WILD

GUIDANCE FOR WILDLIFE, ADVENTURE & ACTIVITY TOURISM OPERATORS IN SCOTLAND

COVID-19 GUIDANCE

ISSUE17/ 21ST MAY 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 3 Introduction/ About Page 4 On the water activities C-19 Guidance Page 5 On the land activity C-19 Guidance Page 6 Accommodation C-19 Guidance Page 7 Specific update relating to 1 metre physical distancing Page 8 Other useful information Page 9 Operator / business C-19 restart check list Page 10 Check list continued Page 11 Generic Guidance / pre delivery Page 12 Generic Guidance / pre delivery Page 13 Generic Guidance / during delivery Page 14 Generic Guidance / post delivery Page 15 Disclaimer

O N T H E W A T E R A C T I V I T I E S O N T H E L A N D A C T I V I T I E S A C C O M M O D A T I O N Page Page Page 04 05 06

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Images Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland & CANVA Covid-19 PAGE | 03

Guidance for Wildlife, Adventure and Activity Providers in Scotland ABOUT

This guide has been produced by Wild Scotland to support and signpost operators and businesses in the Wildlife, Adventure and Activity Tourism Sector in Scotland to websites and other information pools to provide them with guidelines to ensure they operate safely and securely for the benefit of themselves, their staff, their visitors and the wider public.

The suggestions are not meant to be definitive or finite, they are there to aid everyone to make sensible decisions within their own operations.

Guidelines have been collated from a number of sources including NGBs, National Parks, Emergency Services, Uk & and other useful websites/ links.

We recommend that you follow and respect guidance from Scotland's Rescue Services and are fully aware of any restrictions that may be in place due to COVID-19 before you plan and head out:

British Cave Rescue Organisation Scottish Mountain Rescue Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Responsible Tourism - Visitor Guide for Businesses Guidance - return to sport and physical activity 21st May 2021 COVID Officer elearning module (for organised activity under sportscotland guidance) Guidance on Travel and Transport Tourism and Hospitality Guidelines Collection of Customer Data

Click on the logo for the latest Click on the logo for the Click on the logo for the latest Covid-19 advice from the latest Covid-19 advice from updates and advice relating to National Park Loch Lomond & The the Scottish Outdoor Access Authority National Park Authority Code PAGE | 04 COVID - 19 GUIDANCE FOR ON THE WATER ACTIVITY OPERATORS & BUSINESSES IN SCOTLAND

Below is an up to date list of the most relevant COVID-19 guidance relating to each on the water activity. We encourage all water based activity operators invest extra time in planning their activity. We recommend that you have your own COVID-19 risk assessment and operational plan applying relevant and up to date advice from: National Governing Bodies & Scottish Government/UK Government. We also recommend adhering to important guidance from RNLI Scotland and HM Coastguard. Please note, there maybe some guidelines missing - we will update as and when possible. All guidelines marked with an * have been officially approved.

On the water activity guidance

W i l d S c o t l a n d D a y B o a t T o u r i s m O p e r a t o r s G u i d a n c e O v e r n i g h t b o a t i n g a n d s m a l l c r u i s i n g V a l i d 2 1 s t M a y 2 0 2 1 P o w e r b o a t i n g ( R I B S / S p o r t s b o a t s / P W C s ) , Y a c h t s a i l i n g / m o t o r b o a t c r u i s i n g w i n d s u r f i n g a n d d i n g y s a i l i n g : S a i l S c o t l a n d R Y A S c o t l a n d G u i d a n c e S u r f i n g - S c o t t i s h S u r f i n g F e d e r a t i o n * P a d d l e s p o r t s - S c o t t i s h C a n o e A s s o c i a t i o n * W a t e r s k i n g a n d w a k e b o a r d i n g - W a t e r s k i & W a k e b o a r d S c o t l a n d * C o a s t e e r i n g - N a t i o n a l C o a s t e e r i n g C h a r t e r D i v i n g - B S A C U K G u i d a n c e O p e n S w i m m i n g - S c o t t i s h S w i m m i n g * A n g l i n g - A n g l i n g S c o t l a n d L t d * PAGE | 05 COVID - 19 GUIDANCE FOR ON THE LAND ACTIVITY OPERATORS & BUSINESSES IN SCOTLAND

