We all like a walk in the local woods and forests. However, these organisations have closed their facilities, toilets and carparks. Please heed the social distancing rules.

Forestry and Land Scotland

Our staff where possible are now working from home, which means regional offices are closed, as are all of our visitor facilities – including toilets and car parks. We know that Government advice is for people to go outside to take physical exercise where it is safe to do so as this is not only good for physical health, but also can boost wellbeing and reduce anxiety too.

However we need to avoid unnecessary travel, so make your walk or cycle a local one; do not get into your car to travel to one of the woods we manage.  The walking and biking trails within these local forests will remain open but you must exercise alone or with your own household and, if encountering other people, maintain the social distancing rule. Remember our toilets and car parks are closed.

Bennachie Visitor Centre

Update – Car park now closed – you can’t park at the Bennachie Centre.
Given the developing situation in relation to Covid-19 and in the interest of local communities, we regret to say that the Bennachie Visitor Centre will not open on 1 April 2020 as planned and will remain closed to the public indefinitely. The toilets are also closed. Toilets at Rowan Tree will also not be open.
For further information contact the Bennachie Visitor Centre by email bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

National Trust for Scotland

Our priority, first and foremost, is the wellbeing of our visitors, volunteers and staff. As a result of the latest advice and developments, our charity is:

  • Closing all gardens and car parks, along with Culzean Country Park and Brodick Country Park, as well as the grounds of properties such as Crathes and Brodie castles
  • Closing all holiday let properties and cancelling bookings
  • Asking people not to travel to our island properties in order to protect communities

Haddo House and country park

At this time you are still able to visit the park for short periods of exercise, as per restrictions laid out by the Government. Exercise alone or with a member of your household, stay away from other people, and keep dogs on leads as we can’t risk dogs running up to folk. Our toilets are closed.

Pitmedden Garden (NTS)

To protect people, all our properties are now closed. This includes gardens and grounds, as well as car parks at our countryside places. We urge people to follow the latest advice and stay at home. We look forward to welcoming you again, once it’s safe for everyone.

Aberdeenshire Council play areas

All Aberdeenshire council play areas are CLOSED until further notice. Please do not allow your children to use the equipment. It is not feasible to literally close off the play areas so please do take note.
Country parks and open spaces will remain open but social distancing guidelines MUST be strictly observed. The play areas in Country Parks should be treated as the other play areas – CLOSED !!