Raising awareness of the outdoors

​We want to encourage and support more people and communities to connect with nature. Nature provides many benefits, which can be enjoyed by taking part in outdoor learning and recreation, volunteering in the outdoors or engaging with nature in other ways.

To raise awareness of the outdoors, we:

• promote the National Walking and Cycling Network – for recreation and active travel
• offer a green exercise toolkit and promote NHS Greenspace Demonstration Project sites – to encourage healthier living
• fund projects that give young people outdoor recreation, learning, volunteering and citizen science opportunities
• promote Scotland’s National Nature Reserves – each offers a unique setting to discover and learn more about our nature and landscapes

Our Learning in Local Greenspace project is linking 100 schools in disadvantaged areas to their local greenspace for outdoor learning. We also support teachers through our Teaching in Nature programme.

Awareness of codes

NatureScot also has specific duties to promote awareness and understanding of various codes.

These are the:

• Scottish Outdoor Access Code
• Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code
• Scottish Fossil Code

We’ve promoted awareness of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code since 2004, and launched the other codes more recently.

To promote the codes, we:

• have used TV and use radio advertising
• provide leaflets and other information
• encourage local authorities, ranger services and others to promote the codes in their work

We also work with the Scottish Government to develop better communications to increase people’s awareness of biodiversity issues.

Contact

Dougie Pollok
Telephone: 01738 458 536
Email: [email protected]