National parks remain shut as lockdown set to ease

WALES’ three national parks have urged people not to visit when lockdown restrictions are eased tomorrow as beauty spots and tourist sites remain closed.

First Minister Mark Drakeford announced changes to the lockdown rules in Wales on Friday – from tomorrow people will be able to meet one other household outside provided they stay in their local area (within five miles as a general rule).

However, Snowdonia National Park, Brecon Beacons National Park and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park have reminded the public they remain closed.

National Trust sites in Wales will also remain closed, despite some reopening in parts of England and Northern Ireland.

A spokesman for Snowdonia National Park said its guidance and rules won’t change tomorrow, but said it is working with the Welsh Government to “open when it’s safe to do so.”

Brecon Beacons National Park said it is relying on the people of Wales’ “willingness to do the right thing” and to not travel to the park.

A spokesperson said: “Following the First Minister’s statement, we’d like to remind everyone that Wales is still in lockdown for the weekend ahead and that only essential travel is permitted.

“We, like the First Minister, are relying on the people of Wales’ ‘willingness to do the right thing’, and thank you for continuing to do so.

“For the time being all the visitor hotspots remain closed, along with car parks and toilets. The majority of our rights of way network remains open for exercise from your doorstep.”

It said it will need time to implement future changes if and when they are announced and believe this would take seven to 10 days.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is also urging people not to travel to the park.

Tegryn Jones, chief executive of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “We appreciate how much people are missing the National Park, including the beaches and access to the outdoors, but we ask for everyone’s continued patience.

“While Welsh lockdown restrictions on outdoor gatherings are easing from June 1, it is vital that people follow the advice to stay local, travel no more than five miles and avoid popular beauty spots and crowded places wherever possible.

“The park is not ready for large numbers of visitors to arrive at popular places, so we ask people to use this new freedom, from Monday, carefully and responsibly.

“We’re asking people to follow our three ‘R’s – respect the land, respect the community and respect each other – as the restrictions are eased.

“Services will reopen in time but we are urging people to be patient for now and stay local.”

The Park’s car parks and the majority of the coastal path remain closed to the public.