BASIC Expedition TrainingAUO Grisdale

EXPEDITION TRAINING

The Countryside Code

References / Cadet Training Manual Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 2
Location / Lecture Room
Length / 30 minutes
Equipment / Countryside Code Power point, Countryside Code Hand out, Countryside Code leaflet, Moorland Visitor’s Code leaflet

Beginning of the lesson (5minutes)

Prelims / Introduce yourself, question policy, emergency exits
Revision / Introduction to Expedition Training
Aim / To ensure the cadet understands how to behave responsibly and safely in the countryside
Incentive / It will allow cadets to go on expeditions and pass their basic expedition training
Reason why / So cadets are prepared for future expeditions

Middle of the lesson (20 minutes)

Explain: The Countryside Code (See Hand out)

The Countryside Code and the Moorland Visitor’s Code (both sponsored by the Countryside Agency) have replaced the former ‘Country Code’. There are five headings common to both codes, and a sixth relating to Moorland. Main points are as follows:

1.  Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs

a)  Use up to date maps and guidebooks

b)  Be prepared for changes in weather and other events

c)  Check weather forecasts before you leave

d)  Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return

e)  Get to know footpath marking signs

2.  Leave gates and property as you find them

a)  A farmer will normally leave a gate closed to keep stock in, but may sometimes leave it open so they can reach food and water. Leave gates as you find them

b)  Follow paths across land that has crops

c)  Use gates and stiles, climbing over walls and fences can cause damage and allow farm animals to escape

d)  Do not disturb any ruins and historic areas

e)  Leave machinery and livestock alone

3.  Protect plants and animals and take your litter home

a)  Litter and leftover food spoils the beauty of the countryside and can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals, and may spread disease: take your little home with you

b)  Take care not to damage rocks, plants and trees

c)  Animals can behave unpredictably; don’t get too close, especially if they are with young

d)  Fires can be devastating to wildlife and habitat as well as people and property. Take care not to drop matches or smouldering cigarettes

4.  Keep dogs under close control

a)  By law, dog owners must control their dog

b)  Farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that worries or injures their animals

c)  Dogs may be excluded from some areas of open land at certain times

d)  Clean up after your dog

e)  Cadets should not take dogs on expeditions

5.  Consider other people

a)  Respect the needs of local people

b)  Keep out of the way when farm animals are being gathered or moved and follow directions given by the farmer

c)  When riding a bike, slow down for horses, walkers and livestock

d)  Support the rural economy by using local shops if you can

6.  Prevent uncontrolled moorland fires (Moorland Code only)

a)  Never light fires on open moorland – even cooking stoves or barbecues

b)  When the fire risk is high, respect all warning signs

c)  Controlled fires for healthier burning are sometimes carried out between October and April. Report any moorland fires you see, especially outside those dates

Does anybody have any questions?

Questions to test the class: (Pose, Pause, Nominate)

1 / What is the first main point of the Countryside Code?
2 / What is the second main point of the Countryside Code?
3 / What is the third main point of the Countryside Code?
4 / What is the fourth main point of the Countryside Code?
5 / What is the fifth main point of the Countryside Code?

Summary:

You should now understand how to behave responsibly whilst in the Countryside, and feel more prepared for future expeditions.

Look Forward:

1 Star: Building the Team

(You will be taught how to distribute tasks, work together and support other members of a team)