What is the Country Code? #63

Photo Tips Podcast: What is the Country Code? #63

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Zim: Back on the podcast today is Allison Pretious, our bird photographer. She’s here to talk about the country code. Hey Alison, welcome back to the podcast. Thanks for joining me.

Alison: You're welcome, how are you Zim.

Zim: I'm doing great, how are things there in the U.K.?

Alison:  Nice and sunny today so everybody's smiling.

Zim: So you're back today to talk about the country code. First of all what is the country code?

Alison: Country code really is just rules of the road.

Zim: Okay so it's a code of conduct for the people who are out there in parks and in our environment.

Alison: That’s right. I mean out in the countryside some people live there so you need to respect our privacy and often they have a footpath going through their back yard. You know there is industry  in the countryside as well, so you need to respect those. You know, the environment you’re in.

Zim:  Alison what I don't understand is, you're saying that some of these paths pass through private property and that's legal for you to walk on these paths is that correct?

Alison:  If it’s public footpath then it’s fine, yes. We’ve got footpaths or by ways or restricted byways or all traffic by ways which basically means, some are just on foot; some you can ride a horse through and some you can ride a motor bike through

Zim: So just to be clear, here in the United States if it is posted no trespassing you probably shouldn't step over that line because then you are definitely trust passing, and breaking the law and probably subject to arrest. So different countries, different places have different rules, and the point is you need to be aware of that. So other than not trespassing on somebody's land and making sure that if you are using a byway that you do respect private property, why is the country code important?

Alison: Well it’s important to keep it intact for nature and for other people to constantly enjoy.

Zim: So in your opinion what's the most important code of conduct that we need to observe?

Alison: I think you need to respect and be considerate of the people working and living in the country and for other visitors. If everybody does their bit then it’s nice for everybody. For example picking up your liter. And just simple things, keep to the path.

Zim: Yeah and very often I like to bring a little plastic bag with me because there are usually not any trash bins around and if I see somebody else's trash I'll go ahead and put their trash in as well and put it in a proper trash can when I find one.

Alison: That's exactly what we want people to do as well but sadly some people don’t. It's very important that we pack it in and pack it out, so as photographers the vision is unspoiled and wildlife is protected. We don’t want animals being hurt by our liter and it just makes it so much more pleasant for everybody.

Zim: Yeah it's always sad to see those photos of like birds or some sea animals stuck in some plastic bag or something like that. It's a really horrible photo to have to take. So what other codes of conduct do we need to be aware of?

Alison: Just regular things, like don't light a fire don’t light a barbeque. That can spoil the environment. If you’ve got a dog with you make sure it's under control and always in your site. And obviously dog poo. Bag it, bin it. Care for nature. Try not to damage anything. Stick to the paths. Don’t be treading off the paths and you could be endangering animals and crops and wild flowers and things. We want those things to continue for our children and our grandchildren.

Zim: Exactly and actually this is really important. Sticking to the path is one of the most important rules, I think. I've found out years ago that it only takes seven people walking in a line to create a visible path. So, don't get off of the path. The path is there to protect the rest of nature so that we can continue to enjoy that.

Alison: That’s exactly right Zim, you stay on the path and you follow the signs.

Zim: Yeah the signs are really important. The signs are there for a reason and you know you just said don't light a fire. We're seeing all kinds of wildfires out in California and in the south west right now. Those environments are going to be really tough to be photographing in because you know somebody lit a fire. I do know that some of those are naturally created but don't be adding on to that problem.

Alison: That’s right.

Zim: Anything else we need to know?

Alison: Really, you know the outdoors is there to enjoy so a bit of planning and forward thinking; check your route, check the local conditions; enjoy, have fun and make a memory. One of the other things I was going to say is that if you come across a gate. Make sure you leave it as you found it. For example if you open a gate and you go through, make sure you close it and don't block access to their drives or their land because often they are allow you to use their land. And you don’t want to lose that. Recently I had a case where I always always do this walk, park near the farm yard and one day I went down and there was tree trunks across where we used to park. And it turns out that one inconsiderate walker decided that he would block the access to the farmer and the farmer could not his supplies in and out. And there was a row and in the end the farmer just said, “All right that’s it. I'm not having you coming here again.”  And now that whole section, that beautiful walk is gone. Because of people being inconsiderate. You should be nice. You should say hello; you should keep to the signs. You need to respect the country side code.

Zim: Well thank you so much for joining me Alison it's always a pleasure to talk to you. Perhaps we can catch up sometime in the future about some more bird photography.

Alison: That would be lovely Zim, thank you very much sense to have a meal.