. What’s popular and Cheese is a close second. Simon pairs it with salad in practical, and what’s good for us? Do they coincide? homemade bread. Colin is trying to eat a plant-based diet so fills a bread roll with vegan cheese and Marmite (full of B12 which is he says is good for bones). Rosemary’s cheese and cranberry sauce sandwich sounds scrumptious.

Coming in third is egg mayonnaise. It takes a bit more time to prepare but Robert fills a bap, while Rosemary puts it in gluten- free bread.

Do the seasons make a difference to our choices? A survey of sandwich fillings when we were sheltering from icy wind under a tree back in December revealed cheese and tomato, cheese and pickle, Brie and grape, bacon, and tuna. The latter might not fare so well in warmer temperatures.

How do our group face the challenge of keeping sandwiches moist without going soggy? Limiting the amount of butter and mayonnaise, using pickle or chutney instead and keeping tomatoes whole on the side are all sound strategies.

Sandwich alternatives

It’s quite surprising that Cornish pasties don’t make more of an appearance. I spotted Derek and Christine sharing a pork pie (inspired) while they told me of the rambler who brings baked beans and eats them cold, straight from the tin. Sounds revolting but you might disagree. In winter, Robert says he makes a big pot of stew or soup and puts some in a thermos for the picnic. Personally I often bring slice of quiche, Spanish omelette or even leftover pizza. All these things are satisfying and robust with the added bonus that they can be packed the Packing practicalities night before and kept in the fridge.

Planning a packed lunch includes portability to make sure it Sweet things doesn’t get squashed or melt. Plastic is first choice as light and leak-proof but can sweat (as can cling film and plastic bags). It seems we’re all partial to something sweet to round off the Insulated flasks keep your food hot or cold but are heavier and picnic. Energy bars, banana bread, Kit-Kats and chocolate bulkier. were all spotted recently (as well as more virtuous fruit). Graham gave me the idea of malt loaf - the ultimate good- Sustainability has become a consideration, especially with a tempered treat. Our mince pie hikes are one of the highlights of group of people who appreciate nature and the countryside. the festive period. But should we be indulging? Rosemary pops her sandwiches into a reusable paper bag. Helen uses very attractive wraps made from pieces of organic Dr Anne Payne thinks so, cotton coated with beeswax (which has natural antibacterial “Bananas, dried fruit and nuts qualities). They are wipeable and can be reused for at least a provide a good source of year. My own choice is a bamboo container which is light and healthy energy, with a relatively eco-friendly (and looks good in photographs!). slow release, as are cereal bars, such as Jordan’s. What to take However, a long walk is surely one time when a small bar of Doing a quick survey on our recent hikes, most people bring chocolate can be justified. sandwiches, fruit and a small sweet thing. Dr Anne Payne, Stay well clear of the high Lecturer in Dietetics from Tavistock, says this combination is a protein bars sold at good choice. supermarkets tills. If you’ve a healthy diet your kidneys “A balanced mix of protein (from cheese, meat or nuts), slow certainly don’t need the extra release carbs (seeded bread fits this brief nicely) and a little fat work they give and they cost an (from nuts, spread or a little mayonnaise) together provides the unjustified fortune.” body with all the fuel it needs for your walk.” A Rambler’s Repast – Food to Pack for a Hike Continued

Robert’s home-made flapjack is ideal. He says it’s “good slow- release energy to keep me going on a hike nicely” and it’s easy to make. Here’s his recipe (which I tested – it’s delicious):

Robert’s Flapjacks Ingredients 140g butter 85g granulated sugar (or golden caster sugar) 50g honey 225g rolled oats 30g ground almonds Pinch of salt

Method 1. Melt the butter, sugar and honey in a pan until liquid then chuck in the oats and almonds and a bit of salt. Mix very well until all the dry ingredients are well soaked in the liquid.

2. Put the mix in your greased container, pressing it down well.

3. I cook mine in a 10 inch round Pyrex tart dish it makes the flap jack a nice thickness but tends to stick a bit (I will have to invest in a proper non-stick tart tin)*. Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes in a moderate oven (180C) until golden brown.

4. When cooked leave in the tin to cool but make sure to cut the flapjack in the tin into pieces of your desired size after about 5 minutes. My dish makes 12 Do you like these ideas? Are you keen to share your secret to the ultimate packed lunch on a ramble? All feedback pieces of yummy goodies. welcome. *Sally note: I greased and lined my tin with baking parchment Words and photos by Sally Prosser

From the Archives

Tavistock Ramblers in April 2012 near Steps Bridge. Photo by Long John The New Countryside Code

Were you aware that an updated version of the Countryside Code was published on 1st April (yes, really).

This is it:

What exactly are the changes? Changes to the code include advice on creating a welcoming environment for other people by being nice and saying hello, and reminders not to feed livestock, horses or wild animals and to stay on marked footpaths, even if they are muddy, to protect crops and wildlife. There are also clearer rules for dog walkers to bag up their pet’s poo and take it home to their own bin if there are no public waste bins, and information on permission for certain activities such as wild swimming. The code is aiming for a change of tone to create a guide for the public, rather than a list of rules, as it recognises the benefits for people of spending time in nature and encourages people to “enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory”. It also makes clear that the guidance applies to all natural places, including parks and waterways, coast and countryside. The key changes at a glance: New advice for people to ‘be nice, say hello, share the space’ as well as ‘enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory’. A reminder not to feed livestock, horses or wild animals. To stay on marked footpaths, even if they are muddy, to protect crops and wildlife. Information on permissions to do certain outdoor activities, such as wild swimming. Clearer rules for dog walkers to take home dog poo and use their own bin if a there are no public waste bins. A refreshed tone of voice, creating a guide for the public rather than a list of rules – recognising the significant health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature. New wording to make clear that the code applies to all our natural places, including parks and waterways, coast and countryside.