And photos. Plant collectors over the years have been responsible for decimating and even extinguishing plant species just like big game hunters at the other end of the scale.
This was a fantastic video! I need to share this where I live and hope it takes hold in people's brains! No lie, a car from another state pulled over to jump into a cattle field to watch a calf be born. I slammed on my breaks got out of my car and got them out of the field. They were so into the birth, but they didn't noticed the "Dad Bull" in the corner of the field making a run for them. I heard the farmer yell "thank you" to me and I gave him a wave. I did get yelled at by the people in the field and I said "well you can stay if you want but you're gonna have a whole bunch of Vermonters with cameras recording you running all crazy like to get away from that bull in the corner..."Oh my goodness I didn't see him there..." Yeah. That's what the fence was for lady. HAHA!
One of the worst policies ever, the starting spark to ultimately allow homeless people and refugees to be housed in Suburban gardens. Imagine the terror knowing people could walk around outside your home, or you couldn't go for a walk at night on your small acre countryside property without encountering a drug rave
Visitors of farm or ranch lands often do not realize how much work goes into the upkeep of the land itself. They see a pretty field or nice herd of cattle. They are not aware of the upkeep from farm equipment, fixing fence posts to drilling new water wells and so on. Proper stewardship of the the land is a ton of work. Not counting the animals or crops on top.
My daughter and I visited Scotland and we walked thru the beautiful fields and yes we obeyed the rules.. got chased by a couple of sheep but it was so worth it! We made sure to latch all gates securely back😊 It was a trip of a lifetime
Thank you for the walk and talk about your country. It's so beautiful. I wish people would be more respectful of other people's property. Your dogs are so smart and beautiful. Love and prayers to you and yours. From NC, USA
Wish we had this in Australia. Grew up around a lot of farms as a kid and would love to visit these places now. Most farmers in these areas now are new from the city originally and will not let anyone on their land. Alot of this was caused by idiots leaving a mess,leaving gates open and interfering with equipment and livestock.
Great video. Rules I grew up with on grandpa’s land in Colorado. To reach his homestead from county road, we had to exit vehicle, unhook barbed wire gate and drag it open…drive through, then fasten gate again. (Which took a fair bit of tugging before loop would catch. ). I was always nervous that neighbor's cattle wld show up. Or worse, that a rattlesnake would. I heard lots of conversations about teens leaving fence open, or worse-city people who seemed to think all the land was recreational, because they couldn't imagine living there. Your countryside looks a lot different than the tumbleweeds did. Just gorgeous.
Western Nebraska for 17 years. Tumbleweeds would blow a road closed. Closed off our path to the pasture once. Horses got through but Donkey’s legs were too short. Love the prairie. And the passenger in a pick up always gets the gate!!
I live in semi-remote Alaska. For some reason, people (tourists) think the land is open for anyone to do anything on since there aren't buildings everywhere. Camp, litter, harass wildlife, track through planted fields, and leave trash in driveways.They park their motorhomes on private property (my driveway!), and empty their holding tanks in my yard.
Just a request for a photograph from your video a few weeks back in the woods and the ruins: -Storm sitting with her ears perked in front of that partly ruined stone wall (the one with the window opening at the top). It would be wonderful if people could buy a download of that in your merch shop.
You are always in good company when one of your dogs is with you. I thought the right to roam was a myth. Thanks for the information, and excellent explanation. Cheers!
Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing. Two key words... responsibility and respect... sorely missing nowadays, along with common sense. So sad. As always, love the interaction between you and Storm as well as seeing the beautiful countryside. Thanks again! 💜
We have the same general rule here in South Africa when travelling through the remote areas in the Karoo. Note that you can't just drive through the area without prior consent of the farmers but neighbours need to sometimes drive through land to get to public roads. If you find a gate closed, close it again, most people will have a sign next to the gate that says "if you find this gate open, please close it"
Haven't seen you in a week or so, stoopid TH-cam algorithm. Hope all is well and Stacey's IVF went well. A beautiful family you 2 will have. In the US we have similar rules, like if you pack it into the woods or trail, pack it out or leave no trace. I hope to visit Scotland and the whole UK this year.
@@carolk2786 I agree, very helpful and I hope to be able to walk and hike to see the Scottish countryside on my trip. Definitely gives me the info to keep the land the same as I find it. Would love to see their farm but would be afraid of being an imposition, would LOVE a tour though. Just wouldn't want to be a fanboy and a burden. Truly I just wanna meet Kate, Storm and Echo. Love those puppers and how they love all the hard work they do.
I won't even walk down the road with my dog on a leash if the neighborhood cows are out. The first time I did it the cows started trotting towards the fence and that was enough for me.
