Every beautiful trail we walk in the Jersey National Park is built on a foundation of trust. The vast majority of these paths are not public rights of way; they cross private land, opened only through the goodwill of landowners.

But every shortcut taken by a ‘lost sheep’ chips away at that trust. Straying from the path can intrude on someone’s privacy, disturb nesting wildlife, damage a farmer’s crops, and erode the very ground beneath our feet. This is how access gets restricted, and gates get locked for good.

Countryside access depends on respect:

• Stay On The Path. The marked trail is the only route with permission. Wandering off means you are straying onto private property.

• Respect The Signs. Restrictions are there to protect you, the working countryside, and a landowner’s livelihood.

• Lead The Way. Keep dogs close, and always on a lead when asked. Even a friendly dog can disturb livestock or wildlife.

• Bag It, Bin It. Leave nothing behind but footprints.

In the Park, our access is a partnership. By following the flock and walking the right way, we uphold our side of the agreement, protecting this incredible privilege for all.

Each gateway in the countryside presents a choice. On an island where over half the land is farmland, that choice is the difference between a respectful walk and a harmful intrusion.

A closed gate doesn’t mean ‘climb over.’ An open one doesn’t mean ‘wander through.’ Jersey’s quiet beauty relies on this simple understanding, allowing agriculture and fragile habitats to exist undisturbed.

But while the flock respects the calm, one rogue ram might still jump the fence. A single disruptive act — ignoring a sign or crossing over fields as a shortcut — can shatter the peace for everyone, risking a farmer’s crop, distressing animals, and disturbing the delicate balance of an ecosystem you can’t even see.

Do tread gently:

• Respect Conservation Areas. Breeding seasons and restoration work rely on peace and space.

• Use Gates Only When Access Is Given. And always leave them as you found them.

• Do Not Enter Farmland. These are working fields, not walking routes.

Respecting boundaries keeps our countryside peaceful — for wildlife, landowners, and every walker. Let the sheep rest easy; don’t be the one who jumps the fence or leaves it wide open.

That neat little poo bag hanging from a branch? It’s the perfect wolf in sheep’s clothing. It might look tidy, but it’s plastic-wrapped poison that can linger for years, harming soil and animals long after you’ve gone…

Littering doesn’t just spoil the view. It can injure or kill wildlife, damage habitats, and leave landowners with the bill. From household waste dumped in a green lane, charred remains of a fire, or plastic wrapper caught in the gorse, once it’s there, someone else has to deal with it.

And it is illegal. Littering can land you with a hefty fine, so, don’t fool yourself:

• Don’t Just Bag It. It’s still littering, but the plastic makes it worse.

• Leave No Trace. Use bins provided, or, take your rubbish home with you.

• Dispose Responsibly. Bulky waste belongs at the Island’s recycling centres, not in a beauty spot.

• Think Before You Light. Fires put wildlife, habitats and property at risk.

Ultimately, you can’t dress it up – rubbish is rubbish. Keep Jersey’s National Park clean by taking your rubbish home, and be the eyes for our clean-up teams by reporting any issues you see, by using the Love Jersey app.