National parks prepare for Easter influx
RANGERS at Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks are gearing up for a very busy few days as the Easter Bank Holiday weekend arrives.
Following the relaxation of more coronavirus restrictions on Monday this week, the Devon venues are preparing for an influx of visitors over the next few days.
The latest Government guidelines state that people can now meet up with others in outdoor locations within groups of six or two households. Locals have already flocked to beauty spots around Devon following the easing of lockdown measures, and the four-day weekend will be another opportunity to explore areas they have not been able to visit due to the recent restrictions.
Looking ahead to the Easter weekend, Dartmoor National Park has advised people to plan ahead and to respect the park’s surroundings with the safety of everyone being a high priority.
A message on the park’s website reads: “The freedom to now travel and spend time on the moor in the fresh air will be a welcome mental and physical wellbeing boost – at this time of year, it’s truly magical.
“We know that most people want to help us protect this special environment and it’s important to leave no trace of your visit. That way, when you go, nature comes back and reclaims the space you left, making room for us all to share this special landscape.
“Please continue to respect the people who live and work on Dartmoor. It is a working environment where farmers need to be able to tend their animals on open common land and in their fields. Please don’t park in gateways or driveways and avoid paths through farmyards and gardens. Farmers are busy lambing and calving; many have worked around the clock throughout lockdown.
“Think about each other and the space we all need to enjoy the countryside safely. Our advice is to plan ahead to avoid busy places and times If you arrive and the place you hoped to visit is busy, have an alternative location in mind that might be quieter.
“We know how important connecting with the outdoors is for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Our priority is to help people remain safe – those who come to exercise and the people who live and work in the national park.”
The message from Dartmoor has been echoed by Exmoor National Park. The park’s chief executive, Sarah Bryan, said: “As restrictions ease this Easter and we are able to do more, it’s vital we stay aligned with the Government’s road map for moving out of lockdown, so as to not undermine the hard work we have all put in to suppressing the virus this winter.
“Perhaps not since national parks were founded after the Second World War have they been so important to our country – places for people to connect with nature and each other, to renew and restore their health and wellbeing. We know many of you have sacrificed time in the places you love, while others have endured losing loved ones to this dreadful disease.”