I remember when my family was living in Kent, England, in the Sixties, for an English education, how common the “footpaths” were btwn properties, and farming properties. Well designated and with stiles to climb up and over fences rather than looking for gates or openings in fences. Also, there were trail paths to ride horses btwn properties. People were obligated to follow similar rules that Sean stated in his very thorough explanation of the “Right to Roam” in Scotland. While we often roamed btwn farming properties in Vermont and upstate New York, there were no footpaths or posted rules for roaming. Often there were signs with “No Trespassing” posted in many places. However, during hunting season, hunters were allowed to walk all over country properties regardless of signs for no hunting or no trespassing. Those hunters had lots of rights. One had to keep their dogs inside or tied up or kenneled during hunting season, bc hunters would shoot and kill a farmer’s or renter’s dogs. In any case, I did a lot of walking along the footpaths, riding on the trail paths and walking along the chalk “Cliffs of Dover” on the weekends, when I was going to school in England. I would often meet like minded people too. I want to make it to Scotland one day. My mother’s mother and her maternal ancestors came from Scotland. They had a typical famous Scottish name; Walker. I m a quarter Scottish. Yay Scotland! 🏴 ❤️🏴❤️
Kent resident here, and a former rights of way volunteer. This is still the case, and as a result of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) areas of access land, where the right to roam across all the land rather that stick to pathways/bridle ways etc was created in consultation with land owners. Kent now has an extensive area across the North Downs in addition to it’s network of paths.
@@joygibbons5482 That is wonderful news. I appreciate the Rights to Roam and travel through pastures, meadows, Downs, moors in so many areas of Great Britain. I wish it was as commonplace in USA as it is in G. B. But Americans don’t have that built in respect or desire to share common land for roaming, field trips and woods. Only in Hunters get that privilege during hunting season, in most States. I find that an unfair advantage for the hunters versus people who enjoy hiking, Nature, roaming all months of the year. I will have to get back to Great Britain and enjoy some more roaming while I can still walk. 😁😉
It sounds like a good system. AFAIK in Ireland the owner is responsible e.g. if you break a leg in their field. So they put up no trespassing signs -- sometimes it's just to cover themselves (visitor is then responsible for themselves) and sometimes they really dont want you on their land. So, not so much roaming in Ireland.
Sean, I came up with this search result: The freedom to roam, also known as “everyman’s right,” grants the general public access to certain public or privately owned land, lakes, and rivers for recreation and exercise. While the specifics vary by country, here are some places where right to roam laws exist: Austria Belarus Estonia Finland Iceland Latvia Lithuania Norway Scotland Sweden Switzerland Czech Republic In these countries, the freedom to roam takes the form of general public rights, which are sometimes codified in law. People can hike across or camp on another’s land (usually for one or two nights), boat on someone else’s waters, and pick wildflowers, mushrooms, and berries. However, with these rights come responsibilities, such as not harming wildlife, disturbing others, or damaging crops. Access rights are typically for travel on foot, and other activities like hunting or commercial exploitation may have additional restrictions. Apparently laws are different in England - I’m guessing access is limited to public footpaths there?
What a wonderful system to allow access to privately owned land. The rules for roaming are based on common sense, and require people to respect others' property, two qualities that are sadly lacking in many humans today. Thank you for explaining why they are so important. Leaving gates exactly as you find them is so important. I have noticed that in movies or series set in agricultural/rural places if a character opens a gate they almost always leave them open, even when there are livestock in the fields! I guess it takes too many seconds of expensive screen time to demonstrate proper behavior. But I think showing the wrong behavior over and over again to city/town folks who've hardly ever left the pavement sends the wrong message. No wonder they don't understand how much gates matter (open or shut!) when they come out to roam a bit. I notice the vegetation along your fence lines. In the US we call them hedgerows and most are planted by birds sitting on the fences. Hedgerows help to block the wind at ground level, and you've got lots of wind in Scotland! Some of your hedgerows look like they've been trimmed on top in a perfectly flat line. Is this what we're seeing or do they grow like that? Thank you for making these beautiful videos and for sharing your life and work with us.
Thank you, Sean, for a very informative video. Alot to think about. It seems the rules are common sense. It's unfortunate some people don't have this. This is universal. Anyway, a beautiful video of a man and his dog enjoying the countryside.Lovely!
Regarding rubbish - if you've carried your picnic the wrappings cans bottles are going to be lighter when its been consumed so putting rubbish back in your bag and taking it home is a no brainer. Its just respectful.
Such a great video explaining how things work in your life as a farmer and dog handler in Scotland...Would love to visit you and see it in the real...All the best to you and your future ❤❤❤
You'd think other people wouldn't need to have respectful behavior explained, but sadly..!! Great video, Sean. (I've picked up others' litter my entire life, and I'm in my 60s. Grrr!!!)
The author David Sedaris, when living in France, carries a bag and a stick with him on his daily long walks. He said people stare at him as though he were some sort of freak 😅
@@globalheart several people in my hiking group belong to "adopt a beach" programs. Even if we are walking on a beach that is not the one they adopted, they will bring a long plastic bags. And while we're walking, we collect any kind of junk that we see on the beach.
We as American tourists tried this Roaming in the shire of York. As a farm kid, I was fascinated with the idea. Where we were, we went by sheep herds but not any cows. I was glad of that, for cows and milk production can be thrown off by strangers coming near. I’m glad you explained the origin of the practice.
