Joint News Release
On Behalf of NFU Scotland and Ramblers' Association Scotland
“Spring is the perfect time to get out and about but we know that it is a sensitive time on farms, of which we should all be conscious.”
The Easter weekend is traditionally used as an opportunity to get out and enjoy the countryside. Easter also marks one of the most important and busy periods for livestock farmers as lambing and calving is under way. Both organisations are asking people to be mindful of that, in particular by keeping dogs well away from vulnerable young and pregnant animals.
NFUS Access Officer, Sue Hilder said:
“Spring is a beautiful time in the countryside and we welcome responsible walkers and other recreational users who want to get out and enjoy Scotland’s outdoors. However, everyone should also be aware that it's a very busy time for farmers and a critical time for new-born animals, especially lambs.
“The sight of young lambs in spring is a joy shared by everyone visiting or living in the countryside, but to protect these animals, it is essential that people follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and heed local advice from farmers. In particular, dogs should be kept well away from sheep because even if no lambs are present, pregnant ewes are extremely vulnerable to disturbance.”
Ramblers Scotland Convener, Alison Mitchell, said:
“Walking is the closest thing to perfect exercise and almost everybody can go for a walk, whatever their ability.
“There are dozens of Ramblers-led walks taking place across the country over the Easter holiday, ranging from a 5-mile stroll around the Dumfries & Galloway coast at Cruggleton Castle, to a climb up Beinn Eunaich, a Munro overlooking Loch Awe. A warm welcome for non-members is guaranteed, and you can get to know about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code as you walk with our experienced and knowledgeable group members.
“Spring is the perfect time to get out and about but we know that it is a sensitive time on farms, of which we should all be conscious.”
As well as the traditional Easter outings, during the spring, events will be held at locations across the country as part of the Scottish Outdoor Access Festival. The festival runs from 28 April to 7 May 2007 and aims to celebrate the right of responsible access and to help people understand how to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Festival provides lots of opportunities for a healthy and enjoyable day out while learning about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. There are all sorts of activities for people to take part in including guided walks and bike rides, watersports courses, orienteering taster sessions, family fun days, and dog walking activities. All the events are listed on the Scottish Outdoor Access Website
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Lambs are particularly vulnerable, both before and after they are born. Pregnant ewes sometimes miscarry if they are put under stress or take fright before their lambs are born. New lambs can very easily be separated from their mothers if the flock is disturbed, and this can result in the lambs getting lost and dying of starvation or exposure. Sheep are rather nervous creatures at the best of times, and even very well-behaved dogs on leads can be very disturbing to nervous ewes at this time of year. In view of this, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code advises people to avoid walking, riding or cycling through fields with lambs and calves, if possible, and never to take a dog into a field with young animals.
- The Scottish Outdoor Access Code, approved by the Scottish Parliament, gives detailed information on responsible access for recreational users and land managers, as a requirement of the access legislation under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
Guidance in the Code includes the following advice:
- FIELDS WITH YOUNG ANIMALS PRESENT: You can avoid disturbing sheep close to lambing time, or young animals such as calves, lambs, foals and farmed deer, by going into a neighbouring field or onto adjacent land. If this is not possible, keep as far from the animals as possible. Do not take dogs into fields where there are young animals present.
- FIELDS WITH FARM ANIMALS: Access rights extend to such fields, but remember that some animals, particularly cows with calves, but also horses, pigs, and farmed deer, can react aggressively towards people. Before entering a field, check to see what alternatives there are. If you are in a field of farm animals, keep a safe distance and watch them carefully.
- DOGS:
- never let your dog worry or attack livestock;
- do not take you dog into a fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals;
- if you go into a field of farm animals, keep your dog(s) on a short lead or under close control and keep it as far as possible from the animals;
- if cattle act aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field;
- during the bird breeding season (usually April to July), keep your dog under close control or on a short lead in areas such as moorland, forests, grassland, loch shores and the seashore;
- pick up and remove your dog’s faeces if it defecates in a public open place.
- Details of Ramblers walks can be found online at www.ramblers.org.uk/walksfinder or from the Ramblers Scotland office on 01577 861222, email Scotland@ramblers.org.uk
- The Scottish Outdoor Access Festival running 28th April to 7th May is being co-ordinated and publicised by Scottish Natural Heritage, but events will be run by a variety of organisations, including ranger services, access officers, land managers and their advisers, outdoor education and activity providers and recreational user groups. Events are aimed at everyone, including families on day trips, individual active recreationalists, novices interested in having a go, outdoor clubs and associations, and dog owners.
- Some examples of events are: A walk around the Isle of Noss National Nature Reserve, Bressay, Shetland; a fun access festival for all the family at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh; an introduction to navigation skills course in the Borders; a treasure hunt for kids at Gartocharn in West Dunbartonshire; and a ‘have-a-go’ at watersports day at Loch Ore Meadows in Fife.
- The key element that links all the events is the promotion of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which encourages the public to enjoy access responsibly.
Ends
