'We are still seeing irresponsible use of the countryside' - farmers reject widening public's access rights

NSA's chief executive Phil Stocker said he could not support furthering the public's right to access the countryside without increased protection for farmers, businesses and livestock due to 'irresponsible' behaviour

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
"We continue to see irresponsible use of the countryside and the attitude from some members of the public shown to farm businesses is utterly appalling."
Image:

"We continue to see irresponsible use of the countryside and the attitude from some members of the public shown to farm businesses is utterly appalling."

The NSA has placed pressure on the Government not to expand the public's access in the countryside due to farm businesses being on the wrong end of bad behaviour from the public. Concerns from the farming...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Farm Life

OPINION: "Open the farm gate, muddy the public's trainers and change how they see farming"
Farm Life

OPINION: "Open the farm gate, muddy the public's trainers and change how they see farming"

As LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) encourages farmers to open their gates for Open Farm Sunday on June 7, Farmers Guardian's editorial director Olivia Midgley reflects on the quiet but powerful influence such encounters can have on the public

Olivia Midgley
clock 19 March 2026 • 2 min read
Rural poverty 'overlooked and misunderstood' by policymakers, report finds
Farm Life

Rural poverty 'overlooked and misunderstood' by policymakers, report finds

Rural communities have been overlooked by successive Governments, the report says, with assumptions that they are areas assumed to be 'prosperous, politically peripheral, or resistant to change'

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 19 March 2026 • 8 min read
Spirited sisters unite through grief and grit to run Cheshire mixed farm
Farm Life

Spirited sisters unite through grief and grit to run Cheshire mixed farm

After the loss of their father, sisters Fiona and Alison Wilshaw stepped up to run their family farm in Cheshire

Danusia Osiowy
clock 19 March 2026 • 9 min read