Leave the gate as you found it

In low-rainfall areas, closing gates can cut livestock off from water supplies.

During hot weather, cattle require large quantities of water to drink and can die in less than a day if they do not get it.

[1] In all agricultural areas, farmers need to keep groups of livestock separate, for reasons including breeding for disease resistance and increased production, pest control, and controlling when ewes deliver their lambs.

Unwanted mingling of flocks or herds can deprive a farmer of significant income.

[2] The original versions of the United Kingdom's Country Code advised visitors to always close gates.