NFU Scotland’s Next Generation group are reminding members that they have developed a range of colourful, educational posters, that are designed to inform the public about farming activities taking place in the countryside, linking them to food production, the environment and encouraging responsible access.
With lockdown restrictions beginning to ease and more people expected to be using the countryside for recreation over the coming months, it is hoped that these posters may be another visual resource to help encourage visitors to make positive behaviour choices.
Informing the public
NFU Scotland’s Next Generation chairman, Peter Moss from Orkney said: “We all have a role to play in helping inform the public about the farming activities we are undertaking.
“The Next Generation group have produced a range of colourful and informative posters to help farmers and crofters engage with the public and tell their own personalised story to those taking access.
By telling our own farming story, where we manage the environment whilst producing food, we can help ensure that those accessing these areas do so responsibly and safely.
“We also want to be positive and thank them for their continued support for Scottish produce – a trend we have seen increase throughout the pandemic,” he added.
“Let’s take the opportunity to tell the public where their food and drink comes from, how we protect and encourage biodiversity and wildlife, and what they can do to responsibly visit these areas.”
Andrew Neilson, a farmer from East Brackenridge farm in Lanarkshire, who has made use of the Next Generation group’s posters said:
“Through recent lockdown months a huge amount of people have flocked to the countryside to enjoy its beautiful scenery for long walks and bike rides.
Andrew Neilson
“I chose to take advantage of this and educate the public by using the Next Generation group’s posters. We have used these to explain to passers-bys what is happening in our fields.
“This also should deter certain cyclists from using our winter wheat crop as a mountain bike track,” he concluded.