Below is an up to date list of the most relevant COVID-19 guidance relating to land based activity. We encourage all operators to invest extra time in planning their activity. We recommend that you have your own COVID-19 risk assessment and operational plan applying relevant and up to date advice from: National Governing Bodies & Scottish Government/UK Government. We also recommend adhering to important guidance from Scottish Mountain Rescue. Please note, there maybe some guidelines missing - we will update as and when possible. All guidelines marked with an * have been officially approved.

On land activity guidance M o u n t a i n e e r i n g g u i d a n c e f o r a c t i v i t y o p e r a s t o r s - M o u n t a i n T r a i n i n g W a l k i n g / m o u n t a i n e e r i n g / s k i i n g / c l i m b i n g - M o u n t a i n e e r i n g S c o t l a n d * C y c l i n g / m o u n t a i n b i k i n g - D e v e l o p i n g M o u n t a i n B i k i n g i n S c o t l a n d * S c o t t i s h C y c l i n g * O r i e n t e e r i n g - S c o t t i s h O r i e n t e e r i n g * A r c h e r y - S c o t t i s h A r c h e r y * C a v i n g - B r i t i s h C a v i n g A s s o c i a t i o n H i g h r o p e s , a d v e n t u r e p a r k s a n d z i p w i r e s - V e r t e x G u i d a n c e , E u r o p e a n R o p e s C o u r s e A s s o c i a t i o n W i l d l i f e W a t c h i n g D a y T o u r s - W i l d S c o t l a n d H a n g G l i d i n g a n d P a r a g l i d i n g - S c o t t i s h H a n g G l i d i n g & P a r a g l i d i n g F e d e r a t i o n * H o r s e r i d i n g / t r e k k i n g - H o r s e S c o t l a n d * C o u n t r y S p o r t s i n c l u d i n g c l a y p i g e o n a n d r i f l e s h o o t i n g - S c o t t i s h C o u n t r y S p o r t s T o u r i s m G r o u p S c o t t i s h D i s a b i l i t y S p o r t * U p d a t e d g u i d a n c e f r o m S p o r t S c o t l a n d a b o u t 1 : 1 c o a c h i n g . S c o t t i s h C l i m b i n g W a l l s G u i d a n c e PAGE | 06 COVID - 19 GUIDANCE FOR ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS IN SCOTLAND

Below is an up to date list of the most relevant Covid-19 guidance for accommodation providers.

Accommodation Guidelines Y o u t h H o s t e l s - H o s t e l l i n g S c o t l a n d M o u n t a i n B o t h i e s - M o u n t a i n B o t h i e s A s s o c i a t i o n S e l f C a t e r i n g - A s s o c i a t i o n o f S c o t l a n d ’ s S e l f - C a t e r e r s H o t e l s & B e d a n d B r e a k f a s t - U K T o u r i s m & H o s p i t a l i t y G u i d e l i n e s C a m p s i t e s , h o l i d a y t o u r i n g p a r k s - B r i t i s h H o l i d a y & H o m e P a r k s A s s o c i a t i o n G o v e r n m e n t a d v i c e o n c a r a v a n s i t e s a n d h o l i d a y p a r k s COVID-19 PAGE | 07

Guidance for Wildlife, Adventure and Activity Providers in Scotland

SPECIFIC UPDATE RELATING TO 1 METRE PHYSICAL DISTANCING FOR MARINE DAY TRIP OPERATORS & ACTIVITY OPERATORS USING TRANSPORT E.G MINIBUSES TO TRANSPORT VISITORS

The Regulations providing for the 1 metre physical distancing rule in relation to passenger transport service premises include tourism transport operations – if available for use by the public. This would include for example: wildlife watching day boat trips, sailing day trips, other tourism boat day trips, transport of guests to activities by minibus etc. This means that face coverings must be warn on vehicles and vessels providing these services and at off-road premises where passengers get on and off those service. Physical distancing of 1 metre must also be observed at such premises.

