What we have had so far is a Mission Statement. Phil was sugesting a code of practice that lays down what you should and should not do.
These are taken from the DEFRA (Natural England Guidance:
Pick the bones out of them.
Annex 1: Model Code of Conduct
Generic paragraphs recommended for inclusion in the Code of Conduct of ALL organisations
General
1. One named member of the organisation (the “rally marshal” or “responsible person”) is to be responsible for the conduct of any exempted touring caravan or camping event and for ensuring that those attending comply with this code.
2. The responsible person must ensure that all members are aware of The Countryside Code, The Caravan Code and The Seashore Code (see Annexes 1a -c).
The Venue
3. The organisation will take reasonable steps to satisfy themselves that the site to be used is not subject to a relevant order under paragraph 13 of the First Schedule to the 1960 Act (for caravans), or an Article 4 direction under Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (for caravans and camping), and that it is not one where planning permission has been refused or where enforcement action has been taken.
4. The organisation will consult the local authority before meeting on land adjacent to sites for which planning permission has been granted (i.e. next to permanent or commercial sites).
5. The organisation will agree to move from and avoid any site to which the local authority maintains a valid objection.
6. The organisation will not meet on sites adjacent to certificated locations/sites unless the proposed site is clearly differentiated and the risk of interference with local people and other users is minimal.
7. The organisation will take reasonable steps to ensure that the siting of units (a caravan, motor home, tent or trailer tent) does not unduly interfere with the activities of local people, their privacy or their enjoyment of their property. They will also ensure that the siting of units does not interfere with the enjoyment by others of the landscape, natural beauty or nature conservation value of the area, particularly in areas designated for their landscape or wildlife qualities.
8. The organisation will undertake not to over-use any venue and will consider carefully before holding successive meetings on the same land.
Nuisance
9. Local people should be able to carry on their normal activities when meetings are in progress. The organisation will take reasonable steps to minimise disturbance and will investigate and deal with the causes of any complaints made.
10. Care should be taken not to damage the site or the surrounding locality. Trees, fences, buildings, equipment and stock should all be respected. 15
11. Domestic animals belonging to members of the organisation will be kept on a lead and under close control. They will not be allowed to run loose on the site or cause disturbance to local people or animals. They will be exercised away from units and those parts of the site used for communal activities. Any mess will be cleared up.
12. The responsible person will identify open space suitable for the playing of games which might otherwise intrude upon or constitute a danger or annoyance to others on or around the site.
13. Noise should be kept to a minimum for the comfort of others on the site as well as people who live or work nearby.
Road Safety and Access
14. The responsible person will take steps to ensure that travel from major roads to a proposed site is not likely to cause undue disruption or difficulties for other road users. Access to the site must be suitable for the number and likely size of units attending the meeting. The arrival and departure of units should be arranged to minimise disruption to other road users.
15. The speed of vehicles on the site should be restricted to 5 mph.
Spacing and Density
16. For health and safety purposes emergency vehicles must be able to gain access to any unit on the site. As such, units should be well spaced and sited so they do not restrict access to, or exit from, any other unit or the site in general. At least 3 metres should be required between units in all circumstances. For this purpose, a unit includes the caravan, motor home, tent or trailer-tent, plus any awnings, gazebo or pup-tent and the car or towing vehicle.
17. Where a site is being used by both caravans and tents they must be sited entirely separate from each other for health & safety reasons. However, this does not necessarily mean segregated. If the layout of the field does not allow for separate lines of tents, it is permissible to continue a line of caravans/motor homes with a line of tents, but they must be sited en-bloc and not interspersed. Trailer tents are classified as tents and must be sited accordingly. Children’s “pup-tents” may be erected alongside the parents’ unit and should be considered as part of the unit for spacing purposes. It is recommended that there is at least 6 metres between any rows of caravans and tents. See Annex 1d for further advice on spacing issues.
Fire Precautions
18. Open fires and barbecues will not be held except with the permission of the responsible person. Where permission is given for open fires or barbecues, they will be sited on open ground, away from units, vehicles, awnings and any other structures.
19. A fire extinguisher approved to British Standards Institute and/or Fire Officers Certificate standards will be held on site.
16
Chemical Toilets and Waste Water Disposal
20. Organisations will act responsibly when disposing of the contents of chemical toilets and waste water and take full account of the need to safeguard water supplies and prevent the pollution of rivers and streams.
