NI farmers’ plea to hill walkers over careless parking

As more people experience the great outdoors following the long coronavirus lockdown, the Ulster Farmers’ Union has urged hill walkers to ensure their vehicles are not obstructing farm access.
By Mark Rainey
Published 24th Jul 2020, 16:36 BST
Updated 24th Jul 2020, 19:19 BST
The UFU has urged hill walkers not to obstruct farm gateways with their carsThe UFU has urged hill walkers not to obstruct farm gateways with their cars
The UFU has urged hill walkers not to obstruct farm gateways with their cars

The UFU said there have been numerous recent examples of parked cars blocking gateways.

UFU legislation chairman David Dunlop said: “Cars being parked in front of gates and laneways blocking farmers from accessing their own land has always been an issue, but it has become a more common occurrence.

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“With the weather improving more members of the public are travelling to remote areas in the countryside to walk hill routes but are carelessly abandoning their vehicles causing frustration and anger among the farming community.

As well as careless parking, the UFU has also complained that some people are vandalising signs warning of dangersAs well as careless parking, the UFU has also complained that some people are vandalising signs warning of dangers
As well as careless parking, the UFU has also complained that some people are vandalising signs warning of dangers

“Farmers need to be able to access their land 24/7 as caring for livestock is a priority. Another worrying aspect is farm safety. We always encourage farmers to conduct farm work in the safest way possible, but should an emergency occur, obstructed entry onto farmland could have severe consequences.”

Mr Dunlop also said some warning signs have been vandalised, and added: “Fields and hill areas are not a safe place for people to roam. Our farmers put up signs to rise awareness and advise the public to stay out because livestock are grazing in the area or the condition of the land is not suitable for walkers or those travelling on bikes or quads. The last thing a farmer or a hill walker wants is to be involved in a farm accident.”

Andrea McKernon, who runs Belfast Hills Dynamos walking group, said organised walking groups have a good track record of exercising sensitivity towards farmers.

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“Many groups such as Belfast Dynamos only stick to way marked public trails and hiking paths. As well as closing gates, adhering to signs and instruction, walkers should be aware of cattle, horses, sheep and exercise caution and extreme care with dogs.”

Ms McKernon added: “Wildlife, such as ground breeding birds in spring, are also sensitive to disturbance. Problems may arise now with more groups and families venturing into the countryside and country parks post-lockdown. Whereas walking groups have for years been aware of the countryside code and ‘Leave No Trace,’ other informal groups may be unfamiliar or ignorant of the importance of looking after our farming community.”

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Related topics:David DunlopUlster Farmers' UnionNorthern Ireland