Please bear in mind that there will be limits on the scope of the application of the passenger transport rules and all proposed tourism activities must be considered on their own merits.

The Transport Scotland Guidance for Transport Operators covers physical distancing requirements and risk assessments on vehicles and vessels (as opposed to on premises). It is framed broadly as being applicable to operators of transport services and provides for 1 metre physical distancing requirements in respect of vehicles and vessels.

Whilst tourism and hospitality activities consistent with passenger transport services are included in the existing regulations providing a physical distancing exemption of at least 1 metre, all other activities or elements of an experience should adhere to the Scottish Government Guidance for the Tourism and Hospitality sector, which covers the whole sector, including marine and adventure tourism.

Please note that any overnight activities must also adhere to the General Guidance and Tourism and Hospitality Guidance, meaning that the usual household limits apply.

In short, the Transport Guidance for Operators allows businesses to operate at 1 metre on board vehicles and vessels and would enable for example a larger capacity for day trips on boats or transport to and from activities in minibuses etc. PPAAGGEE | | 0 038 Other useful Information

Below is a further list of helpful links relating to the outdoors.

More useful information

C o v i d - 1 9 l i n k s a n d r e s o u r c e s f o r e q u i p m e n t o w n e r s a n d m a n a g e r s P a d d l e s p o r t E q u i p m e n t P e a k U K C o v i d - 1 9 l i n k s a n d r e s o u r c e s f o r e q u i p m e n t o w n e r s P a p e r t r a i l B l o g A r t i c l e

C o a c h i n g / G u i d e s 1 : 1 c o a c h i n g - g u i d a n c e f r o m s p o r t s c o t l a n d F i r s t A i d a d v i c e f o r F i r s t R e s p o n d e r s f r o m U K G o v e r n m e n t

C o v i d - 1 9 g u i d a n c e f r o m l a n d m a n a g e m e n t a g e n c i e s N a t u r e S c o t – G u i d a n c e f o r L a n d M a n a g e r s & S c o t t i s h O u t d o o r A c c e s s C o d e M a n a g i n g P a r k s a n d G r e e n S p a c e s d u r i n g C - 1 9 C a i r n g o r m s N a t i o n a l P a r k F o r e s t r y & L a n d S c o t l a n d N a t i o n a l T r u s t f o r S c o t l a n d L o c h L o m o n d & T r o s s a c h s N a t i o n a l P a r k S c o t t i s h C a n a l s A s s o c i a t i o n o f D e e r M a n a g e m e n t G r o u p s J o h n M u i r T r u s t S c o t t i s h E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n A g e n c y S c o t t i s h W i l d l i f e T r u s t T r e e s f o r L i f e H i s t o r i c E n v i r o n m e n t S c o t l a n d PAGE | 09 OPERATOR / BUSINESS RESTART CHECK LIST

Are you aware of all relevant current Government guidance and statutory requirements - www.hse.gov.uk; www.gov.scot; Tourism and Hospitality Guidelines, Collecting customer data

Have you checked with your insurance as to what is covered?

If claims related to COVID-19 are not covered, have you made this clear to your staff and clients? Consider adding a statement or acknowledgement of risk with regard to COVID-19 on your clients booking forms.

Have you carried out a satisfactory risk assessment for any proposed activities and included COVID-19, noting the impact of social distancing? Find out HERE about doing a COVID risk assessment and working safely during the coronavirus outbreak.

Have you taken appropriate steps to mitigate the risk of infection amongst staff, clients and the wider public?

Have you taken appropriate actions to mitigate the risk of requiring the emergency services? First Aid information for first responders HERE latest updates from the following:

British Cave Rescue Organisation Scottish Mountain Rescue Royal National Lifeboat Institution

PAGE | 10 OPERATOR / BUSINESS RESTART CHECK LIST

Are you confident you can offer an appropriately ‘COVID-19 secure’environment for your clients?

Do you know how you will manage a contact or suspected contact with COVID-19? Click here for further guidance relating to Test & Protect.

