THE August bank holiday is knocking on our door and with a bit of luck we will get to enjoy some good weather too. Wales has been welcoming thousands of tourists over the past few months as Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted and allowed us to return to some kind of normality.

As farmers and as a union, we have always supported the responsible use and access of Wales’ countryside and understand the important role that access to outdoor spaces can play in maintaining good health and well-being as well as its contribution to the rural economy.

Whilst access-related tourism is clearly important to the Welsh economy, particularly in our National Parks, it should be remembered that the proportion of local residents and businesses who benefit directly or indirectly from the visitors is low, whilst the costs of upkeep for Local Authorities and others affected by rights of access, is high.

It’s also worth mentioning that the sharp increase in visitor numbers to the countryside, many using public right of ways during the Covid-19 pandemic, has raised major concern across the rural and farming communities.

Reports of visitors trespassing by wandering off a recognised footpath, livestock worrying, unclosed gates, littering and abusive antisocial behaviour have been common during the pandemic and yet efforts made by members of the FUW to liaise with local authorities to address such problems have not yielded the required outcome.

People ignoring the Countryside Code causes huge stress for our farmers. Such irresponsible behaviour creates substantial costs and compromises animal health and welfare through dog attacks, litter, fires, gates being left open, road blockages and ‘fly-camping’ on farmland. We recognise that the majority of dog owners are responsible but increased access to the countryside with dogs has and will result in further livestock deaths, injuries and diseases.

Given the significant rise in the numbers using public rights of way and consequently the increase of dogs being walked near livestock, I urge you once again - make sure you know where your dog is and keep it on a lead when you’re walking in the countryside.

For those of you who are enjoying a staycation, there is something else you can do to support our farmers. Buy local produce, preferably from a local butcher or drop into a farm shop. A locally sourced Sunday roast or meat for the bank holiday BBQ is not going to leave you disappointed.

Have a steak night in with some fantastic PGI Welsh beef or try making your own curry with PGI Welsh lamb. There are some great recipes on the Hybu Cig Cymru website, which are easy to follow and provide a chance to get the whole family involved.

If you have some spare time on your hands, why not use that time to cook up a storm, using our fine, sustainably produced Welsh ingredients.

Glyn Roberts, FUW President