RESPECT the National Park
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority and Forestry Commission Scotland have launched a new leaflet asking loch and river users to be responsible in the National Park. RESPECT, our Lochs and Rivers gives advice on how to behave when out in the countryside including how to manage campfires, taking your litter away with you, keeping a tidy campsite, noise control and how to dispose of fishing line responsibly. The leaflets will be available from all visitor centres and fishing permit outlets in the National Park.
Speaking about the new leaflet, Dr Tim Edwards, Director of Visitor and Operational Services said, "We want people to come to the National Park and enjoy themselves but that means respecting the surrounding countryside and the people around you. This is a National Park and we all have a duty to look after it. The new leaflet is a gentle reminder of how we can all do our bit to look after the Park generations to come".
Biodegradable bags will also be available to encourage people to take their litter home with them. This initiative is part of an ongoing campaign by the National Park Community Partnership. The group launched a successful litter poster campaign last year which helped raised awareness of litter issues throughout the National Park. Members include representatives from Forestry Commission Scotland, the National Park Authority, local communities and Stirling Council.
Fiona Kennedy, Chair of the Community Partnership Litter Group said, "Since the Community Partnership launched the litter campaign last year we feel we have made a small difference to the litter problem. However, there is still a long way to go and with the help of agencies and local communities involved in the campaign we hope to have a litter free Park where everyone can enjoy the environment."
The group has also recruited local litter champions who help identify problem litter spots and distribute bags and posters within their local community. There are litter champions in seven communities within the National Park and the community partnership would like to encourage more litter champions to volunteer. If you are interested, please contact Marion McCahon, Sustainable Development Officer on 01389 722003.
Copies of the leaflet are available from www.lochlomond-trossachs.org or email info@lochlomond-trossachs.org.