Walkers in Scotland are urged to take care around wildlife

Outdoor enthusiasts are being urged to be aware of vulnerable animals and birds as spring approaches.

Scottish Natural Heritage made the plea to walkers and cyclists to be particularly careful, and is backing up its campaign with an advertising campaign and leaflet drops.

The Scottish Government’s advisory body on the outdoors is also mailing out information to dog-walking companies.

Ashleigh Tooth of SNH said: “Scotland has some of the best access laws in the world for those who enjoy the outdoors, but with that comes responsibility for our wildlife.

“We want to encourage everyone to enjoy Scotland’s nature while caring for Scotland’s countryside at the same time – whether that means keeping your dog under control, avoiding fires, or picking up litter.”

Fran Pothecary of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “We are delighted to support SNH’s national campaign of promoting responsible access in the outdoors, and we are taking it forward at a local level with our Tread Lightly in the Park message.

“Through information and events, this will encourage people visiting and living in the Cairngorms national park to enjoy its amazing places and help care for them at the same time.”

Recent research by SNH found that one in seven jobs in Scotland rely on outdoor activities, which contributes £17.2bn to the nation’s economy.