Accessing the countryside
Jersey has a network of paths across public and private land in some of the Island’s most beautiful landscapes. Find out where they are and who can use them by visiting the access to the countryside webpage.
Personal safety
In order to keep yourself safe while enjoying the countryside, you should:
- keep to footpaths, particularly on cliffs
- take special care on country roads
- take great care when walking along the foreshore at low water - always check tide tables prior to exploration
- wear appropriate boots and clothing
Consideration of others
You should always respect other users of the countryside and should:
- respect the peace and quiet of the natural habitats and avoid disturbing others
- leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
- shut all gates
- do not ride bicycles on footpaths
- keep dogs under control and remove waste
Protection of plants and animals
It is vital that we protect the Island's varied species and habitats. You can do this by:
- not picking wild plants
- not damaging trees by climbing those too small to take your weight or by breaking off branches
- keeping all ponds, streams and reservoirs clear of pollution
- replacing rocks as they were if you search under them
- not disturbing bird nests or removing eggs
- keeping your dogs under control
- taking your litter home - plastic and glass is dangerous to wildlife
Dogs owners
The countryside is a great place to exercise your dog, but it’s your duty to make sure your dog is not a danger or nuisance to:
- farm animals
- wildlife
- people
You must ensure that you:
- control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife
- keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close control
- let your dog off the lead if a farm animal chases you and your dog - don’t risk getting hurt trying to protect it
- take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs, or wander in areas where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground or other wildlife – eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents
- always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Dog mess is unpleasant and can carry serious infections. Also make sure your dog is wormed regularly
- keep them on a lead on beaches between 10.30am to 6pm, 1 May to 30 September
Animal fouling and disposal bins
All responsible dog owners must remove dog waste from all areas that the public have access to. Special bins are provided in certain locations for the disposal of this waste.
Report any problems with these bins to the Department for Infrastructure.
gov.je
