"Archaeology is a finite resource.  If it is damaged or removed, it can never by replaced."

The following guidance has been put together based on various sources, including National Farmers’ Union, Natural England’s Countryside Code, Scottish Outdoor Access Code and our Archaeological colleagues.

Walkers, Dogs and Farm Animals

1. Your Dog can Scare or Harm Farm Animals
2. Keep it on a lead around livestock, but let go if chased by cattle
3. Follow the Countryside Code
[Advice from the National Farmers’ Union]

The Countryside Code

1. Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs
2. Leave gates and property as you find them
3. Protect plants and animals and take your litter home
4. Keep dogs under close control
5. Consider other people
[Advice from Natural England]

Walking near Cattle

1. Cattle are naturally protective towards their young and can attack both people and dogs.  Keep to the right of way where possible, however do your best to avoid walking through herds of cattle and livestock.  Farm animals can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they’re with their young – so give them plenty of space.

2. By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife.  You must keep your dog on a short lead in the lambing season (March - July) and at all times near farm animals.  Farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.

3. Dog mess can be the source of infections – so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly.

4. Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site is a living landscape where people earn their living.  Help land managers by following these principles.

Heritage Protection

1. Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site is one of the UK’s most sensitive and protected landscapes. To help protect it, DO NOT stand or climb on Hadrian’s Wall.

2. Ditches, mounds and other earthwork features are archaeologically sensitive and tend to be protected by a grass surface. To help reduce the wear and tear on the ground, please walk side by side and try to avoid walking in worn lines.

3. The ground surface that protects the archaeology is at its most sensitive during wet winter conditions, particularly between November and April.  Alternative circular walks have been specifically designed so that walkers can still experience the stunning and dramatic scenery, whilst limiting their impact on archaeological remains

4. Take special care not to damage, destroy or remove natural or historical features.

5. Large groups are not encouraged, in order to protect the archaeology of the site.