Plea to act responsibly outdoors during Covid-19 restrictions

Walkers, joggers and cyclists are being urged to act responsibly when out for their local exercise during Covid-19 restrictions.

And with many key people still working outdoors, they have been urged to show extra consideration.

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