Question reference: S6W-18950
- Date lodged: 9 June 2023
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 20 June 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will review the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, with a view to increasing the prominence of wildfire risk across all relevant sections.
Answer
NatureScot is charged with keeping the Access Code under constant review and is working with the National Access Forum to address access issues that do arise though providing new guidance, resources and advice.
The Access Code succeeds in fulfilling its statutory purpose of setting out the rights and responsibilities of land managers and those exercising access rights. The Access Code states for those exercising access rights, “Wherever possible, use a stove rather than light an open fire. If you do wish to light an open fire, keep it small, under control and supervised – fires that get out of control can cause major damage, for which you might be liable. Never light an open fire during prolonged dry periods or in areas such as forests, woods, farmland, or on peaty ground or near to buildings or in cultural heritage sites where damage can be easily caused. Heed all advice at times of high risk. Remove all traces of an open fire before you leave.”
It states for land managers, “At times of drought, work with your local authority (fire services) to inform people of the high risks involved.”
We are content that addressing challenges such as wildfires does not require modification of the Access Code, but better adherence to the Access Code including education and enforcement where necessary.
This spring has seen NatureScot’s strongest Access Code social media campaign to date, with 1.7 million social media impressions, of which 35,000 were specifically on fire messaging during the last four weeks. There have also been 128,000 plays of wild camping guidance videos.