As spring approaches, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is urging walkers and cyclists to be aware of vulnerable birds and animals.
Lambs and ground nesting birds are particularly vulnerable in spring, so SNH is asking dog walkers, cyclists, hill walkers, and anyone enjoying the outdoors to be particularly careful.
To reinforce this message, SNH is launching a campaign this week which includes radio adverts, press adverts, and leaflet drops. The campaign emphasizes the Scottish Outdoor Access code, promoting responsible access and how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, and also includes mail-outs to dog walking companies, vets, and digital ads on walking websites.
Ashleigh Tooth of SNH said: “Scotland has some of the best access laws in the world for those who enjoy the outdoors – but with that comes responsibility for our wildlife. We want to encourage everyone to enjoy Scotland’s nature while caring for Scotland’s countryside at the same time – whether that means keeping your dog under control, avoiding fires, or picking up litter.”
Fran Pothecary of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “We are delighted to support SNH’s national campaign of promoting responsible access in the outdoors, and we are taking it forward at a local level with our ‘Tread Lightly in the Park’ message. Through information and events, this will encourage people visiting and living in the Cairngorms National Park to enjoy its amazing places and help care for them at the same time.”
Spending time in the outdoors in a responsible way has been proven to have beneficial effects on peoples’ health and well-being, as well as our country’s finances. Recent research by SNH found that 11% of Scotland’s total economic output depends on sustainable use of the environment. This is worth £17.2 billion a year and supports one in seven of all full-time jobs.
A lot of useful information including how best to enjoy the countryside with your dog, the rights and wrongs of wild camping, and where you can walk, is set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.