SCOTTISH FARMING'S Next Generation has developed a range of colourful, educational posters free for all farmers and crofters to download and fill out.

The range of 13 different posters, concocted by NFU Scotland's Next Generation group, are available at: https://www.nfus.org.uk/policy/educational-posters.aspx

Titled ‘What’s Happening in This Field’, the eye-catching posters inform the public about farming activities, linking them to food production and the environment, and are appropriate for fields supporting general crops, barley, oats, wheat, grassland, beef, sheep, poultry, pigs, dairy, biodiversity and nesting birds. They ask the public to ‘Please enjoy #responsible access’ and thank people for keeping their dogs on a lead.

The timing of the posters being released coincides with the second phase in lifting lockdown restrictions, and larger groups permitted to meet outdoors – which means a new wave of people taking access in the countryside is expected.

NFU Scotland’s Next Generation chairman, Peter Moss from Orkney, said “With a notable increase in those choosing to access rural areas, it is clear that we all have a role to play in helping to inform the public about the farming activities we are undertaking.

“The Next Generation group has produced a range of colourful and informative posters to help farmers and crofters engage with the public and tell their own personalised story to those taking access. By telling our own farming story, where we manage the environment whilst producing food, we can help ensure that those accessing these areas do so responsibly and safely.

“Now is the time to take advantage of the increase in those accessing the countryside and to thank them for their continued support for Scottish produce. Let’s take the opportunity to tell the public where their food and drink comes from, ow we protect and encourage biodiversity and wildlife, and what they can do to responsibly visit these areas.”