21. On-site disposal of the contents of chemical toilets and waste water will be in accordance with arrangements agreed with the site owner/occupier. Neither will be allowed to foul the ground except at designated disposal points. If there is any doubt about the disposal of waste, the organisation or, if appropriate, the responsible person will contact the relevant Local Authority for advice.
Refuse disposal
22. Organisations should ensure that refuse is either taken home or disposed of in accordance with on-site arrangements. The rally marshal should be satisfied that appropriate arrangements are in place.
Additional general paragraph recommended to be included by organisations holding a camping exemption certificate
23. The organisation will use every endeavour not to camp on any site for more than 42 consecutive days or 60 days in any 12 consecutive months. The organisation will also endeavour not to camp on any site being used for camping by other exempted organisations if, by doing so, the use of this site would be taken over these limits. This will help avoid overuse of sites, particularly in popular areas.
17
Annex 1a: The Countryside Code
Helping everyone to respect, protect & enjoy our countryside
The Countryside Code applies to all parts of the countryside. There are five parts to the Countryside code and most of it is just good commonsense. It’s designed to help us all to respect, protect and enjoy our countryside.
The Code, which applies in England and Wales (Scotland has its own Outdoor Access Code), makes it clear what the responsibilities are for both the public and the people who manage the land. For further information see
http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk/things_to_know/countryside_code
1) Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
•
Even when going out locally, it's best to get the latest information about where and when you can go. For example, your rights to go onto some areas of open land may be restricted while work is carried out, for safety reasons, or during breeding seasons. Follow advice and local signs, and be prepared for the unexpected.
•
Refer to up-to-date maps or guidebooks or contact local information centres.
•
You’re responsible for your own safety and for others in your care, so be prepared for changes in weather and other events. Visit
www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk for links to organisations offering specific advice on equipment and safety, or contact visitor information centres and libraries for a list of outdoor recreation groups.
•
Check weather conditions before you leave, and don't be afraid to turn back.
•
Part of the appeal of the countryside is that you can get away from it all. You may not see anyone for hours, and there are many places without clear mobile phone signals, so let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.
•
Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside
2) Leave gates and property as you find them
•
Please respect the working life of the countryside, as our actions can affect people's livelihoods, our heritage, and the safety and welfare of animals and ourselves.
•
A farmer will normally leave a gate closed to keep livestock in, but may sometimes leave it open so they can reach food and water. Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs. If walking in a group, make sure the last person knows how to leave the gates.
•
If you think a sign is illegal or misleading such as a 'Private - No Entry' sign on a public footpath, contact the local authority.
•
In fields where crops are growing, follow the paths wherever possible.
•
Use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries when provided - climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them and increase the risk of farm animals escaping.
•
Our heritage belongs to all of us - be careful not to disturb ruins and historic sites.
•
Leave machinery and livestock alone - don't interfere with animals even if you think they're in distress. Try to alert the farmer instead.
3) Protect plants and animals and take your litter home
•
We have a responsibility to protect our countryside now and for future generations, so make sure you don't harm animals, birds, plants or trees.
•
Litter and leftover food doesn't just spoil the beauty of the countryside, it can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals and can spread disease - so take your litter home with you. Dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offences.
18
•
Discover the beauty of the natural environment and take special care not to damage, destroy or remove features such as rocks, plants and trees. They provide homes and food for wildlife, and add to everybody's enjoyment of the countryside.
•
Wild animals and farm animals can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they're with their young - so give them plenty of space.
•
Fires can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property - so be careful not to drop a match or smouldering cigarette at any time of the year. Sometimes, controlled fires are used to manage vegetation, particularly on heaths and moors between October and early April, so please check that a fire is not supervised before calling 999.
4) Keep dogs under close control
•
The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s duty to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people.
•
By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife. On most areas of open country and common land, known as 'access land' you must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and common land between 1 March and 31 July, and all year round near farm animals.
•
You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.
•
If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead – don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.
•
Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife – eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.
•
Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and it can cause infections – so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Also make sure your dog is wormed regularly to protect it, other animals and people.
•
At certain times, dogs may not be allowed on some areas of access land or may need to be kept on a lead. Please follow any signs. You can also find out more by phoning the Open Access Contact Centre on 0845 100 3298.
