Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
This topic is something that should encourage us all to be more tolerant and considerate of each other. We cannot continue with a ‘them’ and ‘us’ attitude towards our fellowmen!

Perhaps one of the most important aspects to consider is the fact that none of us, in truth, ‘own’ anything. We come into this world with nothing and leave it the same way!

However, while we are here, some of us are fortunate enough to inherit or even ‘work’ for the acquisition of possessions that are considered our personal property!

Most of us are very happy to share what we have from time to time, especially when our sharing of property is enjoyed and appreciated by those with whom we share it.

We invite friends and acquaintances or even strangers for a coffee, a meal or sometimes to stay for a few days! At the same time we expect and usually receive respect for our property and possessions from those with whom we share them, so why not have the same attitude towards those who visit the countryside?

Here in the Borders of Scotland the landscape is breathtaking. The variety of walks I can enjoy in the company of my dog as well as with my friends and neighbours and those who come to stay is enormous. The wild heather covered hills and long sandy beaches are a just a short drive away and afford hours of pleasure, if and when I can afford the time to visit them!

However, everyday, I walk on the farm. Nevertheless, I have asked the permission of the farmer to do so and he knows I never walk through fields containing stock or growing crops. Having lived in the country for most of my life I am able to recognise both but some people are not!

Not long ago, some city dwellers that have a local holiday home were found driving their quad bike around a field of wheat. It seemed they thought it was just a field of grass and so were quite unaware of the damage they might be causing to a growing crop!

The farmer is a friendly chap, happy to share the delights of his farm with anyone who shows respect for it. Having explained to the quad-bikers, in a kindly fashion, that they shouldn’t career around a field on their bike if they didn’t know exactly what was growing there, they were extremely apologetic and promised never to do it again!

As a child, my parents taught me that when visiting another ‘s home and garden the general rule was ‘Don’t touch’! At the same time I was encouraged to ask questions if something took my interest and I still do!

If only those who would like to roam the countryside will understand and appreciate that much of it is someone’s property from which they earn a living and as such it must be respected. Thus a general rule for them has to be ‘If in doubt – ‘don’t’ – at least ask permission first!

At the same time our visitors need to broaden their knowledge of how the countryside ‘works’ and certainly the best way to do that is to visit it!

Not many years ago most people kept a few hens or a pig in the back yard and grew their own vegetables. Now times have changed and the great majority live in cities and have little contact with plants or livestock and their knowledge of them is virtually nil. Nevertheless, it’s not surprising that the open spaces and peace of the countryside appeals to them and more and more want to visit the countryside on their days’ off.

Surely it’s up to us who live there to welcome visitors and not treat them as unwelcome intruders or threaten to shoot them if they step on our land!

It is only by developing our tolerance and consideration for each other in this way that if just visiting or living there, we can all enjoy the countryside and respect each other!