Footpaths and Countryside Safety
Our surroundings have acres and acres of lush green fields, pastureland and hills and we are lucky to have so many Public Rights of Way from which to enjoy it. The words “public footpath” means exactly that – public, however, if you do find yourself wandering off the designated footpath you could find yourself in trouble or more to the point in danger. The “Right to Roam” or more properly designated “Open Access Land” does not give automatic access to all land and especially not to private land. There is no designated open access land with in Nether Stowey Parish. The bottom line is that all of the above, including miles and miles of tracks, pathways and bridleways usually cross land that is owned by someone or more to the point farmed by someone and you are trespassing if you are anywhere other than a public footpath.
A map of the local Public Footpaths is here. Somerset County Council is primarily responsible for matters relating to public footpaths. There is more information on the Explore Somerset map and you can report an issue with a path either here: Report now link or by clicking the + button at the bottom left). Alternatively you can contact the the Parish’s Paths Liaison Officer via the Parish Office to report an issue. Please be precise with the location of the problem so that he can investigate it.
Farms are someone’s place of work and, often, someone’s home. Agricultural vehicles have accounted for 13 of the 39 farm fatalities over the past year so it is vital to remember that farms are busy working areas with tractors, telehandlers and agricultural machinery moving about 24/7. We are all aware of the size of modern farm machinery but we may not be aware of the fact that when the driver is in the cab he is effectively insulated from the sound, vibration and noise around him. He may not know you are there.
This has recently been brought to light by an incident on a local farm where the farmer was cutting grass with a large mower and a tractor. Out of the corner of his eye he saw something move and immediately stopped. On investigation he found two children playing in the tall grass who were – when he stopped – less than a metre from the cutting equipment.
The tractor driver’s diligence and quick thinking prevented what could have been a very tragic accident. Please remember that this happened on a farm in Nether Stowey involving local children.
Farm buildings are also not for public access and certainly not for playing in. We have recently received reports of children playing from the rafters of the big barn near the Millennium Wood. Again, the risk of a tragic accident is enormous.
We all have a responsibility for our own safety and in the case above the safety and education of our children, please Walk Safely, Walk Responsibly and Obey the Country Code. Please make sure you know where your children are playing. And if you’re out with dogs please think – is it under tight control, is it damaging crops or is it chasing stock? And please pick up after your dog. Dog faeces causes illness and death in farm animals.