Managing dogs and their owners – seminar for land managers

Land Managers are being invited to find out how they can manage the impact of walkers with dogs on their land.

The free seminar is being run by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) on Thursday 18 November 2010 at St John’s Church Hall, Inverdruie, near Aviemore.

It has been specifically set up to help land managers, conservation managers, farmers and crofters address the issues associated with other people’s dogs on their land.

Leading the day will be Stephen Jenkinson, an access and countryside management adviser who has a specialist interest in working with dog owners and their dogs. He is supported by Anne Gray, SRPBA; Colin McLean from Glen Tanar Estate: Lucy Ford, Head Ranger at Rothiemurchus Estate: and Fran Pothecary and Justin Prigmore, CNPA.

Fran Pothecary, CNPA Outdoor Access Officer, said: “We are delighted that Stephen will be joining us to lead the day. His experience and expertise in this area are second to none. This day will complement the workshop we held earlier in the year that was aimed at dog owners themselves, and we hope both will become regular fixtures in our calendar of events about promoting the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

Topics that will be covered include the principles of good practice and new approaches from across the UK; the legal and management options available to reduce conflict; how to get dog owners to do the right thing and working out practical solutions for individual farms, estates or nature reserves based on the participants own experience.

Anne Gray, SRPBA Policy Officer (Access), said: “The most common outdoor access complaints I hear are about dogs and their walkers. This seminar offers some fresh thinking in terms of finding solutions that really work for farmers, landowners and dog walkers. Anyone who has difficulty accommodating dog walking on their land will find this an enlightening day.”

The event is free, and lunch is included. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis with priority being given to land managers who work and live within the Cairngorms National Park.

To reserve a place contact Fran Pothecary on 01479 870533.