Police have warned people planning a countryside picnic this weekend that leftover scraps could upset the balance of the ecosystem.
If you thought it was OK to chuck your apple core or sandwich crusts in the hedge for the local wildlife to eat, think again.
East Lothian Police shared the warning on Friday to anyone with plans to pack a picnic and visit the gret outdoors over the weekend.
A post on the force's Facebook page read: “Looking forward to enjoying a countryside picnic? There are concerns that leaving behind small pieces of food such as ham rolls and apple cores, as well as plastic and disposable BBQs, can be harmful to animals particularly near farmland and lead to problems in the food chain.”
The warning came with a statement from the National Farmers Union (NFU) that leaving food behind could “seriously affect the biosecurity of Scotland”.
Lindsay Brown, Lothian & Borders Regional Manager, National Farmers Union Scotland, said:
“NFU Scotland welcome everyone to enjoy East Lothian’s countryside. At harvest time there is a significant increase in agricultural traffic we ask that you be patient with them and be mindful that they may be turning right into field gates. Please be aware that harvest traffic may be on the move when you park up and you may block access at this busy time.
“If you are enjoying a picnic out in the countryside, we would ask you to please take all your rubbish home with you or dispose of it responsibly. Discarded left overs can cause serious impact on animals if ingested or seriously affect the biosecurity of Scotland. We hope you enjoy and respect East Lothian as much as we do.”
So if you are planning food in a field or lunch by a loch, be sure to take your leftovers home with you.
