HELP PROTECT NATURE
Scotland’s wild landscapes are special places. When you join a Hillgoers experience, a few small actions can help protect wildlife, habitats, and local communities
Why It Matters
Scotland’s wild landscapes are some of the most special places, from ancient forests to high mountain plateaus, these environments support unique wildlife and delicate ecosystems.
These places may feel vast and untouched, but mountain habitats can be surprisingly fragile. Plants grow slowly at high altitudes, wildlife can be sensitive to disturbance, and even small impacts can take many years to recover.
By travelling responsibly and following a few simple principles, we can enjoy these landscapes while helping to protect them.
At Hillgoers, we believe the best way to care for nature is to experience it thoughtfully, respectfully, and with knowledgeable guides who understand the land.
Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Scotland’s access rights are guided by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. The three key principles are:
1) Take responsibility for your own actions
For example, research in advance and prepare accordingly; take care to keep yourself and your group members safe; be aware of your surroundings and the weather, especially if changeable, so you can assess and avoid any potential risks.
2) Respect the interests of other people
Be aware of other users – walkers, cyclists, paddlers, horse riders, farmers, gamekeepers, forestry workers etc – and give each other due consideration and space; avoid damaging farmers’ fields of crops, or disturbing livestock; stay clear of land management and forestry operations, taking note of relevant signage / instruction; keep quiet in peaceful surroundings and at night; leave gates as you find them; take care to camp only in safe and appropriate places.
3) Care for the environment
Avoid pollution and any physical actions that could harm wildlife or the natural environment; be mindful to avoid disturbing or startling wildlife, including keeping quiet, and choosing to use existing made paths and trails; carry out all litter, including toileting responsibly and not leaving any waste sanitary products; keep dogs under close control, especially during the April to August ground nesting season, and scoop their poop; aim to leave no trace of your visit.
Your Hillgoers guide will always help you follow best practice during your experience.
Dispose of Waste Responsibly
Please take all your rubbish home and leave no waste behind, including any food waste. When washing yourself or doing dishes, carry water at least 60 metres away from streams or lochs, use only small amounts of biodegradable soap, and scatter strained dishwater ideally on paths or tracks. For solid human waste, use a trowel to dig a hole about six inches deep, and cover it fully with soil to help protect the environment and keep the area pleasant for others.
Watch this video to find out more about toileting outdoors:
Contribute to Conservation with Hillgoers
Ready to go that extra step to protect Scotland’s landscapes? Join Hillgoers on a conservation day.
Thank you for helping us to protect nature
Find out more by checking out: