New guide with responsibility at heart for park
Social enterprise Love Lochs and Landscapes has launched a new free booklet for families to help them enjoy the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park responsibly.
Aimed at children aged three to 10 years old, the ‘Outdoor Adventures Guide’ features handy hints, activities, puzzles and advice on how to protect outdoor places while having fun.
Youngsters 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 said she was inspired to create the booklet after witnessing firsthand the rapid growth in visitor numbers to the picturesque park – which includes St Fillans and Loch Earn.
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.
National agency VisitScotland is expecting a strong spring season this year, as recovery from the pandemic continues.
Regional director David Adams McGilp 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.”
Free copies of the guide can be picked up from VisitScotland Information Centres, national park ones and The Skoosh Tearoom in Drymen and The Coach House Coffee Shop in Luss.
Digital copies are also available to download from www. lovelochsandlandscapes.co.uk
While there are lots of adventures to be had exploring the outdoors, it’s really important that we look after these spaces