Thank you very very much, Sean, for the very valuable insights and information. I was at first apprehensive about this topic, but you dealt with it in a sensitive and respectful manner. Well done!! 💜
I can’t believe people would leave their trash or hurt the land!!! That’s unbelievable!! I’m so sorry! It’s so hard to fertilize, plant and nourish your crops and your livestock! I’m so sorry but I’m afraid you’re probably talking about us, American tourists.. we are usually idiots.. I will try my best to spread the common sense that you are talking about.. Much respect,
during my two treks on the west Highland way I always closed the gates or used the appropriate stairs to go over the fences. Respect first! Ciao from Italy
It's always the few inconsiderate ones that ruin things for the rest. We used to visit a farm in the Free State in South Africa during our childhood over Easter: that's Autumn in South Africa. My late dad paid for the privilege of a little shooting: mostly guinea-fowls or Egyptian Geese and/or various bucks, mostly Springbok, to make homemade biltong. We did nice things like ride the horses and roam with their dogs, and try, very ineffectually, to milk cows, and watch the pigs and turkeys. All the same rules, ESPECIALLY about the gates and not walking or taking horses through planted fields (mostly mielies and sunflowers in South Africa) or fields with cattle or sheep in them, especially if they had calves or lambs. Sometimes we handfed orphaned lambs. We were mortally afraid of the bulls, and avoided whichever camps they were in like the plague. We usually chose to go in whichever direction it was away from the farmhouse that was the opposite to where the bulls were. We were also not allowed to gallop the horses in fields, only on paths, because of the danger of the horse tripping in an unseen snake hole or small donga and having to be put down. But I think there is not a general right to roam. Farmer's land is private. You can picnic only on the verges at the sides of the roads.
Thanks for this great vid, Sean. Good job giving more details about the Right to Roam for viewers all over our planet. A few months back another Scotland sheep farmer with a Utube channel shared the heartbreak & absolute tragedy of what happens when irresponsible and uncaring owners let their dogs run free on farmers' lands. This farmer's sheep were left mangled & dying or dead, killed by the dog! The dog's owner had to have known about the destruction when his dog came home covered in blood. Sadly, this law has many grey areas and invites senseless & even criminal activites by today's thoughtless & privileged humans (as is detailed in another viewer here). What if next time it's a child or a working BC? No offense meant, but not everyone agrees with this Right to Roam law, created by politicians.
Great video! It's just fascinating to me that you can go on someone else's land. Here in Texas that could get you in trouble...pew..pew. Thank you so much for this! And loved the badger run tangent
I survived Covid in Glasgow (I’m an American). And juss bear with me now, it is because the Scottish people have such a strong common sense that I was not worried. Meanwhile in the US, well we all know what happened. Such a free roam law in the US would be antithetical. Would lead to an unqualified disaster. And yet the Scots (for the best part) make it work. God bless them all. 🏴
I'd be concerned if a gate was open that someone had failed to close it, rather than that it was supposed to be left open. I guess tying the gate open is one way to signal that's how the farmer wants it. I think I'm more comfortable with the way it's done in England where there are set paths through private land & you must keep to them. No criticism intended, it's just me, I'm a bit of a worrywart! I'd feel awful if I left an open gate as is & something bad happened. And I'm glad hikers are responsible for their own safety--farmers don't need another worry!
I live in Texas. I would definitely be afraid of getting shot doing what you are doing. Its interesting how differently things get done in different places. I like your way in Scotland better...Im a huge hiker and outdoor lover.
In the mountains of NW WA we have a name for city dwellers that "come to visit" the beauty that we call HOME. They are "pavement dwellers" or "yahoos". They seem to have NO respect for wildlife or the forest/land. Most dangerous is they do not realize that a campfire (during fire months) may not only endanger the forest and all its creatures - it can also destroy folks homes! Our mountain motto is "take only memories and leave only footprints. Yes - close gates behind you - or please don't enter.
I hiked and roamed the scottish countryside for over 20 years with my friends and it is a great gift to roam freely although over the years I noticed a lack of respect to the landowners and to nature. We collected human waste (even on top of munros) on almost every walk. We never had an issue with livestock, because of using our common sense (avoiding cows with calves). Scotland has such a beautiful countryside and everyone should know how to behave properly. Your freedom to roam is a great gift which do not exist here in Germany.
Growing up in a huge American city, the idea of a right to roam is hard to process. The only places I can think of right now are parks. My grandfather used to bird hunt, mostly pheasants, and as a tiny girl I was occasionally allowed to come with him when he and his father were working the bird dogs. I remember standing back while my grandfather asked permission of someone at a house to work the dogs in a stubbled field. I remember that outing because the dog excitedly pointed at a nest of baby field mice. My grandfather was not impressed.
I wish this were the case in the US. Private property is a hot issue, especially when government keeps trying ways to take it away. I have a question. Do your dogs have an ear scent gland? My first 2 Border collies came from working stock and had strong ear scents. My current one doesn’t and I’m wondering if it’s a working dog thing.
It's such a shame more and more folks have less and less respect for others property now days. I couldn't imagine leaving a bunch of crap behind in that beautiful setting. I think I might know the answer to this, but just want to make sure... what about using 4x4's on others land? I'm thinking no, due to the "leave no trace" rule...
