Why we must make the Countryside Code cool again - Lucy Arthurs from Leighton Hall argues for a return to good old-fashioned values

If, according to government figures, nearly a third of children in the UK are overweight, my heart should gladden to see families enjoying the countryside, including the Leighton Hall Estate.

Surely a countryside adventure is the best, healthy activity for the whole family, far from the temptations of the i-Pad and fast-food?

Sadly, my heart drops a little at the prospect, especially as I race out to close a swinging gate for the umpteenth time or pick up a casually discarded bottle.

I know I am fortunate to live at Leighton Hall. Part of my job is managing the estate, which enables me to work with our amazing farmers and conservation groups. We are all working to strike a balance to feed the nation and restore the balance between the human desire to explore the countryside, but also allow Mother Nature some peace and quiet to rejuvenate.

We are surrounded by working farms, grazing animals, important indigenous plants, birds from the RSPB reserve and rare butterflies.

As long as I can remember we have welcomed visitors onto the estate and into our home for tours, and the harmony of visitor and land has been peaceably maintained.

However, over recent years I have become increasingly horrified by public attitudes towards our precious countryside and the people that work in it, each year yielding more incidents which endanger our livelihood and safety.

Dogs running wild off-lead, gates left open, footpaths ignored, hedgerows laden with rubbish and festering dog mess abound.

Woe betide anyone who approaches visitors with their concerns. All the staff on the estate have been sworn at and threatened by people who are literally trampling across our livelihoods and conservation efforts!

We believe this inconsiderate disrespect comes from a lack of knowledge. The 'Right to Roam' act appears to have encouraged, in some, the belief they can rampage wherever they like without care for the pastures, woodland, wildlife and livelihoods they endanger. However, it doesn’t give free access across ploughed fields or crops, for example. A little common sense is required.

So, how can we restore the balance? I’m not being petty about untidiness. This is rural survival.

Litter and dog faeces (including 'poo bags') chokes, poisons, traps and lames wildlife and livestock. One 'family' dog, its natural chasing instinct unleashed, can cause sheep to abort and die of trauma, without visibly 'wounding' them; as discussed in October by one of our local farmers on BBC Countryfile.

I know I risk accusations of 'keep off my land' Nimbyism, but we don’t want the public to stay away! The rural economy needs visitors, and we love sharing our beautiful countryside.

Come and explore and enjoy an exhilarating walk or cycle. We shudder at the memory of foot-and-mouth, when the land stood 'closed' to visitors.

Yet the guidelines placed when it was gradually reopened may be the key to restoring the respect the countryside desperately needs.

I believe it is time for much higher visibility of the Countryside Code. My friends and family all learned it at primary school and grew up respecting rural communities, livestock and landscape, but sadly, this no longer appears the case.

Asking around, many children have never heard of the Countryside Code, which shocks me. We urgently need wider public awareness, to prevent more accidents, standoffs, and inevitable 'keep out' signs.

As the Lake District prepares to welcome more visitors than ever through its new World Heritage Site status, surely now is the time to not just do our own little bit - shut that gate, pick up that packet - but educate every upcoming generation in the Countryside Code, so there is a countryside for future generations to enjoy.