Latest news with #CountrysideCode
Rhyl Journal
5 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Natural Resources Wales urges visitors to act responsibly
With the country expecting another busy season across its national parks, forests, and nature reserves, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is reminding the public to follow the Countryside Code amid rising concerns over littering, wildfires, and anti-social behaviour. Joseph Conran, lead specialist advisor for outdoor access and recreation at NRW, said: "Wales offers such an amazing backdrop for your individual or family adventures. "From on-the-doorstep fun in your local park or woodland, weekends away to splash in the waters of our beautiful beaches, to longer trips exploring the majesty and mystery of our mountains, it has something for everyone and we love to give a 'croeso cynnes' (warm welcome) to responsible visitors. "For many, the summer months are a time for relaxing, having fun and recharging batteries. "However, it's also the busiest time of year in the outdoors, and can unfortunately lead to increased incidents of injury, damage to our environment or antisocial behaviour. "The Countryside Code has been with us for generations as a gentle reminder of how we can respect the places we visit. "By following its simple messages, you can feel confident that you are doing the right thing for yourselves, other people and the environment." NRW has reported a 400 per cent rise in wildfires following a warm and dry spring. The agency is urging people not to light campfires, discard cigarettes, or leave litter, especially glass bottles, in the countryside. People are being told to avoid barbecues during dry weather and only use them in designated areas at other times. Fly-camping, or camping without a landowner's permission, is also being discouraged due to its associated fire risks. NRW advises visitors to book official campsites instead. With rising temperatures, many people may be tempted to swim in open water. NRW warns the public to check for hidden dangers, strong currents, and safe exit points before entering the water. Waterfalls are particularly hazardous due to turbulent, recirculating currents. The safest place to swim outdoors is at a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags. NRW recommends the AdventureSmart UK website for guidance on open water swimming. Visitors are also encouraged to plan ahead, respect private land, and leave no trace of their visit. The Countryside Code, which applies to all outdoor areas including coastlines, parks, and waterways, can be found on the NRW website.
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- South Wales Argus
NRW urges people to stay safe in the countryside this summer
Over the last few years, there has been a rise in anti-social behaviour and environmental damage in the countryside such as littering, fires and fly-camping, as well as an increase in mountain and water safety incidents. Now Natural Resources Wales is urging visitors to follow the Countryside Code in all outdoor spaces, reminding visitors of the need to take steps to plan their adventure, prevent wildfires and be safe around water during the summer months. Joseph Conran, lead specialist advisor for outdoor access and recreation at Natural Resources Wales, said: 'For many, the summer months are a time for relaxing, having fun and recharging batteries. "However, it's also the busiest time of year in the outdoors, and can unfortunately lead to increased incidents of injury, damage to our environment or antisocial behaviour." He said by following the Countryside Code people can feel confident that they are doing the right thing for themselves, other people and the environment.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning to parents after kids seen ‘eating toxic plant' at Scots country park
They issued more advice to visitors WEED WARNING Urgent warning to parents after kids seen 'eating toxic plant' at Scots country park Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN URGENT warning has been issued to parents after youngsters were reportedly seen eating a toxic plant. The alarming reports came in at the Palacerigg Country Park in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The warning was issued at Palacerigg Country Park Credit: The Sun 4 Kids were seen picking up ragwort Credit: Alamy 4 The plant is toxic and can be harmful Credit: Alamy A member of the public raised the alarm after seeing youngsters picking up Ragwort. They even reportedly saw one child eating it. The toxic yellow weed is found in the park and can be harmful if ingested. It can be mildly harmful to humans but can kill livestock such as horses if they swallow it. Some people can also have allergic reactions to it and end up with irritated skin. A post from the Palacerigg Community Trust initially warned parents about the situation. They then followed up with a second post issuing advice about the Countryside Code and how to stay safe in the park. It read: "We were attempting to educate as we had received a phone call from a concerned member of the public regarding young children picking and on one occasion eating Ragwort, which is toxic when ingested. "This was never meant as a Ragwort is a "bad plant" post. We have tried our best to rephrase this post in a positive light, so as still to educate people who are not as countryside savvy, but are out enjoying Palacerigg and who may require the guidance to avoid situations such as that reported." Part of the advice they issued urged people not to pick wildflowers. What does hogweed look like? They warned people could unknowingly pick up a poisonous plant. Their post continued: "It might seem harmless to pick a few blooms, but it can damage fragile ecosystems. "Many wildflowers are vital for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and some are even protected species. "Removing them can reduce biodiversity and affect the balance of nature. "Some plants have natural defences including thorns and being toxic when ingested, so can also be harmful to humans and animals." People visiting the park have also been urged not to wander of the footpaths to protect wildlife. They also were told to keep dogs on a lead which could stress or injure animals. Punters visiting the park were also told not to light any fires amid the horrific wildfires which have broken out across the country. We told in April how a horrific wildfire broke out at Palacerigg Country Park which was visible for miles.
Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Park near Glasgow issues warning after due to plant
Palacerigg Community Trust took to Facebook this morning, July 22, to alert the public after receiving reports of children picking — and in one case, eating — ragwort at Palacerigg Country Park in Cumbernauld. The wildflower has been seen growing along Palacerigg Road, near the entrance to the park, which is a popular spot for families, dog walkers, and nature enthusiasts. READ MORE: Rat infested Palacerigg park reopens as visitors told: 'Watch your waste' Ragwort (Image: Newsquest) The Trust issued the warning in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers associated with the plant. While ragwort is more toxic to animals, it can also be harmful to humans if consumed in large quantities. Handling the plant, particularly pulling it up by hand, can cause skin irritation. Dog owners are being urged to take caution in the area, as ingestion of ragwort can cause liver damage in dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include a loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), weight loss, and general weakness. READ MORE: Firefighters tackle 300 metre long blaze at Palacerigg Country Park Ragwort is even more dangerous for horses. When eaten, the plant causes cumulative liver damage, meaning that small amounts consumed over time can be just as harmful as a large quantity eaten all at once. The effects are often irreversible and can prove fatal. Following the initial warning, Palacerigg Community Trust issued a further statement reminding visitors of responsible behaviour when enjoying the countryside. They advised people not to pick wildflowers, to remain on designated footpaths, to avoid disturbing animals, to take litter home, and to refrain from lighting fires or barbecues in the park. The Trust stated: 'The countryside belongs to all of us – but it thrives when we treat it with care. Follow the Countryside Code to keep yourself safe and help keep our wild spaces beautiful, safe, and alive for future generations.'
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Landscape charity launches Lakes litter survey
A landscape charity has launched an online survey in an effort to get a clearer idea about the scale of littering and illegal camping in a national park. Friends of the Lake District said it wanted to find out whether people living in the area think the problem is becoming more widespread. The findings of the questionnaire will be used by the organisation to campaign for measures such as more frequent visits to hotspots by rangers, tougher action against anyone found to be responsible for leaving a mess and more effective prevention steps. Valleys, roadsides and lake shores are among the areas commonly seeing problems, it says. The group said people leaving rubbish behind, as well as those camping without the landowner's permission, "seems to have grown as a problem" in recent years. It added it comes "in the wake of a slew of social media videos of influencers sharing their experiences" in the area without sharing how to visit responsibly and follow the Countryside Code" – a set of guidelines aimed at protecting the outdoors. The role of influencers has been in the spotlight and in May the Lake District National Park Authority announced it would pay some to help discourage people from fly camping and littering. Wildfire risk Kay Andrews, the organisation's engagement lead said: "The lasting effects of leaving rubbish in the landscape aren't just visual. "Litter can kill wildlife and livestock, damage soils, leach into water systems and cause health hazards, while barbecues and fires can easily cause wildfires in summer. "When people act in such a thoughtless manner, it ruins the enjoyment of the beautiful countryside of the Lake District for other visitors and causes affected communities stress and upset". Posts about the Lake District are incredibly popular on platforms such as Instagram, with about 6.4m tags for the location used, compared to 2.4m for the Peak District and 1.9m for Northumberland. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More on this topic Campers dump tent, rubbish and uncooked sausages Destructive 'fly campers' threatened with fines Lake District charity hits out at litter pests