5) Consider other people
•
Showing consideration and respect for other people makes the countryside a pleasant environment for everyone - at home, at work and at leisure.
•
Whether you’re walking on your own or with a large group, you’ll have an impact on the local environment. Follow these brief rules to make it more pleasant for visitors and locals alike.
•
Busy traffic on small country roads can be unpleasant and dangerous to local people, visitors and wildlife - so slow down and, where possible, leave your vehicle at home, consider sharing lifts and use alternatives such as public transport or cycling. For public transport information, phone Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or use your local sources of information.
•
Respect the needs of local people - for example, don't block gateways, driveways or other entry points with your vehicle.
•
Keep out of the way when farm animals are being gathered or moved and follow directions from the farmer.
•
When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down for horses, walkers and livestock and give them plenty of room. By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse-riders on bridleways.
•
Support the rural economy - for example, buy your supplies from local shops.
19
Annex 1b: The Caravan Code
The Caravan
•
Whether trailer or motor caravan it is a vehicle specifically for caravanning. Its appearance and colour are appropriate and do not offend public opinion.
•
It is regularly serviced so that it is safe in all respects when touring on the road, and on site.
On The Road
Selection of trailer caravan and towing vehicle allows adequate performance in line with the Towing Code, namely:
•
The actual laden weight of the caravan should be kept as low as possible and should never normally exceed the kerb weight of the towing vehicle
•
The engine is powerful enough to keep the outfit at a speed, particularly on hills, that does not baulk other traffic
•
The caravan is carefully loaded to provide good balance and avoid instability
The caravan complies with all Road Traffic Acts and other relevant Regulations, in particular that there should be an adequate view to the rear of the caravan.
Where the caravan is a trailer towed by a vehicle, it is insured against third party risks. This must cover not only the caravan when attached to the towing vehicle, but also when detached.
Particular attention is paid to those sections of the Highway Code relevant to trailer caravans.
•
To cause the minimum inconvenience to other traffic the caravanner observes traffic to his rear and ensures that every opportunity is offered for other vehicles to overtake. This includes the need always to allow space in front of the outfit for faster traffic to pull into with safety (and never to have two or more outfits bunched together) and on narrow roads to pull in and halt at a safe place to allow following traffic to overtake.
•
To carry out normal road manoeuvres with increased care to take account of the length of the outfit, the vehicle’s reduced acceleration and its longer stopping distances when braking. This requires greater anticipation, early signalling of intentions, and a very careful watch of overtaken traffic, particularly cyclists, before pulling in.
On Any Site
The member:
•
Pitches on private land only with the express permission of the owner
•
Places the caravan where it will not interfere with the convenience or enjoyment of others
•
Avoids damage to turf by digging holes only when absolutely necessary, and replacing turf where possible and by considerate use of the vehicle
•
Disposes of any rubbish only by the means provided on the site. If no receptacles are provided, as on some small farm sites, rubbish is taken home for disposal, or to any other recognised disposal point that has space.
•
For touring other than on sites equipped with toilets, will carry his/her own sanitary equipment (usually chemical closet and approved related fluid) and dispose of the contents only at a point provided for the purpose. If burial is necessary, as perhaps on private property, this will not be done in the vicinity of any water course.
20
•
Allows no waste water from the caravan to foul the ground, ensures that suitable receptacles are connected to the waste water pipes to collect the waste, and the receptacles emptied as necessary. In the few instances where no disposal point is provided, minimum fouling is achieved by distributing the water over a considerable area, as along a hedge
•
Allows neither children nor animals to spoil the enjoyment of others, by keeping them under control
•
Drives slowly and quietly when on site
•
Respects the privacy and peace of others at all times by keeping to a minimum, mechanical, instrumental or vocal noise
•
Ensures that any laundry outside the caravan is displayed as discretely as possible
•
Keeps the pitch neat and tidy, with no loose equipment outside the caravan beyond what is necessary or appropriate, and on departure leaves it as clean as, or cleaner than, it was on arrival
•
Observes the country code relating to water, cleanliness, fire dangers, litter, public paths, gates, control of dogs, damage to crops, hedges, walls, trees and plants, livestock and wildlife.
General
At all times, on the road or on site, every caravanner shows courtesy and consideration to all comers so that the good will of the general public towards caravanners is maintained and improved. 21
