Access
Activity 24 - The Scottish Outdoor Access Code - what it means for you
Background for teachers
Activity 24 focuses on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It includes an understanding of what is meant by a code and how following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code can help to avoid land use conflicts. Pupils will need to use the full Scottish Outdoor Access Code document to carry out this activity at
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/upload/Full%20Access%20Code.pdf
Curriculum
Geography Higher
Environmental interactions: rural land resources – environmental problems and conflicts
Managing Environmental Resources Higher
Land Use in Scotland: current land and water uses
Curriculum for Excellence
This activity will help pupils achieve the four capacities of learning by:
- encouraging enthusiasm and motivation for learning;
- encouraging openness to new ideas;
- use of communication skills;
- use of technology for learning;
- thinking independently;
- making reasoned evaluations;
- evaluating environmental issues, and
- applying critical thinking in new contexts.
Ages
16-18 years
Procedure
Ask pupils to imagine they are visiting officers from their local government authority. They have to give a 15-20 minute talk explaining to 14-16 year old pupils at their school about what the Scottish Outdoor Access Code means for them.
In their talk they should:
- include a summary of peoples’ access rights;
- give a few examples of the main places where access rights do not apply;
- give a few examples of activities to which access rights do not extend;
- explain what is meant by a ‘code’;
- explain why an outdoor access code is needed;
- give a couple of examples of how following the code (and so behaving responsibly) helps to avoid potential conflicts of different land uses;
- give a couple of examples of what can go wrong if the code is not followed;
- include the three key principles of the outdoor access code for them when they are exercising access rights;
- let pupils know where they can find a practical guide to access rights and responsibilities that covers most situations and activities, and where they can go to get more help.
Pupils should illustrate their talks by OHPs, handouts or using PowerPoint illustrations, depending on pupil skills and the equipment available. They will need to decide on the graphics they wish to use.
Websites
- The first two websites provide background information to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/access/KnowCode.pdf
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com - Pupils will need to use the full code document to carry out this activity. Using the Find button on the pdf will help to locate the information they need.
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/upload/Full%20Access%20Code.pdf
Other resources
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code leaflet. Gives using information on the code. Credit card size and free. Can be ordered from:
www.snh.org.uk/pubs/detail.asp?id=854 - There are two Scottish Outdoor Access Code, Activity Guides for schools (one for Primary schools and one for Secondary schools), and these can be found at:
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/educationresources