Shaun the Sheep from Wallace and Gromit has been drafted in to help children respect nature.
The clay ovine will spearhead a fresh campaign from Natural England to encourage kids to escape to the outdoors.
Chief executive Marian Spain said: “Shaun the Sheep and his endearing friends are the perfect illustration for the next generation of explorers on how to respect, protect and enjoy nature, whether in parks in towns and cities, at the seaside or in the countryside.
“We know that children care deeply about the environment and that 85% of children feel happy spending time outdoors, so it’s really important that we help young people enjoy the invaluable health and wellbeing benefits that nature offers, while giving it the respect it deserves.”
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs claimed there was “widespread ewe-phoria” at Shaun’s appointment as the “new champion of Natural England’s Countryside Code”.
The sheep would show “children how to care for nature, follow signs and share the space with others”, it added.
Shaun the Sheep first featured in the 1995 film Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave.
In the animated series and spin-offs, he lives with his flock at Mossy Bottom Farm, set in the North.
Image:
TM Aardman Animations 2023)Officials hope the character will help teach youngsters how to behave while on adventures.
Natural England has updated the Countryside Code “giving everyone access to guidance on how to enjoy the great outdoors safely and responsibly”.
Defra said: “Under the updated guidance - which extends to all green space, waterways and parks in cities - people are encouraged to ‘be nice, share the space and say hello’ to fellow users of the countryside.
“The code has simple reminders to respect those working in the countryside; to dispose of litter responsibly; avoid feeding livestock; to not light fires; and to stay on marked footpaths to protect crops and wildlife.”
Natural England and Aardman - the animation firm which created Wallace and Gromit - have devised webpages to “help inform children and young people about the messages of the code, and how to ensure the outdoors is a place for everyone to enjoy”.
Aardman’s senior brand manager Rachael Peacock hailed Shaun the Sheep as a “fun ambassador for nature”.
“It’s great to be working with Natural England on this engaging and informative Countryside Code campaign,” she said.
“We look forward to encouraging families to enjoy the outdoors respectfully.”
