Open For Business

5/3/2001

Facilities All of the trading outlets at the park will be open as detailed in the brochure, times as displayed at each outlet.

Environmental activities Visitors are able to enjoy the environmental activities as published and, the range of self guided leaflets available at reception.

Dogs If you bring your pet please adhere to the following rules.

* Dogs must be kept on a lead AT ALL TIMES * Exercise your dog in the area which will be advised to you at reception * CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG * We are continuing to take precautions at the park entrance by providing a mat of straw soaked in disinfectant that all vehicles must pass over.

Norfolk County Council has issued new rules on countryside access in force from midnight on the 30th April (extracts below)

When off park visitors are urged to obey all notices and any restrictions that may be in place, helpful information for visitors will be posted at the Kelling Heath Reception.

The following information (in Italics) has been published by Norfolk County Council.

Further InformationThe following is an extract from a Norfolk County Council press release dated the 30th April 2001.

New Rules on Countryside Access in Force From Monday April 30 Norfolk enters a new phase in its fight to keep the county free from Foot and Mouth from midnight tonight (April 30) with a declaration opening up all the county's public rights of way - except those which may bring people into contact with farm animals.

As part of the new move, known livestock holders were contacted last week and offered the use of red No Entry signs - which must be obeyed by law - to stop the public from straying into contact with livestock.

The new red signs replace any previous county council access signage but walkers will also come across occasional green 'Open' signs which have been put up to clarify whether certain paths are open or not and to indicate to people that they can walk in confidence that they will not suddenly come across a No Entry sign to break their walk.

In some places, there are black and white arrowed temporary diversionary signs in place, which have been put up, in conjunction with colleagues from district councils, to allow the opening of parish circular walks.

The county council has issued the following golden rules for the public to follow when visiting the Norfolk countryside.

1. You must keep off agricultural land used by animals - if in doubt, don't go on it!2. Stay away from all farm animals and deer3. Keep to paths and leave gates as you find them4. Respect official county council 'No entry' notices and use disinfectant where it is provided.5. Keep dogs on short leads. By law, you must keep dogs on a lead if you are walking in woodland or forestry land.

Access to Norfolk's Countryside - Frequently Asked QuestionsFrom May 1st even more of Norfolk's countryside is open, including public rights of way through arable farmland, as well as woods, forests and beaches. This means that the majority of paths are open, along with hundreds of attractions. Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about access to the countryside following the latest easing of restrictions.

Walking in the countrysideAre all footpaths and bridleways now open? From May 1st, the only restrictions are where paths enter land where livestock is kept. These 'no go' areas have been clearly marked by red county council 'no entry' signs. To pass such a sign is an offence. If for any reason you come across livestock without seeing a sign, you must turn back. Remember that dogs should be kept on leads.

Can landowners prevent public access to arable land and woodland?Restrictions have been lifted from many more public rights of way and land which has established public access rights. On private land where no such rights exist you will need the owner's consent. Where landowners are happy to give this (it will usually be clear from signs), please respect their wishes and comply with any precautions they ask you to take.

Why are some paths and sites marked as open with a green County Council sign?These signs are being used on some well-used sites or paths that were previously closed, and also where people need to know that there is no closure further along the route.

Are the long-distance paths, such as Marriot's Way, North Norfolk Coast Path, Weavers Way, Peddars Way - open?Yes, but you may encounter minor diversions to avoid livestock holdings. You must follow these diversions, which are well marked. The northern half of Weavers Way is open and is subject to occasional diversions

Where can I exercise my dog?Many paths are now open, and dogs can be exercised on some recreational areas, beaches and woodland. Be sure you comply with local bylaws - for instance, on some popular beaches dogs are banned from certain areas from May 1st. This is to protect families and children at play. Remember to clear up after your dog.

Do I have to keep my dog on a lead?If you are entering forestry or woodland, you MUST keep your dog on a lead. This is a legal requirement under the May 1st Declaration and it is an offence, with a fine of up to £5,000, to let your dog run free in woods or forests. It is also good practice to keep dogs on leads whenever walking in the countryside. The May 1st changes open up paths closer to livestock holdings, and many livestock farmers are anxious that dogs do not stray on to livestock land.

b<>What happens if dog walkers are found letting their dogs walk loose on a footpath that is near to livestock?The County Council would consider closing that footpath to all users.

What happens if I ignore the restrictions?Passing a red County Council sign is an offence unless you are specifically authorised to do so. Offenders could face finds of up to £5,000. Anyone removing or defacing one of these signs could also be prosecuted. Failing to keep a dog on a short lead in woods and forests is also an offence.