There are
approximately nine miles of public rights of way across the Betchworth Estate.
They are marked with fingerposts or yellow arrows. They can also be found on Ordnance Survey
maps. Most of them are footpaths across
agricultural land. Please stay on the
paths and do not walk elsewhere, to avoid damaging our crops, grassland and
wildlife.
- Please keep dogs under close control.
- Please do not ride bicycles along the footpaths.
- There is no public access to the river.
- Camping or fires are not permitted.
- Please do not leave litter; a cow can be fatally injured by eating even a small thing like a bottle top.
Wildlife
Many of the paths run along the edge of fields. We often leave a 5m strip of uncultivated land around our fields. This is to encourage ground nesting birds, insects and wildflowers. It is important not to walk on these wildlife strips or allow dogs to run through them as it destroys these important habitats and ruins their purpose.
Woods
Some paths run alongside woods. Our woods are an important habitat for wildlife and are not open to the public. Please keep dogs out of them. Dogs should be under close control and in your sight.
Crops
We grow wheat, barley, oilseed rape, oats and beans in our fields. Much of it is for human consumption. Please do not walk on the crops or let your dog run through them. Knocked over plants are harder to harvest and can rot if they lie on wet ground.
Mud
In winter months and wet weather, our clay soils become heavy and muddy. You need to wear boots. Please do not veer off the paths when they become muddy. Walking on the crops and wildlife strips destroys them.
Fouling
Our cows eat the grass in our fields. If dog mess gets in their grass or silage it can cause an illness called neospora which results in the cow losing her unborn calf. Please bag up and bin dog messes. That also leaves the paths clear for other walkers.
Cows
Our cows and their calves graze in some of our fields from about mid-April until early December. The Government’s Countryside Code has the following advice about walking in fields where cows are grazing:
“It is good practice wherever you are to keep your dog on a lead around livestock.
A farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock. They may not be liable to compensate the dog’s owner.
Let your dog off the lead if you feel threatened by livestock or horses. Do not risk getting hurt protecting your dog. Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to reach safety.”
