The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Public urged to keep respecting the countryside
Plea: Poster available to remind visitors of rules
Farm leaders are reminding members of the public to act responsibly when accessing farmland for exercise.
The plea from NFU Scotland (NFUS) comes as Scotland enters the first phase in the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The union is asking members of the public to not walk in fields of young arable crops or fields of long grass destined for silage and hay. They are asked not to disturb animals or wildlife, to avoid farmyards and buildings, and to keep access to farms and fields clear of vehicles.
They are also reminded to keep all dogs under control, to take all litter home and adhere to signed requests.
The NFUS is urging farmers and crofters to make use of a poster it has produced to remind members of the public to take care when visiting farms or crofts.
“The job of producing food and drink means that farming activities continue in these difficult times,” said Gemma Cooper, head of the NFUS policy team.
“While the Scottish countryside remains open for people to access and enjoy, care and respect for those living and working in rural areas through these difficult times is requested.”
She said the poster was available to download on the NFUS website at nfus. org.uk
“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 drink,” added Ms Cooper.
“We respectfully ask that people please follow these simple guidelines in 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.”
NFUS launched its poster last month in response to complaints about problems with access. This included people walking through fields with livestock, accessing farm buildings and cars left in gateways.