South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle is urging the public to respect the countryside during the coronavirus pandemic.
As the lockdown measures continue, recent good weather has prompted fears that some people will flout social distancing rules and get in their cars for a trip to the countryside.
While urging people not to take non-essential trips into the country, Brian also stressed that people who live in smaller towns and villages with the countryside on their doorstep need to take care.
Lambing, calving and other farming activity is taking place right across Scotland, and farmers are asking the public to stay at home in order to avoid unnecessary contact and animal worrying incidents.
The plea from MSPs echoes calls from the National Farmers Union of Scotland and the Countryside Alliance, who have issued similar advice urging the public to think twice about unnecessarily roaming across farmland and through farms.
Ed Rowlandson, Countryside Alliance said:
“Under normal circumstances we’d always encourage people to get outside and explore the countryside.
“However, the official guidelines on containing the spread of this awful virus couldn’t be clearer. We need people to stay at home to save lives.
“For those doing local travel for exercise, please respect the importance of sticking to footpaths and other walkways while maintaining a distance of 2 metres from others.
“If you cannot avoid opening a gate, please be sure to close it behind you and remember to use a sanitiser after doing so.
“If we stick to following these crucial guidelines, we can hopefully avoid having any further restrictions brought in.”
Gemma Cooper, NFU Scotland Head of Policy Team said:
“NFU Scotland encourages the public to get out and enjoy the Scottish countryside and within the current circumstances it is understandable that increased volumes of people will want to make the most of the fresh air and green space that is available close to them. However, the impact of increased access-taking in recent weeks has been immediate and acute for many Scottish farmers on the urban fringes and unfortunately, it is clear that many access-takers are not aware of their responsibilities when exercising or walking dogs on farm land.
“NFU Scotland members are reporting problems in substantial numbers, including littering, gates being left open, crop damage, uncontrolled dogs and access to fields of newly lambed ewes and freshly calved cows. In addition, there has been a huge increase in farmers reporting the public taking access through (or in) farm steadings and other buildings, with some reports of finding the public in farmhouse gardens.
“It is important for the public to understand that farming activities are food production and these must continue during Covid-19. This Easter, NFU Scotland is asking the public to remind themselves of the Outdoor Access Code and to ensure that their behaviour does not make farming activities any more difficult than it already is in these unprecedented circumstances.”
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“We all recognise how important some regular exercise is to our physical and mental health, especially during this difficult period, but people shouldn’t be getting in their cars and going somewhere else to go for a walk or a run.
“For those who are lucky enough to live in more rural areas, it’s important to respect the countryside and stick to designated routes. Our farmers are still working hard to keep food supplies flowing, and you can help them by thinking about where you walk, especially at this time of year when calving and lambing is going on.
“If we all work together and follow advice, we can reduce the number of animal worrying incidents which remain an issue across rural Scotland.
“Please follow advice and exercise close to your home and if you are in the countryside, treat it with respect”.
