Responding to the new Countryside Code, John Davies NFU Cymru President said: “The Covid pandemic has brought to light the multiple health and wellbeing benefits of getting out into the beautiful Welsh countryside, with millions of people taking the opportunity to visit during lockdown.

“It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about where our food comes from and to appreciate the iconic landscapes, maintained and enhanced by Welsh farmers.

“With larger than usual numbers and many first-time walkers visiting the Welsh countryside, we’re pleased the new Countryside Code will educate and remind walkers of the importance of following the simple rules and respecting the countryside. This is especially crucial as much of the access land and rights of way network is an active working environment where farmers and growers carry out their daily job of producing food.

“NFU Cymru has worked with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to revise the Countryside Code messaging and ensure its fit for purpose to help address the recent increase in access-related issues such as keeping to public rights of way, ensuring dogs are under control and dog waste is binned. We are pleased that many of our recommendations have been included.”

This week NFU Cymru launched its manifesto ahead of the Welsh Parliament elections in May and one of our key asks was on access. Read the manifesto here.