#RespectProtectEnjoy Scotland's forests this summer

Are you planning your activities for the summer holidays? Scotland is home to jaw-dropping views and world-class outdoor recreation facilities. Whether you’re looking to enjoy spectacular hikes, try out a mountain biking trail or learn more about local wildlife there are plenty of facilities across Scotland to keep you busy over the next few weeks.

It’s important to enjoy our forests safely and responsibly to ensure everyone has the opportunity to visit and make use of our facilities. We are asking all visitors to respect, protect and enjoy nature whilst exploring all Scotland has to offer this summer. This not only keeps yourself safe - it also helps maintain the local environment and ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

Here are some tips we have if you are planning to visit any of our forests over the summer holidays.

Take your litter with you

Many of our visitor centres come with bins but you might not notice any whilst enjoying our trails. If you have any rubbish with you please take it with you and bin it at home. This includes wrappers, dog waste and discarded camping equipment. 

Litter doesn’t just ruin the views - it also poses a serious fire risk and can harm local wildlife. This can cause a knock-on effect for biodiversity and the natural environment.

Opt for sustainable transport options

Many of our forests can be reached by public transport or bike. You can check the Traveline Scotland app to find out what options are available. Our website will also have information about which National Cycle Routes pass through the area. This is a great option for the environment and means you get to avoid waiting for a parking space during busy periods.

If you need to drive you can opt for car sharing to help reduce your environmental impact. Car parking costs and opening hours are located on the visit page for each location.

Stay safe in Scotland’s waters

Wild swimming has become increasingly popular over the past few years and during hotter weather it can be tempting to take a dip to cool off. There are also water sports facilities dotted around our sites. It’s important to make sure you’re staying safe when enjoying our lochs, rivers and coastlines. The RNLI’s Float to Live advice is an essential read before heading into the water.

You should also plan ahead by researching access points and local conditions. Scotland’s waters are cold year round - even when the air is hot - so limit how long you stay in the water and consider wearing a wetsuit for prolonged periods.

Help us protect local wildlife

Scotland is home to some iconic wildlife including birds of prey, red squirrels and seals. The best way to spot this wildlife is by visiting our specially designed nature hides. These allow you to spot local wildlife in a way that minimises disturbance. Some spots even come with guided tours to give you more information about the different species in the area.

If you are bringing your dog with you it’s important to keep them under control to prevent animal disturbances. Keep your dog in sight and when in doubt keep them on the lead. Ground nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to dogs so always keep your dog close to heel in these areas.

Respect nature when you’re camping

Camping is a great way to soak up Scotland’s outstanding scenery - and we are home to some of the most beautiful campsites in the world. There are also plenty of wild camping options for respectful visitors, and our Stay the Night scheme is a fantastic option for campervans travelling around the country.

Remember to leave no trace when you are finished camping. Take all of your belongings and litter with you, and use public toilets when available. Try to keep quiet throughout the day and night to make sure you don’t disturb local wildlife or nearby communities.

Plan in advance

The best way to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible is to plan in advance. You can head to the visit tab on our website to look up any forests you want to visit and learn more about what trails, facilities and transport options are on-site. 

Our staff work around the clock to keep trails safe, improve the local environment and ensure our forests remain an important public asset. If you spot them when you’re out and about give them a wave to say thank you.