Ben Best from Dalscone Farm, in Dumfries, just had a lady today bring her 2 large Whippet dogs into their field of over 100 very pregnant sheep, to, “See if the shock collar would keep the dogs from going after the sheep”! 😳 Well, guess what, it didn’t work, and her dogs chased the sheep around for over 15 minutes before Ben could get down there! She never apologized, and said, “Well the dogs never got ahold of any of the sheep”. No matter what Ben said, she would not get it through her head that the dogs endangered their sheep, and could cause them to lose their lambs. It was unbelievable! He didn’t show her face, but was filming, so we actually heard her say all of these things. Mind blowing! I understand a right to roam, but as you said, people really should respect the farmers land, and their livestock, by having their dogs on a lead.
This is just one example of how people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder behave. They have a sense of entitlement and delusions of grandeur that cause them to think the rules are for everyone else but not them; that they are never wrong even when presented with evidence to the contrary. Yes, I am well read on this subject. At this point, I'll say no more to avoid opening a floodgate of emotions, as this is not the proper forum to engage further.🕊🌹
Couldn't agree more with everything you said - the right to roam is something special that I hope remains as it is the values we need in society - "enjoy yourself, but don't take the piss!" 😂 (🇺🇸 "don't be a dick" )
Good talk on the right to Rome, Sean in the USA there is no right to Rome only if there is a foot path that has been there for a very long time other than that it is trespassing.
My Border Collie is almost 6 months now and im starting to take her on walks like this. It's always been my dream walking a dog off leash like this and now its becoming a reality
Please....it’s disrespectful to others...to let your dog walk off lead...you’re not in control if they’re off lead...Personally I’d never let my dog do that...thank you💐
Here in the big expanses of the western United States we have public lands (national forests, bureau of land management lands, etc.) that have livestock, which farmers are allowed have graze on. We can camp and hunt on these lands, which I do, but I respect the farmers use also. Stay away from the cattle and when hunting, know your target and what may be behind it.
So the 5% that own 95% of the land are who? The rich? Or the government? That’s terrible. And as u seem to be pointing out the law is really no longer working. So most farmers rent the land they use? My grandfather did that in the 30s and 40s in the United States. They called them share croppers.
I'm glad Scottish have the right to roam -- it's sad that so much of the land is in the hands of so few people. And the rules you list are great rules in many situations including in national and state parks here in the U.S.
With respect, the idea that farmers should maintain footpaths for other people has things the wrong way round - if the farmer wishes to own the land, then they must do something from the public they are restricting from it. Otherwise I agree, don't litter, close gates. Hopefully England and Wales follow Scotland.
3:54 “Leave only footprints, and take only memories.”
Good way of looking at it
And photos.
Plant collectors over the years have been responsible for decimating and even extinguishing plant species just like big game hunters at the other end of the scale.
This was a fantastic video! I need to share this where I live and hope it takes hold in people's brains! No lie, a car from another state pulled over to jump into a cattle field to watch a calf be born. I slammed on my breaks got out of my car and got them out of the field. They were so into the birth, but they didn't noticed the "Dad Bull" in the corner of the field making a run for them. I heard the farmer yell "thank you" to me and I gave him a wave. I did get yelled at by the people in the field and I said "well you can stay if you want but you're gonna have a whole bunch of Vermonters with cameras recording you running all crazy like to get away from that bull in the corner..."Oh my goodness I didn't see him there..." Yeah. That's what the fence was for lady. HAHA!
Yes, these are important rules that everyone should follow. Thank you for summarizing them so well.
Excellent explanation of Right To Roam in Scotland. Thank you.
One of the worst policies ever, the starting spark to ultimately allow homeless people and refugees to be housed in Suburban gardens. Imagine the terror knowing people could walk around outside your home, or you couldn't go for a walk at night on your small acre countryside property without encountering a drug rave
@@markbenjamin1703 Elaborate...explain more..
You'll be a great dad. You have a lot to share with your kids.
Not tactful!
I hope so!
Perhaps you're being a bit insensitive, wouldn't you say?
yes, your kids are blessed to have you and Stacie and be born in such a beautiful country!
Visitors of farm or ranch lands often do not realize how much work goes into the upkeep of the land itself. They see a pretty field or nice herd of cattle. They are not aware of the upkeep from farm equipment, fixing fence posts to drilling new water wells and so on. Proper stewardship of the the land is a ton of work. Not counting the animals or crops on top.
Yes it is
Great video helping others in their travels and exploring!
Glad it was helpful!
Roaming aimlessly, enjoying the outdoors, is one of life's simple pleasures.
Intelligent young man who clearly explains Roaming.
Sad that we have to explain the obvious
Sean is certainly intelligent and articulate. Wife and canid children too.
My daughter and I visited Scotland and we walked thru the beautiful fields and yes we obeyed the rules.. got chased by a couple of sheep but it was so worth it! We made sure to latch all gates securely back😊
It was a trip of a lifetime
Thank you for the walk and talk about your country. It's so beautiful. I wish people would be more respectful of other people's property. Your dogs are so smart and beautiful. Love and prayers to you and yours. From NC, USA
Wish we had this in Australia. Grew up around a lot of farms as a kid and would love to visit these places now. Most farmers in these areas now are new from the city originally and will not let anyone on their land. Alot of this was caused by idiots leaving a mess,leaving gates open and interfering with equipment and livestock.
