Joint News Release
on behalf of NFU Scotland andRamblers’ Association Scotland
As winter comes to an end, Ramblers and Farmers encourage people to enjoy the countryside responsibly
The Easter weekend is traditionally a great time to head to the outdoors and enjoy Scotland’s fantastic countryside. This year, the NFU (National Farmers Union) Scotland and Ramblers Scotland are together asking people to bear in mind that spring is also an important and busy time for farmers. This means taking care around young animals, keeping dogs under proper control at all times and away from vulnerable young and pregnant animals.
NFUS Access Officer, Sue Hilder said "Farmers welcome responsible walkers and other recreational users to come and enjoy the scenery in Scotland. The sight of young lambs in spring is a joy shared by everyone visiting or living in the countryside. 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 (1). It’s essential that people follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (2) and take heed of any 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 Convener, Alison Mitchell, said “Walking is a perfect form of exercise for almost anyone, whatever their ability, and is a great way of enjoying our beautiful countryside. But we should all be conscious that spring is also a sensitive time on farms and act responsibly. Joining a Ramblers walk with one of our 58 local groups across the country is a fun and sociable way of enjoying the outdoors. Many of our groups are leading walks over the Easter weekend. Walking is a good way to work off those Easter eggs and get fit now that winter is coming to an end (3).”
NOTES
(1) 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.
(2) 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;
- 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.
(3) 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.
