Access advice for land managers

FARMERS and other people who manage land are being invited to a special land access seminar in Lerwick on Tuesday 7th October.

Delegates will hear how they can accommodate walkers, cyclists, paddlers and horse riders under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and what help is available for them to do so.

The free “sharing good practice” event has been organised by Scottish Natural Heritage in association with the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association and the National Farmers Union. It is aimed at farmers, estate representatives, rural property managers and land owning public bodies.

Topics covered will include managing public access on farms, resources and support available for land managers and the roles and responsibilities of local authorities.

SNH access advisor Eleanor Macgregor said: “With Shetland becoming ever more popular as a destination for walkers, cyclists, paddlers and horse riders, managed access is a topic cropping up for many local people. The aim of the day is to share good practice and to help land managers think about how public access on their land can be managed.

“Now that the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is in place and people can exercise their rights of responsible access, some land managers are wondering where they can get help and advice. That’s what this event is about and we hope it will be of interest to many in Shetland.”

The event, entitled Public Access and Land Management, will be held at Room 12 at Islesburgh Community Centre. Lunch and registration is at 12.30pm followed by the seminar from 1pm to 4pm.

Further details are available from Caroline Reid at Scottish Natural Heritage on (01738) 458557 or by email at caroline.reid@snh.gov.uk. The deadline for registration is Tuesday.