Have an adventure but do it responsibly
With the school Easter holidays fast approaching, social enterprise Love Lochs and Landscapes has launched a new free booklet for families to help them enjoy the National Park responsibly.
Aimed at children aged three to 10years-old, the‘outdoor Adventures Guide’is packed with handy hints, activities, puzzles and advice on how to protect outdoor places whilst having fun.
Kids also have the chance to claim a free certificate by completing a short quiz on how to be a responsible adventurer.
Love Lochs and Landscapes founder Alison Limbert was inspired to create the booklet after witnessing first-hand the rapid growth in visitor numbers to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Alison said:“with the growth in the staycation market and the massive increase in families taking to the outdoors both during and following lockdown, I wanted to do something positive to give people the information they need for a sustainable day trip.
“While there are lots of adventures to be had exploring the outdoors, it’s really important that we look after these spaces too by taking simple steps like bringing a bag to take our litter home.
“The guide is mainly aimed at visitors to the National Park, but the tips are just as relevant for a day at the park or beach.”
The booklet, funded by Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park’s Green Recovery Fund, is also a chance to for kids to learn about their natural environment, from identifying animal footprints to discovering which wild foods can be safely eaten.
VisitScotland is expecting a strong spring season this year, as recovery from the pandemic continues.
David Adams Mcgilp, regional director, Visitscotland said:“aside from Covid-19, environmental change is one of the biggest challenges facing our tourism and events sector.
“We are working with industry and visitors to ensure we are taking collaborative action to protect Scotland’s world-famous natural assets and renowned tourism offering.
“We’d encourage visitors to our Balloch and Aberfoyle icentres to pick up this guide and help maintain the stunning landscape of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, protect, respect and enjoy the countryside responsibly and to leave no physical trace of their visit.”
Free copies of the guide can be picked up from Visit Scotland Information Centres and National Park visitor centres; as well as from The Skoosh Tearoom, Drymen and The Coach House Coffee Shop, Luss. Digital copies are also available to download from: www. lovelochsandlandscapes.co.uk
Love Lochs and Landscapes will also be hosting a free Springfest Woodland Workshop at Loch Lomond Shores on Saturday, April 2, from 11-2pm, where families can take part in woodland games and activities. Book tickets for the event at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ springfest-woodland-workshoptickets-298079041437