Friday 29 March 2024
 6.5°C   ENE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Nature / Bird watchers could be more responsible in the outdoors, councillor says

Councillor Allison Duncan. Photo: Hans J Marter/Shetland News

A SOUTH mainland councillor believes visiting bird watchers could be more responsible in Shetland’s outdoors after claiming some have accidentally damaged crops and fences when out in the countryside.

Concerns were raised on Wednesday by Allison Duncan, who also crofts, as members of Shetland Islands Council’s development committee discussed a draft new outdoor access strategy.

One of the proposals in the strategy says the council will endeavour to raise awareness of the problems irresponsible dog control causes via various media and signs.

Duncan said the issue of dogs being left off their leashes in and around farm land has been “ongoing for years”, with the councillor saying “education is the answer”.

He also said, however, that “bird enthusiasts” visiting from across the country to see a rare bird are sometimes responsible for trampling on arable crops.

“That is a serious concern for me,” Duncan said, with the councillor also claiming that people also occasionally break strands on fences by standing on them to gain leverage.

The strategy recently went out to consultation and one responder – a crofter named J. Johnson – reflected Duncan’s views on dogs.

They said while the majority of people keep their animals on a lead, “there is a significant number who do not”.

“On occasion sheep have been hounded over the cliffs, a cause of great anger within this community and will shortly lead to inevitable confrontation, a consequence of irresponsible behaviour,” they said.

Outdoor access officer Kevin Serginson told Wednesday’s meeting that the council continues to promote responsible access online and through the media, as well as through signage.

The Shetland Outdoor Access Strategy sets out the priorities for the provision and development of access to the countryside in Shetland, covering areas like core paths, the coast, hills and development.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

A couple of comments were submitted by members of the public as part of the strategy’s consultation over the impact wind farms could have on walking routes.

Development committee chairman Alastair Cooper welcomed the strategy but said he feels some walking routes are becoming “overused” – leading to difficulties for crofters resulting from traffic and parking.

“I think we are finding some of these routes, and I dare say whole roads…the crofters are having difficulties with the quantity of folk using it,” the North Mainland councillor said.

Council leader Steven Coutts said he “wholeheartedly agrees that balance needs to be struck” between landowners and the public.

He said feedback from visitors often praised the signs installed in Shetland’s outdoors, as well as the cooperation of landowners.

The development committee recommended to the full Shetland Islands Council to adopt the strategy as supplementary guidance to the local development plan, with members due to discuss the matter next Wednesday.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.