NFU SCOTLAND has produced a downloadable poster for farmers and crofters to place on their land urging responsible behaviour by those accessing the countryside during the current circumstances.

The union stressed that people are free to access and enjoy the Scottish countryside within Covid-19 government guidelines, but called on individuals to respect those living and working in rural areas while doing so.

Since lockdown, NFUS field staff have logged calls from a substantial number of members reporting problems with public access. Some issues noted have been people ignoring government recommendations and travelling considerable distances to take access. People have been spotted walking through fields of cows with calves; ewes with lambs and pregnant animals with dogs off the lead. Raising its ugly head is the issue of dog poo and people either failing to 'pick-up' behind their pooch or bagging poo and throwing it into fields of growing crops and livestock.

There have been complaints surrounding people accessing farm buildings and, in one case, someone walking through a shed of cows and young calves with a dog. In another incident, a family accessed the farmhouse garden to take photographs.

NFUS heard how people have been abandoning cars and vans in farm gateways and farm roads while going for a walk or cycle and others have ignored reasonable requests to use hand sanitiser when opening and closing farm gates.

Since the temporary closure of local waste sites, there have already been issues of fly tipping reported across the country but even on a smaller scale, some countryside ramblers are disposing of litter during their walks.

People have been reported driving past official car parks and ignoring official signage on road closures and have been spotted taking access across fields of crops, such as wheat and barley, and one report of people playing golf in an arable field.

One incident was reported where gates were left open and Highland Pony stallions were running around with juvenile mares.

NFUS head of policy team, Gemma Cooper said: “The Scottish countryside remains open and an hour’s responsible exercise each day is a central plank of the recommendations from Government on how we get through this crisis.

“For many, accessing the countryside is a new experience and we want to help guide them on how to do that responsibly and safely, recognising the legitimate concerns of those who are farming and crofting in these unprecedented times," she continued.

“This is the busiest time of the year for farming – lambing, calving, ploughing, planting and more. To fulfil our pledge to keep Scotland’s plates and glasses full throughout this crisis, we need farmers, crofters, their families and staff to stay safe, healthy and able to get on with the job of producing food and drink.

“We respectfully ask that people please follow these simple guidelines in the poster. It will assist the many people taking access in the countryside and receive the thanks of all living and working in the countryside at this challenging time,” she concluded.

For those who would like to download a copy of the poster they can access it at: https://www.nfus.org.uk/userfiles/images/Coronavirus/NFU%20Scotland%20COVID%2019%20Public%20Access%20Sign.pdf