Deeside Wild Camping Patrols
Since August 2024, Police have been carrying out joint patrols along with NatureScot Reserve Staff, as well as Cairngorms National Park and National Trust for Scotland Rangers, in Upper Deeside to encourage wild campers to camp responsibly.
The area has seen an increase in visitors participating in wild camping since the Covid 19 pandemic. Although most visitors are respectful and leave almost no trace, there are a few who do not adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which sadly leads to an increase in anti-social behaviour. This has a negative impact on the environment, wildlife, other visitors to the area and the local communities.
Patrols were carried out at Mar Lodge Estate, Cambus o’May and Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve (NNR) which are popular visitor areas due their outstanding beauty and wildlife.
Constable Ann Ashman from Police Scotland said: “We have a very experienced team of Rangers working in Deeside who do an exceptional job of welcoming and educating visitors. Unfortunately, not all visitors adhere to the advice given and this results in some irresponsible and selfish behaviour. By working together, we can look to address this and deal with those who are not acting responsibly.
"Although the colder seasons are now upon us, we are aware that campers and motorhome users will continue to visit the area and we would stress the importance of behaving responsibly and engaging respectfully with Rangers and Police.”
Police also teamed up with Aberdeenshire Council, Balmoral Estate, NatureScot, Cairngorms National Park and National Trust for Scotland Rangers to conduct ‘Meet and Greet’ session at camping hotspots the length of the Deeside corridor to promote the responsible behaviour message to campers arriving for the weekend.
NatureScot’s Muir of Dinnet NNR Reserve Manager Simon Ritchie said: “The vast majority of visitors to Muir of Dinnet are very responsible, and it has been wonderful to see so many people out and about enjoying the reserve this summer.
“Unfortunately, however, we have had a few instances of anti-social behaviour over the past few months, some of which have resulted in unacceptable damage, including the removal of trees around the shoreline of the lochs and damage to shoreline vegetation through fire scars and littering. Muir of Dinnet is first and foremost a nature reserve, and our emphasis is on protecting wildlife while welcoming responsible visitor access.
“These joint patrols have been a great initiative, helping to promote responsible behaviour and tackle any issues where they arise. We are very grateful to our partners in Police Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland, and Cairngorms National Park for their support.”
