Access to the countryside

Most land in the countryside is privately owned, and access onto it is prohibited without the landowner's permission. Many of you will know your local landowners, but if you don't, please find out who they are and ask for their permission before going onto their land. Many boundaries can, of course, be surveyed from public rights of way, especially with the help of binoculars, so stick to these if you feel more comfortable.

Wherever you go, please remember that farmers gain their livelihood from the land, so always respect their crops and livestock. Especially, keep any dogs under control, keep to field edges unless there is a public right of way, and be sure to leave closed gates closed and open gates open.

Try to disturb wildlife as little as possible, and leave any wild flowers for others to enjoy.

Health & Safety

If possible carry out your survey with another person. Always let someone know where you are going and what time you will be back so that they can raise the alarm if you do not return by a certain time.

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If you have agreed to become a volunteer for us, please download and print the Hedgerow & Dry Stone Wall Survey Sheets and sets of Instructions on how to complete them:

Hedgerow & Dry Stone Wall Survey Sheets as an Acrobat .pdf (95kb) or Word .doc (122kb).

Instructions as an Acrobat .pdf (72kb) or Word .doc (49kb).

(To read a .pdf file you will need a free copy of Adobe Acrobat).