How to be a good country neighbour By Sheryn Dean
Understanding rural etiquette can make for a more peaceful life on the block. When you live in town, you have a lot of neighbours close by, but you may only get to know one or two. Country living is different. It’s often a tighter community, even though you physically live a lot further apart.
There are a few reasons: 1. most of us have animals, and animals often don’t respect boundaries. 2. you may share a water supply. 3. your surface water may drain onto their block, or theirs onto yours. 4. you’re affected by their plantings, or they are by yours. 5. you’re probably going to live next to them for a long time - the average length of block ownership is just over seven years. Getting along with your neighbours can make country life that bit more special.
Sheryn’s 12 do’s and don’ts of being a good neighbour DO - DO greet new neighbours when they move in. You don’t have to be Page 32
best friends, but calling in with a small welcome gift or inviting them for a coffee establishes you both as acquaintances. DO invite neighbours if you’re having a big party. At the very least, it lets them know it’s on, makes them feel included, and you may find they’re more tolerant about the noise and excess traffic. DO connect with your neighbours regularly. Invite them over for a Friday night drink or a Sunday coffee occasionally. It keeps the relationship cordial and communicates any issues before they become problems. DO turn outside lights off or put them on a motion sensor. Light pollution is ugly and wastes energy. DO let your neighbours know if you’re lighting a bonfire. There’s nothing worse than a house full of smoke or washing covered in ash. Also, if it’s not permitted, you can be fined. DO consider not having fireworks, or be careful if you do. Explosive or shrieking noises can cause horses and other livestock to bolt over or through fences and gun-shy dogs to run away. A phone call or text gives neighbours a warning, and allows them to ensure their pet’s safety.
DON’T - DON’T locate a beehive right on the boundary, or where the bees’ flight path goes directly over the neighbour’s house or vehicles. Bees defecate when