Great video. Rules I grew up with on grandpa’s land in Colorado. To reach his homestead from county road, we had to exit vehicle, unhook barbed wire gate and drag it open…drive through, then fasten gate again. (Which took a fair bit of tugging before loop would catch. ). I was always nervous that neighbor's cattle wld show up. Or worse, that a rattlesnake would.
I heard lots of conversations about teens leaving fence open, or worse-city people who seemed to think all the land was recreational, because they couldn't imagine living there.
Your countryside looks a lot different than the tumbleweeds did. Just gorgeous.
Western Nebraska for 17 years. Tumbleweeds would blow a road closed. Closed off our path to the pasture once. Horses got through but Donkey’s legs were too short. Love the prairie. And the passenger in a pick up always gets the gate!!
I live in semi-remote Alaska. For some reason, people (tourists) think the land is open for anyone to do anything on since there aren't buildings everywhere. Camp, litter, harass wildlife, track through planted fields, and leave trash in driveways.They park their motorhomes on private property (my driveway!), and empty their holding tanks in my yard.
Just a request for a photograph from your video a few weeks back in the woods and the ruins: -Storm sitting with her ears perked in front of that partly ruined stone wall (the one with the window opening at the top). It would be wonderful if people could buy a download of that in your merch shop.
Noted!
Many years ago, I had a girl scout troup. We camped 4 times per year. I required that they left the camp site cleaner, much cleaner than we found it.
Thank you Sean. Very interesting. Blessings to you and your wife ❤❤❤ 😊
How is Stacy doing Sean? Prayers ongoing for your intentions and general blessings! ((Dogs included!)) 🐾♥️🙏
I hope to be able to someday visit Scotland, England and Wales. Good to know these things.!
You are always in good company when one of your dogs is with you. I thought the right to roam was a myth. Thanks for the information, and excellent explanation. Cheers!
Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing. Two key words... responsibility and respect... sorely missing nowadays, along with common sense. So sad. As always, love the interaction between you and Storm as well as seeing the beautiful countryside. Thanks again! 💜
Thanks for sharing!
We have the same general rule here in South Africa when travelling through the remote areas in the Karoo. Note that you can't just drive through the area without prior consent of the farmers but neighbours need to sometimes drive through land to get to public roads. If you find a gate closed, close it again, most people will have a sign next to the gate that says "if you find this gate open, please close it"
Haven't seen you in a week or so, stoopid TH-cam algorithm. Hope all is well and Stacey's IVF went well. A beautiful family you 2 will have. In the US we have similar rules, like if you pack it into the woods or trail, pack it out or leave no trace. I hope to visit Scotland and the whole UK this year.
Thank you all gong well
Such a great video explaining what rules are in place and how it all works...Would love to visit you at your farm and see all that you do ❤
@@carolk2786 I agree, very helpful and I hope to be able to walk and hike to see the Scottish countryside on my trip. Definitely gives me the info to keep the land the same as I find it. Would love to see their farm but would be afraid of being an imposition, would LOVE a tour though. Just wouldn't want to be a fanboy and a burden. Truly I just wanna meet Kate, Storm and Echo. Love those puppers and how they love all the hard work they do.
Thank you for the explanations. Very interesting. Blessings to you and your wife. ❤❤❤ 😊
Certain people in the US, if given access to a nice area of beach or riverside, leave garbage, trash and dirty diapers everywhere.
Thanks for doing this video Sean. Never knew this about Scotland.
Any time!
I won't even walk down the road with my dog on a leash if the neighborhood cows are out. The first time I did it the cows started trotting towards the fence and that was enough for me.
Storm’s lovely. Good overview. Thanks.
Thanks Sean- I knew of right to roam but did not know the details- Scotland has an amazing culture and history 🏴
Be well✌🏼❣️
Glad you enjoyed it
I remember when my family was living in Kent, England, in the Sixties, for an English education, how common the “footpaths”
were btwn properties, and farming properties. Well designated and with stiles to climb up and over fences rather than looking for gates or openings in fences. Also, there were trail paths to ride horses btwn properties. People were obligated to follow similar rules that Sean stated in his very thorough explanation of the “Right to Roam” in Scotland. While we often roamed btwn farming properties in Vermont and upstate New York, there were no footpaths or posted rules for roaming. Often there were signs with “No Trespassing” posted in many places. However, during hunting season, hunters were allowed to walk all over country properties regardless of signs for no hunting or no trespassing. Those hunters had lots of rights. One had to keep their dogs inside or tied up or kenneled during hunting season, bc hunters would shoot and kill a farmer’s or renter’s dogs.
In any case, I did a lot of walking along the footpaths, riding on the trail paths and walking along the chalk “Cliffs of Dover” on the weekends, when I was going to school in England. I would often meet like minded people too.
I want to make it to Scotland one day. My mother’s mother and her maternal ancestors came from Scotland. They had a typical famous Scottish name; Walker. I m a quarter Scottish. Yay Scotland! 🏴 ❤️🏴❤️
Kent resident here, and a former rights of way volunteer. This is still the case, and as a result of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) areas of access land, where the right to roam across all the land rather that stick to pathways/bridle ways etc was created in consultation with land owners. Kent now has an extensive area across the North Downs in addition to it’s network of paths.
