20 April, 2020
Public urged to follow Covid-19 outdoor access guidance
Walkers, joggers and cyclists are being urged to act responsibly when out for their local exercise during Covid-19 restrictions, with extra consideration for people working outdoors.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has provided guidance to help people safely access the outdoors during the pandemic. This emphasises the importance of social distancing and, as always, following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The new guidance also contains advice for land managers.
Spring is a crucial time for many key outdoor workers and a social media campaign will provide key advice on responsible access, which includes following all reasonable requests to avoid fields with young or pregnant livestock, farmyards and other busy areas. Dog owners are asked to keep their dogs close at heel or on a lead when on farmland and it is advised to try and plan routes that avoid the need to touch surfaces such as gates.
Pete Rawcliffe, Head of People and Nature at SNH, said: “Exercise and fresh air is important for our well-being and we encourage people to make the most of their local walks or cycles during restrictions. But we need to make sure that we are still following social distancing rules when outdoors, and that we respect the health and safety of farmers and others working on the land.
If we follow Scottish Government advice and stay local for our exercise, make use of the paths and open spaces near to us and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access code, we will be doing our bit to beat Covid-19 and end restrictions”.
For full guidance, including downloadable signs for land managers, and posters for those wishing to support the online campaign visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot
Contact information
- Name
- NatureScot Media
- Telephone
- 0131 316 2655
- media@nature.scot
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. Responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, we work to protect and restore nature by inspiring everyone to value our natural world. Our goal is a nature-rich, net-zero future for Scotland. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot
'S e buidheann nàdair na h-Alba a th’ ann an NàdarAlba. Bidh sinn a’ gleidheadh agus a’ slànachadh nàdar le bhith a’ brosnachadh a h-uile duine gu spèis a chur air an t-saoghal nàdarra againn, agus sinn a’ freagairt air an dà chùis-èiginn de chall bith-iomadachd ’s atharrachadh na gnàth-shìde. ’S e ar n-amas nàdar beairteach ’s cothromachadh carboin do dh’Alba. Airson an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh, thoiribh sùil air an làraich-lìn againn aig www.nature.scot
