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Practical steps you can take to help protect Perthshire's most important asset - the environment
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Perthshire is one of Scotland's best-loved and most popular tourism destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. But the area's very popularity brings its own set of problems as large visitor numbers bring their own pressures and it's not just immediate factors that cause a problem. Issues such as pollution and climate change are global problems, but can have a disproportionately large impact on sensitive ecosystems.
It's up to all of us, individually and collectively, to minimise our impact on sensitive areas like the Scottish countryside. If we all give just a little more thought to how we can help, on a local and a global scale, we can make a great deal of difference.
We can start by thinking about: - leaving the car behind and walking, cycling or using public transport
- turning down central heating a degree or two
- using low energy light bulbs and switching off lights in empty rooms;
- boiling just enough water for what you need rather than filling the kettle every time
- buying only what you need, preferably locally-sourced
- re-using plastic carrier bags
- recycling glass, tin cans and paper where possible
- showering more and bathing less
- turning taps off when not in use and repairing leaky taps promptly
These are all small, simple changes we can make in our daily lives. But if enough of us make them, we can make a big difference.
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Did you know?
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If everyone in Britain installed just one low energy light bulb we could close down one of the power stations. (Source: Energy Saving Trust/SCARF March 06)
Leaving a pc monitor on all night wastes enough energy to microwave six dinners. (Source: Action Energy )
Every tonne of glass recycled saves over one tonne of raw materials like sand and limestone. This means less quarrying, less damage to countryside, less pollution, valuable energy savings and less global warming. (Source: Scottish Energy Efficiency Office )
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In the Countryside
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There are some general principles we should all adhere to while visiting Perthshire or indeed any area of countryside.
LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, TAKE NOTHING BUT PHOTOGRAPHS - leave the land as you find it for others to enjoy, and never pick wild plants.
TREAD GENTLY - the plants and animals of our countryside are fragile and sensitive. Don't disturb wild (or farmed) animals if you can avoid it, and stick to footpaths wherever possible.
FIRE can devastate vast areas of countryside and forest. Don't start campfires - use a gas stove if camping, or stick to specified BBQ sites if you want to eat outdoors. Never drop a lighted cigarette or match.
PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT - never leave litter in the countryside. Either bin it or take it home with you.
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Green Tourism Businesses
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The Green Tourism Business Scheme promotes practical measures for businesses to reduce their environmental impact and manage resources more efficiently. It also awards Bronze, Silver and Gold awards to businesses with good, very good and excellent environmental practice respectively. More information on the GTBS is available at www.green-business.co.uk
Perthshire is a working environment, and many people depend on the land for their livelihood. In Scotland, there is a long-standing tradition of access to the countryside based on respect for the needs of the land and those who work on it. This tradition is enshrined in law by the Scottish Parliament, but the rights it gives us are balanced by the same responsibilities that visitors and walkers have always recognised:
Respect rural activities such as farming and forestry - they are vital to the local economy - and please obey any warning signs you see.
ALWAYS keep dogs on a lead and never take a dog into a sheep farming area during lambing season (March-May).
Respect reasonable restrictions during the stalking season (mid August to the end of October). Some areas popular with both walkers and shooting parties have hillphones with recorded information about shooting activity, or you can enquire at the local VisitScotland Information Centre.
Everyone has a right to be on most land and inland water in Scotland providing they act responsibly. Your access rights and responsibilities are explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
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A Weather Eye
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There is a saying in Scotland: "If you don't like the weather, come back in 10 minutes". It's certainly true that the weather can change incredibly quickly, especially over the mountains. A sunny morning in Perth can still mean a blizzard on the summit of Schiehallion. So before you set out get a good, accurate weather forecast, make sure you have good equipment - especially boots and a waterproof jacket - and plenty of food and drink. It's also worth planning your route in advance and leaving a note of it with someone, as well as the time you expect to return. Always have an alternative route if the weather should close in. And never be afraid to turn back if conditions deteriorate: the mountains will still be there next time. Your safety is your responsibility.
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