FARMERS have been told to stop shouting “get off my land” and instead use friendly language if they see trespassers on their fields.
Advice in the new Countryside Code says they should ask people if they are lost, then help them “get back on track”.
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Farmers have been told to stop shouting 'get off my land' and instead use friendly language if they see trespassers on their fields Credit: Alamy
They have also been urged not to use misleading signs to deter unwanted visitors — such as claiming they have bulls in their fields.
The amusing changes to the -Countryside Code, published by Natural England, are part of plans to “help the public enjoy the countryside in a responsible and respectful way”.
It reads: “Visitors rarely mean to trespass. Make signs clear and easy to follow. Too much information can confuse visitors and cause them to do the wrong thing. Do not use misleading signs, like ‘bull in field’ if not true.”
Farmers have also been warned not to keep potentially dangerous animals in places with public access.
It follows several incidents of walkers being killed or injured by cows.
The changes, published this week, aim to “avoid damage to property, livestock and wider anti-social behaviour”.
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But farmers have argued it should be up to them what works best for their farm — and the new guidance has sparked fears the countryside will turn into a free-for-all for ramblers.
Natural England boss Marian Spain said: “This refreshed advice has never been more important in helping to ensure we work together to protect our outdoor spaces.
“I urge all land managers to follow this new advice.”