@@joygibbons5482
That is wonderful news. I appreciate the Rights to Roam and travel through pastures, meadows, Downs, moors in so many areas of Great Britain. I wish it was as commonplace in USA as it is in G. B.
But Americans don’t have that built in respect or desire to share common land for roaming, field trips and woods. Only in Hunters get that privilege during hunting season, in most States. I find that an unfair advantage for the hunters versus people who enjoy hiking, Nature, roaming all months of the year. I will have to get back to Great Britain and enjoy some more roaming while I can still walk. 😁😉
Clear guidelines, be responsible for yourself. It'll keep everyone happy. 😊
Absolutely!!
It sounds like a good system. AFAIK in Ireland the owner is responsible e.g. if you break a leg in their field. So they put up no trespassing signs -- sometimes it's just to cover themselves (visitor is then responsible for themselves) and sometimes they really dont want you on their land. So, not so much roaming in Ireland.
Sean, I came up with this search result:
The freedom to roam, also known as “everyman’s right,” grants the general public access to certain public or privately owned land, lakes, and rivers for recreation and exercise. While the specifics vary by country, here are some places where right to roam laws exist:
Austria
Belarus
Estonia
Finland
Iceland
Latvia
Lithuania
Norway
Scotland
Sweden
Switzerland
Czech Republic
In these countries, the freedom to roam takes the form of general public rights, which are sometimes codified in law. People can hike across or camp on another’s land (usually for one or two nights), boat on someone else’s waters, and pick wildflowers, mushrooms, and berries. However, with these rights come responsibilities, such as not harming wildlife, disturbing others, or damaging crops. Access rights are typically for travel on foot, and other activities like hunting or commercial exploitation may have additional restrictions.
Apparently laws are different in England - I’m guessing access is limited to public footpaths there?
We're living in a crazy world where the ground below your feet is considered illegal! 😂
Yeah England footpaths only exempt national parks
Beautiful views.
What a wonderful system to allow access to privately owned land. The rules for roaming are based on common sense, and require people to respect others' property, two qualities that are sadly lacking in many humans today. Thank you for explaining why they are so important.
Leaving gates exactly as you find them is so important. I have noticed that in movies or series set in agricultural/rural places if a character opens a gate they almost always leave them open, even when there are livestock in the fields! I guess it takes too many seconds of expensive screen time to demonstrate proper behavior. But I think showing the wrong behavior over and over again to city/town folks who've hardly ever left the pavement sends the wrong message. No wonder they don't understand how much gates matter (open or shut!) when they come out to roam a bit.
I notice the vegetation along your fence lines. In the US we call them hedgerows and most are planted by birds sitting on the fences. Hedgerows help to block the wind at ground level, and you've got lots of wind in Scotland! Some of your hedgerows look like they've been trimmed on top in a perfectly flat line. Is this what we're seeing or do they grow like that?
Thank you for making these beautiful videos and for sharing your life and work with us.
That was a really lovely vid Sean . Stormy is just so pretty on the last shot I had to pause to look at a very happy dog 🐑
Good advice Sean. People in the city should be more responsible as well.
Thank you, Sean, for a very informative video. Alot to think about. It seems the rules are common sense. It's unfortunate some people don't have this. This is universal.
Anyway, a beautiful video of a man and his dog enjoying the countryside.Lovely!
I so love your comment about just sharing time with Storm… you are quite a wonderful person
😊 thank you
Sean is quite a Renaissance man.💟
Regarding rubbish - if you've carried your picnic the wrappings cans bottles are going to be lighter when its been consumed so putting rubbish back in your bag and taking it home is a no brainer. Its just respectful.
Such a great video explaining how things work in your life as a farmer and dog handler in Scotland...Would love to visit you and see it in the real...All the best to you and your future ❤❤❤
Thank you
You'd think other people wouldn't need to have respectful behavior explained, but sadly..!! Great video, Sean. (I've picked up others' litter my entire life, and I'm in my 60s. Grrr!!!)
Thanks 👍
The author David Sedaris, when living in France, carries a bag and a stick with him on his daily long walks. He said people stare at him as though he were some sort of freak 😅
@LindaC616 Thx . yes, they sure do!!! .. I keep a bag in my pocket, for those rare times there isn't one already blowing along
@@globalheart several people in my hiking group belong to "adopt a beach" programs. Even if we are walking on a beach that is not the one they adopted, they will bring a long plastic bags. And while we're walking, we collect any kind of junk that we see on the beach.
@@LindaC616 That is awesome!!! Thank you for doing this!!!!! Perhaps others will see you and join in on their own walks, too!! 😘💕
We as American tourists tried this Roaming in the shire of York. As a farm kid, I was fascinated with the idea. Where we were, we went by sheep herds but not any cows. I was glad of that, for cows and milk production can be thrown off by strangers coming near. I’m glad you explained the origin of the practice.
