Poster draws on problems faced over public access

While the Scottish countryside remains open for people to access and enjoy, a host of instances where this has been done without the required care and respect for others has prompted the release of a poster to help farmers highlight what is required.

NFU Scotland said that since lockdown was imposed a substantial number of calls from around the country had been made to report problems with public access.

Speaking as the new posters were made available for farmers to download, the union’s policy team manager, Gemma Cooper said that it appeared that accessing the countryside was a new experience for many:

“And we want to help guide them on how to do that responsibly and safely, recognising the legitimate concerns of those who are farming and crofting in these unprecedented times.”

Highlighting that this was the busiest time of year for farming – with lambing, calving, ploughing, planting and more all in full swing - she said:

“To fulfil our pledge to keep Scotland’s plates and glasses full throughout this crisis, we need farmers, crofters, their families and staff to stay safe, healthy and able to get on with the job of producing food and

0 NFU Scotland says calls have flagged up concerns

drink. We respectfully ask that people please follow the simple guidelines on the poster.

“It will assist the many people taking access in the countryside and receive the thanks of all living and working in the countryside at this challenging time.”

Highlighting some of the commonest problems being experienced Cooper drew attention to instances where people were reported to be:

■ Ignoring Government recommendations and travelling considerable distances to take access.

■ Walking through fields of cows with calves; ewes with lambs and pregnant animals with dogs off the lead.

■ Failing to pick up dog poo and, in some instances, bagging dog poo then throwing it into fields of growing crops.

■ Accessing farm buildings and, in one case, someonewalkingthroughashed of cows and young calves with a dog. In another incident, a family accessed the farmhouse garden to take photographs.

■ Abandoning cars and vans in farm gateways and farm roads while going for a walk or cycle.

■ Ignoring reasonable requests to use hand sanitiser when opening and closing farm gates.

■ Failing to take litter home.

■ Driving past official car parks and ignoring official signage on road closures.

■ Taking access across fields of crops, such as wheat and barley, and one report of people playing golf in an arable field.

■ Leaving gates open – including one reported incident where Highland Pony stallions were allowed access to juvenile mares.

In addition to access problems, the union said it was keen to hear reports of other issues such as fly tipping, labour and the supply chain – and those affected by Covidrelated difficulties were urged to fill out a survey available at https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/ R/7KNNGXZ.

“The more information the union has, the more effective it can be in working for and representing the membership during this difficult time,” said union president, Andrew Mc Cornick.