Do you know how you will handle situations where your policies and procedures in relation to COVID-19 are not followed?

Have you effectively communicated any new/ revised operating procedures with staff?

Do you have a weekly plan to implement all of the above? PAGE | 11

GENERIC GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES / OPERATORS OFFERING WILDLIFE, ADVENTURE AND ACTIVITY EXPERIENCES

What Thinking about your Thinking about YOURSELF I Know: VISITORS and your STAFF

Health Inform your clients that if they have Should you or your staff symtoms however mild, or are in a have symptoms, however mild, or are in a household where someone has symptoms, household where someone has symptoms, they should not leave their house to take they should not leave their house to provide part in activities. As part of the booking any form of activity. procedures, ask your clients to complete a medical declaration that references the above.

Client Payments Avoid cash payments wherever possible. Establish a safe means of electronic payments Ask clients to make payments in advance where possible. electronically y t i v i t Travel Ask clients to minimise the Minimise the vehicles you use. c number of vehicles travelling to the meet Consider whether you need a vehicle to a arrangements f and greet location. transport clients or can revise your o If appropriate, keep social activity/experience to avoid the use of a y

r distancing by meeting guests at an communal one. Can staff use their own

e appropriate location rather than collecting vehicles alone to travel to meeting points. v i

l them from their accommodation. Consider whether you need a trailer. e d - e r Equipment Explain your equipment cleaning protocols Use equipment rotation when possible and P considerations to your clients in advance of the aim to ensure used equipment is not re- activity/experience. Explain where it is not issued for 72 hours or more, unless you are possible to offer certain equipment for able to thoroughly clean your equipment in shared use due to the inability to ensure line with manufacturer’s instructions on hygiene rules can be adhered to. Covid-19 cleaning. Consider whether alternative Operators should consider using an effective arrangements to mitigate any loss of equipment management system to experience due to non-sharing of ensure equipment is both traceable and equipment can be implemented. trackable at all times.

Hygiene Ask your clients to have hand sanitiser Ensure you have hand washing facilities or available to them in their vehicle. hand sanitiser available in your vehicle or with arrangements Inform your clients that it is unlikely your staff and at the meeting point for clients to that public toilets will be open. use on arrival. Consider whether any of the Provide disinfectant spray and/or wipes to use activities/experiences can be kept in any circumstances where social distancing local to the clients’ accommodation can’t be maintained on surfaces and/or for comfort breaks. vehicles during the activity/experience. PAGE | 012

GENERIC GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES / OPERATORS OFFERING WILDLIFE, ADVENTURE AND ACTIVITY EXPERIENCES

Thinking about your Thinking about YOURSELF and What VISITORS your STAFF I Know: Food & Drink Ask your clients to bring their own food and Ensure you and/or your drink with them as it is unlikely that any staff have their own food and drink with them facilities will be open and you aren’t in a as it is unlikely that any position to offer any during the present facilities will be open. circumstances.

Meet & Greet Ask your clients to make themselves known Ensure you are visible to avoid your clients to you. Where possible, ask your clients to having to search for you. location be as activity ready in their attire, as Ensure your location enables an easy process This may not be where you need to be for the possible. to issue any equipment needed by your clients, activity delivery but may Ask clients to help one another in putting which minimises your time here. Where clients be the best location to on specialist activity equipment and inform need assistance to put on specialist activity meet and greet as parking may be a concern at the them that you will check to ensure it is fitted equipment, actual activity location. correctly. aim to use other group members to support Consider being able to them unless absolutely necessary.There is walk to the activity site always a need to check that it’s fitted correctly. from the ‘meet & greet’ location. y t

i v i

t ChTanRgAinVg EL Where possible, encourage your clients to Where possible, aim to be changed and ready c be as activity ready in their attire, as for the activity on arrival at the meet & greet / a arrangements f possible. Where this is not possible, ask parking location.

o Avoid cash payments. that they respect local residents and local

y Ask clients to make payments in

r communities and do so as quickly and

e disacdreveatnlyc aes. possible. v i l e d - e

r Where parking is needed either at the ‘meet & greet’ location or the activity location, ensure

P Parking there is sufficient space for you and your clients to do so safely, whilst respecting the local residents and rural communities.

