There can be no guarantees of what you will see on your outing. However, you can greatly improve your chances and reduce your impact on the land and inland water by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which is based on three principles to take responsibility for your own actions, respect the interests of others and care for the environment. To access the full code, please go to www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

o Do not intentionally or recklessly disturb or destroy plants, eggs, birds, other animals or geological features
o Do not linger if it is clear that your presence is causing significant disturbance to a bird or other wild animal
o Follow any agreed information aimed at preventing significant disturbance to protect plants, birds or other animals, or at preventing the spread of erosion in more sensitive areas
o Take extra care to avoid disturbing more sensitive birds and animals, particularly during their breeding season
o Take all litter away with you
o Take all necessary measures to prevent the risk of fire
o When bringing dogs, keep them under close control
o Make efforts to use wildlife operators who follow a code of conduct

While we encourage the use of professional wildlife tour operators to realise the full potential of your wildlife experience in a safe and controlled environment, there are those among you who will wish to venture further afield. Remember that Scotland's weather can change quickly and dramatically, especially in winter when daylight is limited. Using common sense and being prepared for any eventuality is extremely important for your safety.

When you come to watch wildlife in Scotland, think green! VisitScotland's Green Tourism Business Scheme encourages tourism businesses to be environmentally friendly, whether they be hotels or guest houses, bed and breakfasts or self-catering or visitor attractions. Members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme are rigorously assessed on their level of operational efficiency and then given a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. They are encouraged to introduce measures which ensure efficiencies in energy and water usage and waste production whilst not impinging on the quality of the experience on offer. Also the use of recycled products, public transport, local produce on menus, promoting wildlife walks and cycle hire and developing a wildlife area are examples of the many ways in which businesses can achieve a green award. These and other measures help ensure that Scotland's beautiful landscape is kept that way! By staying in Green Tourism Business Scheme accommodation, or visiting one of its attractions, you will also be making a contribution to keeping Scotland green. Look out for the logo shown below.

Check out the Green Tourism Business Scheme website.

A number of bodies work tirelessly to conserve and protect Scotland's natural environment and wildlife. For more information on these organisations and their work, follow the links below:

The Forestry Commission Forestry Commission Scotland is the country's largest landowner, looking after around 8% of Scotland. On the national forest estate, there are hundreds of kilometres of forest walks and cycle trails to suit every taste and ability, plus some of the best viewpoints and picnic sites in the country. Listed on the website are some of the top forest wildlife-watching sites throughout Scotland, but visit any of Scotland's forests with your eyes and ears open and you're likely to come across many different species every day.

The National Trust for Scotland natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy. The Trust has over 100 places to visit, ranging from grand castles to the scenes of epic battles and glorious gardens to spectacular islands. Among the natural attractions under its care are St Kilda and Fair Isle, two of Scotland's foremost birdwatching destinations, along with Ben Lawers and Torridon, among the country's finest wild mountain landscapes.

RSPB RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB, the UK-wide charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all. Wildlife and the environment face many threats. Our conservation work in Scotland - from campainging for better laws to managing land for wildlife - focuses on the species and habitats that are in the greatest danger here. We encourage people to get closer to nature through a host of activities. These range from our Aren't Birds Brilliant programme - showing people some of our most spectacular birds - to public events and teaching for children. We have some 70 nature reserves from Shetland to the Solway - places where people can enjoy nature and wildlife can flourish. We encourage you to enjoy these special places and ask you to respect the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Scottish Natural Heritage The mission of Scottish Natural Heritage, the government body tasked with conserving and enhancing Scotland's natural heritage, is to work with Scotland's people to care for our countryside and wild places, which are a local, national and global asset. SNH promotes rural Scotland's care and improvement, its responsible enjoyment, its greater understanding and appreciation and its sustainable use, now and for future generations. Evidence of the work being done by SNH throughout Scotland can be seen at our many National Nature Reserves. Look out for the NNR logo on this website. Scottish Natural Heritage has a duty under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to promote understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which is based on three principles, to take responsibility for your own actions, respect the interests of others and care for the environment.

Scottish Wildlife Trust Scottish Wildlife Trust operates as a charity and has, since 1964, continuously contributed to the enhancement and preservation of habitats and wildlife throughout the country. SWT believes that through encouraging access to wildlife, it can involve people in understanding, conserving and shaping Scotland's landscape for the better. Providing an independent voice on wildlife issues, SWT contributes to legislation and guidelines through its continued knowledge and ongoing conservation work. SWT is likewise committed to improving access and interpretation at its visitor centres and reserves throughout Scotland.

Wild Scotland Wild Scotland is an association of wildlife tourism operators who are passionate about Scotland's natural heritage. Members aim to provide the very best wildlife watching in Scotland, through a responsible attitude to the environment, your safety and enjoyment. From land safaris and whale-watching cruises to birdwatching services and photography holidays, Wild Scotland offers one of the most varied ranges of wildlife experiences in Europe. Whether you're interested in a particular species, a holiday of a lifetime or simply a day out in the countryside, Wild Scotland can help make your visit to Scotland a memorable one.

Dolphin Space Programme The Dolphin Space Programme is an innovative, co-operative approach to sustainable wildlife tourism. Applying to businesses operating in the Moray Firth, it aims to encourage people who go out to observe dolphins to 'watch how they watch' and to respect the dolphins' need for space. Boat operators who join the Dolphin Space Programme have agreed to follow an approved code of conduct aimed at minimising disturbance to the dolphins.

John Muir Trust One of the country's leading guardians of wild land and wildlife, through conserving, campaigning and inspiring people, the John Muir Trust works to ensure wild land is protected and wild places valued by all sectors of society. Established in 1983 the John Muir Trust owns and manages wild landscapes on the Isle of Skye, Knoydart, Assynt, Lochaber and Perthshire. The iconic peaks of Ben Nevis, Schiehallion and many of the southern Cuillins of Skye are protected by the Trust. In addition to our owned properties we work in partnership with many other communities in the management of estates across Scotland. The Trust also campaigns against threats to wild land, and engages thousands of people each year in wild places through its educational initiative the John Muir Award.

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust is the largest international wetland conservation charity in the UK. Its mission is to conserve wetlands and their biodiversity. These are vitally important for the quality and maintenance of all life. Much of WWT's important work for wetlands is funded through visitor centres, including Caerlaverock in Dumfries & Galloway. By visiting one of these centres, the public is actively helping WWT take direct action for threatened wetland birds, by restoring habitats and undertaking captive breeding programmes. The organisation is also able to carry out research, providing the knowledge and information needed for conservation action.

Scottish Gamekeepers Association The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) represents Scotland's professional gamekeepers (or wildlife managers as they have increasingly become). Gamekeepers are the doctors and nurses of the countryside, their dedication and knowledge helps shape the landscape and wildlife on both high and low ground. Their management protects both game and other ground nesting birds thus providing a balance for all to enjoy. The habitat created contributes to a greater number and variety of wildlife living on sporting estates compared with non-shooting areas. No where else in Europe can you see herds of wild animals running free across the hills, Scotland's red deer herd is unique and precious. The greater part of rural Scotland is managed by gamekeepers who are proud of their achievements. The SGA promotes education, responsible access and welcomes visitors who come to enjoy Scotland's fantastic diversity of wildlife.