The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Show consideration in country, public urged
Coronavirus: People asked to stick to social distancing while in rural areas
Farm leaders have called on members of the public visiting farms for exercise during the coronavirus crisis to do so responsibly.
The plea from NFU Scotland (NFUS) comes amid reports of an increased number of walkers on farms, as people seek walking routes where they are less likely to encounter other people.
The union is calling on all members of the public to control their dogs when out walking and avoid accessing fields with young calves or lambs present.
They are also asked to obey signage requests, adhere to social distancing rules should they come across a farmer or farm worker and find an alternative walking route when asked to do so.
“In these unprecedented circumstances, farmers are already seeing an increasing number of access issues being caused by the public taking their daily exercise,” said Gemma Cooper, who heads NFU Scotland’s policy team.
“It is important for the public to understand that farming activities are food production and these must continue during Covid-19.
“NFU Scotland is asking the public to ensure their behaviour does not make farming activities any more difficult than they already are in these unprecedented times.”
Rural insurer NFU Mutual backed the plea and its rural affairs specialist, Rebecca Davidson, added: “UK farmers are working under immense pressure at the moment to feed the nation through the coronavirus outbreak and we are urging people to keep their dogs under control, to clear up their mess and to be responsible.”
Earlier this week an investigation was launched after a Peak District farmer was allegedly punched 15 times and kicked in the ribs when he asked a walker to “go home” during the coronavirus lockdown.
Derbyshire Police said the victim was “left shaken and bruised” after he was assaulted while disinfecting his gates due to the “hundreds of people” walking past.