Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group

17th October 2010

Managing Visitor Safety in the Countryside - the work of the Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group

The Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group (VSCG) was set up in May 1997. The original members came together with a shared vision of implementing sensible risk management for visitors to the countryside , as there was little relevant safety guidance for landowners and land managers in this area. Since then, the group has met regularly to exchange information and best practice, and to develop ideas. In particular, it has looked at how to create safe access to the countryside and historic structures in ways that do not spoil the landscape and heritage or diminish the visitor experience.  

Members of the group own extensive land and property and encourage public access. All are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment. Group members have day to day experience of visitor management, and include specialist safety advisers. The VSCG has its own web site VSCG Home page

The current members are:

British Waterways;  Historic Scotland; English Heritage;
Forestry Commission; Environment Agency; National Trust;
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; Cheshire Council;
The Royal Parks; Natural England; Woodland Trust;
Peak District National Park 

One of the first tasks the group set itself was to create a set of guiding principles. The principles apply to individuals and groups visiting land, water, buildings and other structures. They are relevant to country parks, canals and rivers in urban areas as well as more open countryside. Visitors include people engaged in informal recreation as well as participants in various sports and activities. The principles are not intended to cover employee safety or the work of contractors. They are grouped under five main headings – Fundamentals, Awareness, Partnership, Responsibility and Risk Control.

The fundamental principles were defined as:
• Take account of conservation, heritage, recreation, cultural and landscape objectives
• Do not take away people’s sense of freedom and adventure
• Avoid restrictions on access

The group wanted to emphasise the importance of conservation, access and personal enjoyment in the countryside, and the need to find a balance between safety and these wider objectives. There was also a balance to be achieved between personal responsibility and the responsibility of the landowner or manager. The full set of 16 principles can be found at vscg guiding principles

One of the most important principles to emerge was an agreement that it is important to strike a balance between user self-reliance and management intervention. To illustrate this, a risk control matrix was devised, showing how, as the terrain becomes more wild and remote, the need for management intervention decreases whilst reliance on the skills and abilities of those using the countryside increase

The guiding principles and risk control matrix were eventually published in 2003 in a booklet – “Managing Visitor Safety in the Countryside – principles and practice”. For details on obtaining copies, please see the VSCG web site at VSCG Publications

A revised and updated edition was produced in 2005, with an endorsement from HSE. Since then, the group has produced examples of good practice on tree safety management, rock falls, path surfaces and fall from height risks. Several case studies also appear on the web site, based on issues encountered at members’ properties. Work is under way in 2010 to update the booklet – this is a substantial revision incorporating new ideas on risk-benefit assessment. The group hopes the new edition will be published in 2011.

Prepared by Mr Mark Daniels, IOSH Rural Industries Group Committee member and National Trust representative on the VSCG.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Where the content includes discussion and information about UK law or occupational health matters, this should not be regarded as legal or medical advice. Where legal advice is required, a suitably qualified lawyer should be consulted. Where medical advice is required, a suitably qualified medical practitioner should be consulted.