Environment
Access
SEBG members have long-established practices of encouraging responsible access across their lands and believe the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which has codified responsible access, is a central tool for the development of improved access across rural Scotland.
The Group believes the objective of creating a core path network will benefit access takers and landowners alike.
It is a correspondent member of the National Access Forum and many SEBG members also sit on Local Access Forums, participating in access development and available to provide advice or solutions where needed.
Many SEBG members provide pathways across their estates to facilitate enjoyment of the countryside by the local community and visitors, for example:
- 153 miles of managed access paths and tracks on Atholl Estates, where a Country Ranger service manages public access needs.
- Mountain bike trails on the Buccleuch Queensberry Estate at Drumlanrig, where national trials are held annually.
- The Lothian Estate actively encourages access, with 4 different walks over the estate managed by the local authority, which also organises events including Bat Walks, Hallowe'en Walks and barbeques, which are very popular locally. The Estate is also working with Borders Pathways to develop cycle routes.
- Stalker-led walks at Invermark, part of Dalhousie Estates , as part of the Angus Glens Walking Festival.
- The Abercorn Estates Baronscourt Estate provides access to over 2,000 children per year for environmental field days / workshops and creative writing classes run by the Pushkin Trust. Horse riding and mountain biking paths are currently being developed through the estate.
