Visitor Charter

At Earth Trust, we welcome everyone to enjoy, explore and connect with nature. Our places are working landscapes, wildlife habitats, learning spaces and much-loved places for people. This charter explains what you can expect from us, and what we ask from you, so that together we can help people and nature thrive.

When you visit, we will:

• Welcome you warmly and help you feel confident exploring our places.
• Provide clear information about access, routes, facilities, opening times and any temporary changes.
• Improve access wherever we can, while recognising that some paths, landscapes and historic features may be uneven, steep, seasonal or sensitive.
• Support a safe and enjoyable visit through signs, waymarkers, visitor information and staff or volunteer guidance where available.
• Care for nature, wildlife, heritage and landscape character so these places can be enjoyed now and in the future.
• Listen to visitor feedback and use it to improve the experience for different people and communities.
• Create opportunities to learn, notice and connect with nature, whether you are visiting for a short walk, a school trip, an event or a longer day out.
• Balance welcome and protection, making decisions that support visitors while safeguarding wildlife, livestock, archaeology, habitats and local communities.
• Treat visitors, staff, volunteers and neighbours with respect, and challenge behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome.

When you visit, we ask you to:

• Respect other visitors, staff, volunteers and local communities — share paths, be considerate and help everyone feel welcome.
• Follow signs, guidance and temporary closures, especially where they protect wildlife, livestock, construction areas, education groups or sensitive habitats.
• Keep to marked paths and permitted routes where requested, helping to protect wildflower meadows, crops, woodland, archaeology and wildlife.
• Take litter home or use the bins provided, leaving no trace of your visit.
• Keep dogs under close control and on leads where required, especially around livestock, wildlife, education areas and busy visitor spaces.
• Pick up after your dog and dispose of dog waste responsibly.
• Park considerately and avoid blocking gateways, lanes, emergency access, farm access or neighbours’ driveways.
• Leave gates and property as you find them, and take extra care around grazing animals and working farmland.
• Avoid fires, barbecues and activities that could damage the landscape or put people, wildlife or property at risk.
• Help nature thrive by not disturbing wildlife, removing plants, damaging trees or entering ponds, fenced areas or conservation zones.
• Be prepared for an outdoor visit by wearing suitable footwear, checking the weather and supervising children and groups in your care.
• Tell us if something is wrong — for example, a damaged sign, blocked path, safety concern or access issue — so we can respond where possible.