Activity Venue Check that the venue you wish to use is open. When choosing a venue Avoid crowded areas and respect legitimate access restrictions and remember that there impacts on local communities (e.g. being prepared to change activity venues or timings to may be community avoid crowding, particularly at known activity ‘hotspots’; moving carefully through ‘pinch members in or near the points’ including car parks, access points, narrow paths, gates and stiles – and/or coordinating venues that are still shielding or practicing venues and timings with other providers to avoid overlap and liaising with landowners / stringent social managers). Be creative and have several options in mind. distancing and to be as considerate as possible. PAGE | 13

GENERIC GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES / OPERATORS OFFERING WILDLIFE, ADVENTURE AND ACTIVITY EXPERIENCES

What Thinking about your Thinking about YOURSELF I Know: VISITORS and your STAFF

Once fitted, there should be no need to re- Keep an eye on the fit of your clients' Equipment adjust any equipment but if there is a need, equipment and should the need arise, request Considerations ask a group to assist. (within own social that a member of the group (within own social group unit). group) assists with the re-adjustment.

Hygiene Ask your clients to have hand sanitiser Ensure you have hand sanitiser available for use at all times.

y available to them at all times.

t Arrangements i v i t

c Explain to your clients how you aim to

a Aim to manage the activity in a way that does Physical Support

e manage the activity and how you will be not require you to provide any ‘hands on’

h &/or Help looking to others within the group (within

t physical support. This may be a different own social group) to help and support, g approach to the one you have used previously.

n under your guidance. i r u D First Aid Inform your clients that where possible, Ensure you are stocked up on surgical gloves you will be asking other group members arrangements as you are likely to be using more of these. to assist with any first aid, under your Make sure your first aid kit is easily accessible direction and that should you need to and laid out in a way that makes it easy for your TRAVEL administer first aid directly, you will clients to find what they are looking for. arrangements do so, taking all the necessary and Familiarise yourself and your staff with UK available precautions. Government advice for first responders.

g Choose appropriate meeting places to Ensure the locations you choose will enable Wildlife n

i start your experience, ensuring you can you to stay socially distanced from your clients

h Watching stay socially distanced from the clients and others on any tracks and paths. c

t and others throughout the period within Consider short transfers from one location to a the location you have chosen. another with staff and clients travelling in their W own vehicles to optimize the experience and e f

i ensuring you stay away from crowded areas. l d l i W

o Be aware that during lockdown wildlife has been relatively undisturbed by people.

t Wildlife It is possible that you may have unexpected wildlife encounters and plant life may be more c

i Considerations

f abundant. Take care not to cause disturbance or destruction and be aware of protected i

c species. Be prepared to move your activity rather than cause disturbance. Treat this as an e opportunity to share nature with your clients. p S

s n

o i t

a PLEASE SEE SPECIFIC WILD SCOTLAND r Ensure you e WILDLIFE WATCHING GUIDANCE HERE d i have hand Be aware that during the lockdown with having less of a human presence in the countryside it s

n sanitiser is possible that you could encounter wildlife, plant and animals in areas not usually o occupied. This is an opportunity to share nature with your clients, avoid causing disturbance C available for and be aware of protected species. PAGE | 14

GENERIC GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES / OPERATORS OFFERING WILDLIFE, ADVENTURE AND ACTIVITY EXPERIENCES

What Thinking about your Thinking about YOURSELF I Know: VISITORS and your STAFF

Use equipment rotation when possible and aim Equipment Ask your clients to return any equipment they have hired/borrowed and place the to ensure used equipment is not re-issued for Considerations items in a designated location. 72 hours or more, unless you are able to thoroughly clean your equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions on Covid-19 Check that the venue you wish to use is open. cleaning. Avoid crowded areas and respect legitimate access restrictions and impacts on local communities (e.g. being prepared to change activity venues or timings to avoid crowding, particularly at known activity ‘hotspots’; moving carefully through ‘pinch Providers should consider using an effective points’ including car parks, access points, narrow paths, gates and stiles – and/or coordinating venues and timings with other providers to avoid overlap and liaising with equipment management system to ensure landowners / managers). Be creative and have several options in mind. equipment is both traceable and trackable at all times. y

t Where possible, encourage your clients to Where possible, aim to change when you get

i Changing return home before changing. Where this is back to your place of business. v i

t not possible, ask that they respect local

c residents and local communities and do so a as quickly and discreetly as possible. f o

y

r Recommend that everyone washes their clothes after the activity.

