Rural councils in England Outlaw Shouting, wild Swimming, and Even Stroking Ponies as Antisocial Behaviour
A growing number of rural councils across England are enacting Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) that criminalize a range of everyday activities, sparking criticism from campaigners who argue the measures represent bureaucratic overreach and a fundamental shift in how public space is governed.
In rural Kent, Tessa, a dog walker, encountered a notice threatening a £1,000 fine for engaging in 12 activities, including shouting, swearing, drinking alcohol, and using a catapult. “I was in the middle of nowhere and suddenly there was this sign screaming at me about all the things I couldn’t do,” she said. “It’s ‘ban everything’, bureaucratic overreach; an outrageous policing of everyday behaviour.”
The restrictions extend beyond noise and minor disturbances. North Lincolnshire has implemented a blanket ban on swimming in natural water outside of a club context. In Abbots Pool, Somerset, even wading and quiet, individual swimming are now punishable by £75 fines.
Imogen Radford, Right to Swim led at the Outdoor Swimming Society, points out that councils are increasingly misusing the legislation. ”The PSPO legislation states that there has to be an actual problem affecting local people before it can be enacted,” she said. “The idea that wild swimming is antisocial blows my mind.”
Wild camping is also facing increased restrictions. PSPOs in Dorset,Worthing,Sefton,and parts of the Lake District now criminalize pitching a tent or sleeping on a beach,often without differentiating between responsible overnight stays and destructive encampments.
Critics argue thes new PSPOs are less about protecting sensitive sites and more about controlling harmless behaviour. According to Kate Appleton, “This isn’t about protecting sensitive sites – it’s about controlling harmless behaviour.” They express concern that a sense of shared ownership of the countryside is being eroded, with people increasingly treated “not as stewards, but as problems to be prosecuted.”
Councils defend the PSPOs as being based on public consultation and addressing local concerns. A Canterbury city council spokesperson stated, “All our pspos are fully consulted on and we are absolutely certain we have the support of the vast majority of the public.” Bournemouth,Christchurch and Poole council said the orders “can be modified in specific areas,for versatile enforcement.” Elmbridge council cited increased littering and human waste from fishers as justification for restrictions. Dorset council also pointed to public consultation as the basis for their PSPOs. North East Lincolnshire council reported continued responsible metal detecting within designated areas, while Cumberland council affirmed a “zero tolerance” policy for environmental harm, with breaches risking fines or prosecution.
