Parks and nature reserves remain open for the time being

NATURAL Parks and Nature Reserves in Wicklow and nationwide remained open at the time of going to press, but all visitors centres and information points will stay closed until at least March 29.

However, a failure to follow social distancing guidelines means the National Health Emergency Team are considering closing public spaces like parks.

Parks and reserves located in the Garden County include Deputy’s Pass Nature Reserve near Glenealy, Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve, Glendalough, Glenealo Valley Nature Reserve above and to the west of Glendalough, Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve situated in the Glencullen river valley and the Vale of Clara Nature Reserve.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) made the decision to close all visitors centres, including the one in Glendalough, as part of additional measures to protect citizens by delaying the spread of the virus. Toilet facilities will also remain closed.

NPWS has also issued guidelines to anyone accessing any of Wicklow’s parks or nature reserve over the need to respect and adhere to social distancing requirements.

An NPWS spokesperson said: ‘We would remind all members of the public who choose to access sites of the need to respect and adhere to social distancing requirements and all HSE guidance. While there is space at most sites to facilitate some access to fresh air and exercise for people during this period, NPWS staff have noticed irresponsible behaviour at sites, such as large social groups gathering on communal walks as opposed to small family units walking, which could increase the risks of onward transmission of COVID-19.

‘We are actively working to delay the spread of this virus, so that our health system will be able to respond effectively. While we understand people feeling the need to get outdoors at this time, such activity should be cognisant of social distancing requirements. Social distancing aims, through a variety of means, to decrease or interrupt the spread of COVID-19. It does this by minimising contact between potentially infected individuals and healthy individuals.’

Members of the public enjoying some of the NPWS sites in Wicklow should maintain a distance of two feet, six feet, between them and other people. You should not shake hands or make close contact where possible.

You should avoid crowded places.

If you are in a crowded setting, you should practice personal protective measures such as frequent hand hygiene.

The NPWS statement concludes: ‘ These are extraordinary times and appropriate actions now will be of great long term benefit. Please, if you are accessing outdoor spaces at these times make sure you are adhering to the principles of social distancing as well as any and all guidance from the HSE. Do not congregate in large groups.’