e Personal TRAVEL v

i Clothing l arrangements

e Avoid cash payments. Ask cliets to

d Inform your clients that you will be sending Consider them maokste a ppmproepnrtisa tien w aadyv taon ocbet.ain - Post session t them a feedback form, which will include feedback from your clients that will enable you s REVIEW any thoughts on how you might improve to make any necessary changes to the o

P your provision during this time. management of your activities.

Where parking is needed either at the ‘meet & greet’ location or the activity location, ensure there is sufficient space for you and your clients to do so safely, whilst respecting the local Inform your clients that Follow up with the group Follow Ups residents and rural communities. you will be following up to ensure that all within the week to ensure that remain fit and group members continue to feel well. well, following the days activity.

The guidance above relates to a range of adventure activity businesses i.e. micro and SME’s through to very large outdoor activity centres and operators, many of who will have an accommodation offer as integral to their provision.

The above information has been adapted to suit Scottish Wildlife, Adventure and Activity Ensure you Be aware that during the lockdown with having less of a human presence in the countryside it Operators and originates from the information compiled by the Outdoor Alliance Wales. have hand is possible that you could encounter wildlife, plant and animals in areas not usually occupied. This is an opportunity to share nature with your clients, avoid causing disturbance sanitiser and be aware of protected species. il bl f PAGE | 15 DISCLAIMER

T h i s i n f o r m a t i o n i s p r o v i d e d i n g o o d f a i t h a s a n a i d e m e m o i r e f o r o p e r a t o r s a n d o t h e r s t o u s e d u r i n g t h i s p e r i o d o f C o v i d - 1 9 r e s t r i c t i o n s . I t i s n o t i n t e n d e d t o d o a n y t h i n g o t h e r t h a n p r o v i d e a s i g n p o s t t o p o s s i b l e w a y s o f w o r k i n g t o m a k e a l l a c t i v i t i e s / e x p e r i e n c e s a s s a f e a s p o s s i b l e f o r s t a f f ; c l i e n t s a n d t h e w i d e r p u b l i c d u r i n g t h i s t i m e . I t i s n o t i n t e n d e d t o b e a c o m p l e t e l i s t o f a c t i o n s b u t a s a n a i d t o s t a r t t h o u g h t p r o c e s s e s f o r a n y o p e r a t o r s a n d t o m a k e s u g g e s t i o n s o n a r e a s f o r c o n s i d e r a t i o n .

A l l o p e r a t o r s r e m a i n l i a b l e f o r t h e i r o w n a c t i o n s a n d f o r t h e s a f e t y a n d s e c u r i t y o f t h e i r s t a f f a n d c l i e n t s a n d m u s t c o n t i n u e t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e y a l w a y s h a v e t h i s i n t h e f o r e f r o n t o f t h e i r m i n d s .

W e s h a l l u p d a t e t h i s d o c u m e n t f r o m t i m e t o t i m e a s a n d w h e n o t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n b e c o m e s a v a i l a b l e , b u t w h e n c o m p l e t i n g p r o c e d u r e s , a l l o p e r a t o r s m u s t c h e c k t h e c u r r e n t r e q u i r e m e n t s a p p l i c a b l e t o t h e i r o w n o p e r a t i o n s .

T h e a u t h o r s d o n o t a c c e p t a n y l i a b i l i t y f o r t h e i n f o r m a t i o n p r o v i d e d .

WILD SCOTLAND SUITE 212 I 8, CHURCH STREET I I IV1 1EA WILD-SCOTLAND.ORG.UK I [email protected]