Thank you very very much, Sean, for the very valuable insights and information. I was at first apprehensive about this topic, but you dealt with it in a sensitive and respectful manner. Well done!! 💜
I can’t believe people would leave their trash or hurt the land!!! That’s unbelievable!! I’m so sorry! It’s so hard to fertilize, plant and nourish your crops and your livestock! I’m so sorry but I’m afraid you’re probably talking about us, American tourists..
we are usually idiots.. I will try my best to spread the common sense that you are talking about..
Much respect,
Right to roam. very nice. Basically have a bit of respect for nature and others.
during my two treks on the west Highland way I always closed the gates or used the appropriate stairs to go over the fences. Respect first! Ciao from Italy
It's always the few inconsiderate ones that ruin things for the rest. We used to visit a farm in the Free State in South Africa during our childhood over Easter: that's Autumn in South Africa. My late dad paid for the privilege of a little shooting: mostly guinea-fowls or Egyptian Geese and/or various bucks, mostly Springbok, to make homemade biltong. We did nice things like ride the horses and roam with their dogs, and try, very ineffectually, to milk cows, and watch the pigs and turkeys. All the same rules, ESPECIALLY about the gates and not walking or taking horses through planted fields (mostly mielies and sunflowers in South Africa) or fields with cattle or sheep in them, especially if they had calves or lambs. Sometimes we handfed orphaned lambs. We were mortally afraid of the bulls, and avoided whichever camps they were in like the plague. We usually chose to go in whichever direction it was away from the farmhouse that was the opposite to where the bulls were. We were also not allowed to gallop the horses in fields, only on paths, because of the danger of the horse tripping in an unseen snake hole or small donga and having to be put down. But I think there is not a general right to roam. Farmer's land is private. You can picnic only on the verges at the sides of the roads.
Thanks for this great vid, Sean. Good job giving more details about the Right to Roam for viewers all over our planet.
A few months back another Scotland sheep farmer with a Utube channel shared the heartbreak & absolute tragedy of what happens when irresponsible and uncaring owners let their dogs run free on farmers' lands. This farmer's sheep were left mangled & dying or dead, killed by the dog! The dog's owner had to have known about the destruction when his dog came home covered in blood.
Sadly, this law has many grey areas and invites senseless & even criminal activites by today's thoughtless & privileged humans (as is detailed in another viewer here). What if next time it's a child or a working BC?
No offense meant, but not everyone agrees with this Right to Roam law, created by politicians.
Great video! It's just fascinating to me that you can go on someone else's land. Here in Texas that could get you in trouble...pew..pew. Thank you so much for this!
And loved the badger run tangent
Great to see this up 👍🏼
Thanks 👍
Thank you, Sean :)
That's my pet peeve too,take your trash away and quit smoking,I hate finding butts everywhere.
It sounds like such a wonderful country of kind people with common sense and good manners❤
I survived Covid in Glasgow (I’m an American). And juss bear with me now, it is because the Scottish people have such a strong common sense that I was not worried. Meanwhile in the US, well we all know what happened. Such a free roam law in the US would be antithetical. Would lead to an unqualified disaster. And yet the Scots (for the best part) make it work. God bless them all. 🏴
Truth!
Well that's why America has many many parks, national parks 🙄.
Such beautiful countryside. Such a beautiful day.
Thanks
I assume that the Right to Roam is only for the Scottish and not for international tourists? Curious
Thank you for that video! Very very helpful.
I'd be concerned if a gate was open that someone had failed to close it, rather than that it was supposed to be left open. I guess tying the gate open is one way to signal that's how the farmer wants it. I think I'm more comfortable with the way it's done in England where there are set paths through private land & you must keep to them. No criticism intended, it's just me, I'm a bit of a worrywart! I'd feel awful if I left an open gate as is & something bad happened. And I'm glad hikers are responsible for their own safety--farmers don't need another worry!
10:35 What’s the situation in Scotland with badgers? In England there’s huge controversy about them being culled to protect cattle from TB.
I live in Texas. I would definitely be afraid of getting shot doing what you are doing. Its interesting how differently things get done in different places. I like your way in Scotland better...Im a huge hiker and outdoor lover.
Great to hear this thank you Sean!!
perfect
great info
Wowza! Then you Scots are some mighty fine folks! Bc here in the USA, people would squat, and trash the place.
In other words, we are heathens, by comparison.
All good sensible advice.
In the mountains of NW WA we have a name for city dwellers that "come to visit" the beauty that we call HOME. They are "pavement dwellers" or "yahoos". They seem to have NO respect for wildlife or the forest/land. Most dangerous is they do not realize that a campfire (during fire months) may not only endanger the forest and all its creatures - it can also destroy folks homes! Our mountain motto is "take only memories and leave only footprints. Yes - close gates behind you - or please don't enter.
I hiked and roamed the scottish countryside for over 20 years with my friends and it is a great gift to roam freely although over the years I noticed a lack of respect to the landowners and to nature. We collected human waste (even on top of munros) on almost every walk. We never had an issue with livestock, because of using our common sense (avoiding cows with calves). Scotland has such a beautiful countryside and everyone should know how to behave properly. Your freedom to roam is a great gift which do not exist here in Germany.
