DofE Gold – Access, the Country Code and the Environment

1. DofE Gold – Access, the Country Code and the Environment <<Your Name>> D of E <<Your Position>>

2. Aim To introduce you to the Country Code and Rights of Access and to explore your responsibilities in a countryside environment in order to minimising the impact of your expeditions on the countryside environment and the people who live there

3. Method • Rights of Access - Scotland • Outdoor Access Code - Scotland • Rights of Access – England and Wales • Environmental Issues

4. Rights of Access - Scotland • As a result of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act of 2003 access in Scotland is on a very much wider basis than in England and Wales. • The Act gives a statutory right to be on, or to cross, all land, inland water and the foreshore. The right may be exercised for recreational purposes or in order to undertake a relevant educational activity

5. Activities within the Statutory Right • Activities such as walking, cycling, horse riding, rock climbing, hill walking, running, ski-touring, caving, canoeing, swimming, rowing, windsurfing, sailing, diving and airsports. • Pastimes such as watching wildlife, sightseeing, photography, and enjoying historical sights. • Family and social activities. • Overnight camping and wild camping.

6. Excluded Activities Access rights do not extend to: • Hunting, shooting and fishing. • Use of a motorised vehicle or vessel except when used for disabled people. • Anyone with a dog which is not under proper control. • Taking away anything from the land for a commercial purpose.

7. Excluded Places Access rights extend throughout Scotland, except certain specified areas. These are some of the main exceptions: • In houses and gardens. • In non-residential buildings and associated land. • On land on which crops are growing. • On land associated with a school or used by a school. • On sports or playing fields when these are in use. • On land developed and in use for recreation. • On golf courses except in order to cross the course. • On airfields, railways, telecommunication sites or Ministry of Defence land. • At visitor attractions or other places which charge for entry. • On land where building, civil engineering or demolition works are taking place. • In working quarries.

8. Responsible Access Provided that they are planned carefully expeditions in Scotland can be undertaken with much greater freedom than before, and certainly with greater freedom than in England and Wales. It is important, however, for those planning and undertaking expeditions to be aware that the right of access is a right of responsible access and that everyone should: • Take responsibility for their own actions. • Respect the privacy of other people. • Care for the environment. • Help land managers and others to work safely and effectively. • Keep dogs under proper control. • Take extra care in organising a group activity.

9. The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act, 2000 • This is the English equivalent of the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003; • Essentially it gives the same rights, with the same responsibilities, in England and Wales; • There are differences – if you want to do an Expedition in England or Wales : CHECK!!!

10. Environment • Promote sustainable use of the outdoor environment; • Enhance partnerships with the wider community; • Educate participants about the natural environment and local area; • Conserve local resources.