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Several rules in the Countryside Code highlight the responsibilities for people who will manage the land and for visitors who access it (e.g. national parks, nature reserves).
This section explains some of the key regulations and restrictions relating to the land and scenery of rural areas in the United Kingdom.
Due to their natural and cultural importance, all 'designated' areas of countryside and nature sites receive special status as protected areas.
The protection they get means they will have clear boundaries, and:
There are several organisations and authorities that designate these places into 'protected areas' of the United Kingdom. They include Natural England, along with:
Note: Certain activities and developments could have restrictions placed on them if they are likely to affect designated or protected areas (e.g. building new roads or properties). The restrictions can also apply to areas close by.
You can check online to see if your business or your home is near to any protected areas and what environmental restrictions may apply in your region:
You may need to make a specialist search to find other kinds of protected areas across the United Kingdom. They will include certain areas like national parks (or Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and wetland sites.
Further information is available from:
Your local council authority will be able to confirm what type of restrictions, if any, may apply to your home or your business.
But, if you are planning on building a home or opening a new business that might affect a protected area, you may also need to:
Important: Some of the rules and procedures for Environmental Impact Assessments may differ in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The local council, the Environment Agency, or Natural England may contact you if any new restrictions mean your business is going to affect a newly designated area.
The guide explains how to use public rights of way 'legally' and how your 'right to roam' allows restricted access to certain areas of the United Kingdom.
The section explains how to appeal a hedgerow notice if you disagree with a decision sent to you by the local planning authority (LPA).
Find out when and how to appeal a right of way decision (using a schedule 14 appeal form) and who may comment on the actual appeal.
Besides protecting rural landscapes and features, certain other obligations apply for people who own (or occupy) a scheduled monument.
Note: The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) provides money for projects to improve agriculture, the environment and rural life.
Note: This is the abbreviated 'Covid-19' version. You can download the full Countryside Code PDF on the GOV.UK website.
Many areas of the UK countryside are protected due to their natural beauty and rare geology, plants, and wildlife and biodiversity. Typical examples include national parks, nature reserves, and green spaces.
Note: Another section explains your rights of way and accessing land across certain areas of the United Kingdom (e.g. for walking or horse riding).
You can contact your local council to get further details about any green spaces near to where you live (e.g. parks, village greens).
Nature reserves can include areas such as ancient woodlands, coastal headlands, and former industrial sites or some inner city areas.
Note: The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) manage a selection of nature reserves around Britain.
Certain parts of the UK countryside get legal protection because of their landscape. They include National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (found on the 'Landscapes for life' website.
Countryside Rules and Regulations in the United Kingdom