Thank you Sean! That was really informative! 🙏🏻
Well explained Sean
Growing up in a huge American city, the idea of a right to roam is hard to process. The only places I can think of right now are parks. My grandfather used to bird hunt, mostly pheasants, and as a tiny girl I was occasionally allowed to come with him when he and his father were working the bird dogs. I remember standing back while my grandfather asked permission of someone at a house to work the dogs in a stubbled field. I remember that outing because the dog excitedly pointed at a nest of baby field mice. My grandfather was not impressed.
outstanding!
Lovely dogs, smart, working har God bless all
So common sense and respect.
Thank you. But have you any advice on how to react to a couple of heavies on the land of a foreigner who does not kno wthe law!
Is that the Moray Firth o'er yonder? Looks a bit like Chanonry point.
I want to visit Scotland!
I wish this were the case in the US. Private property is a hot issue, especially when government keeps trying ways to take it away. I have a question. Do your dogs have an ear scent gland? My first 2 Border collies came from working stock and had strong ear scents. My current one doesn’t and I’m wondering if it’s a working dog thing.
It's such a shame more and more folks have less and less respect for others property now days. I couldn't imagine leaving a bunch of crap behind in that beautiful setting. I think I might know the answer to this, but just want to make sure... what about using 4x4's on others land? I'm thinking no, due to the "leave no trace" rule...
Ben Best from Dalscone Farm, in Dumfries, just had a lady today bring her 2 large Whippet dogs into their field of over 100 very pregnant sheep, to, “See if the shock collar would keep the dogs from going after the sheep”! 😳 Well, guess what, it didn’t work, and her dogs chased the sheep around for over 15 minutes before Ben could get down there! She never apologized, and said, “Well the dogs never got ahold of any of the sheep”. No matter what Ben said, she would not get it through her head that the dogs endangered their sheep, and could cause them to lose their lambs. It was unbelievable! He didn’t show her face, but was filming, so we actually heard her say all of these things. Mind blowing! I understand a right to roam, but as you said, people really should respect the farmers land, and their livestock, by having their dogs on a lead.
This is just one example of how people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder behave. They have a sense of entitlement and delusions of grandeur that cause them to think the rules are for everyone else but not them; that they are never wrong even when presented with evidence to the contrary.
Yes, I am well read on this subject. At this point, I'll say no more to avoid opening a floodgate of emotions, as this is not the proper forum to engage further.🕊🌹
Wonder did the farmer have rights to protect by killing dogs?
@@AprilCraddock they actually do have that right …
Couldn't agree more with everything you said - the right to roam is something special that I hope remains as it is the values we need in society - "enjoy yourself, but don't take the piss!" 😂 (🇺🇸 "don't be a dick" )
Beautiful rolling hills. Little flat land. I'll have to Goggle what crops Scotland grows.
Good talk on the right to Rome, Sean in the USA there is no right to Rome only if there is a foot path that has been there for a very long time other than that it is trespassing.
Hey Sean!! Hey Storm!❤❤❤
My Border Collie is almost 6 months now and im starting to take her on walks like this. It's always been my dream walking a dog off leash like this and now its becoming a reality
Please....it’s disrespectful to others...to let your dog walk off lead...you’re not in control if they’re off lead...Personally I’d never let my dog do that...thank you💐
Here in the big expanses of the western United States we have public lands (national forests, bureau of land management lands, etc.) that have livestock, which farmers are allowed have graze on. We can camp and hunt on these lands, which I do, but I respect the farmers use also. Stay away from the cattle and when hunting, know your target and what may be behind it.
Thanks real good vid
what kind of crops are grown there to watch for?
Fox poo is the worst, our collie Carin is always rolling in it too, Eww! They must do it to disguise their own scent?
They do love it
What are the rules for riding dirt bikes in the countryside
People also need to have more respect towards Farmers too
So the 5% that own 95% of the land are who? The rich? Or the government? That’s terrible. And as u seem to be pointing out the law is really no longer working. So most farmers rent the land they use?
My grandfather did that in the 30s and 40s in the United States. They called them share croppers.
So, is the 90%of land owned by 5%of people due to the highland clearances? If so, that land needs to be sold at a small price to the regular Scots.
Nice photo on the cover page
Do Kate, Storm and Echo know they are related?
10:38 Badger "sett" it is called.
Today is nice weather. No work for the borders today?
Glad they made the Right To Roam. You shouldn't have so much of the country cut off from it's actual peoe.
I'm glad Scottish have the right to roam -- it's sad that so much of the land is in the hands of so few people. And the rules you list are great rules in many situations including in national and state parks here in the U.S.
Thank you
With respect, the idea that farmers should maintain footpaths for other people has things the wrong way round - if the farmer wishes to own the land, then they must do something from the public they are restricting from it.
Otherwise I agree, don't litter, close gates.
Hopefully England and Wales follow Scotland.
Storm is such a good girl.
All common sense. Unfortunately some don't own any
❤
😂 they love to roll in stinky stuff! 😊
❤️Storm❤️
What about the highland bull/cow? Shaggies allowed in right of way footpaths? Are they aggressive? They look docile
Bulls are aggressive, duh! Cows are not unless you try to harm a calf! Use common sense!