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A Shared Forest: Enjoying Scotland's Trails Together This Summer

With summer holidays underway and Scotland's forests, trails and outdoor spaces become busier, it's a great time to remind ourselves that these special places are there for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're out on your bike, horseback, on foot or simply taking in nature, we all have a part to play in making shared spaces welcoming, safe and enjoyable.

A Shared Forest

With summer holidays underway, incredible weather staying with us and Scotland's forests, trails and outdoor spaces become busier, it's a great time to remind ourselves that these special places are there for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you're out on your mountain bike, horseback, on foot or simply taking in nature, we all have a part to play in making shared spaces welcoming, safe and enjoyable.

That's why we're resharing our educational film, A Shared Forest.

Created in partnership with the British Horse Society, the film highlights simple, practical ways mountain bikers and horse riders can interact safely and respectfully when they meet on shared trails and forest roads.

While it focuses on mountain bikers and horse riders, the principles apply to everyone enjoying Scotland's outdoors—slow down, communicate, be considerate and respect one another.

These messages are as relevant today as they were when the film was first released.

A Shared Forest

Responsible access benefits everyone

Scotland is fortunate to enjoy world-leading access rights through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, giving everyone the right to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Responsible access means being aware of others, adapting your behaviour where necessary and treating fellow trail users with courtesy and respect. Small actions, slowing down, saying hello, giving people space and communicating clearly, can make a huge difference.

By working together, we can help ensure Scotland's forests remain welcoming places for everyone throughout the busy summer season and beyond.

Watch and share

If you're heading out on the trails this summer, please take a few minutes to watch the film and share it with friends, clubs and riding groups.

Together, we can help create positive experiences for everyone who enjoys Scotland's incredible outdoor spaces.

Following an increase in incidents between horse riders and mountain bikers, Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland worked with the British Horse Society to produce 'A Shared Forest', promoting positive behaviours and encouraging mutual understanding between trail users.

The film features professional mountain bikers Reece Wilson and Jessie-May Morgan, alongside experienced horse riders Persia Bhatia and Lesley Walker, demonstrating how each should approach shared trail encounters safely and respectfully.

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