Trust’s nature reserves to stay open in lockdown

A LEADING local conservation charity says that its nature reserves will remain open during lockdown and available for people to use as places to take their daily exercise.

In both the first two lockdowns Devon Wildlife Trust kept its 58 nature reserves open to the public.

Steve Hussey of Devon Wildlife Trust said: “We were often asked during previous lockdowns whether our nature reserves remained open to the public, the answer was always ‘Yes!’. So at the start of the third lockdown we wanted to reassure people that they will remain open and free to use. All we ask is that people follow the Government’s rules – that they only visit nature reserves which are local to them and that they observe restrictions on social distance and mixing.”

The charity, which cares for some of Devon’s most precious and beautiful wildlife havens, says the experience of last year has shown the importance of access to local green spaces in people’s good health and well-being.

Mr Hussey added: “The comments, letters and social media messages we’ve received over the past ten months have shown us the great value that people place in their local nature reserves. Many people have told us that the ability to be in the natural world has made a crucial difference to them. It’s well-known that time spent outside in nature can boost mood, while regular exercise also has the same effect. Green spaces allow people to combine these two things.”

But Mr Hussey said all visitor centres and wildlife watching hides will be closed during lockdown. “Use our nature reserves responsibly and they will remain as great green escapes for people, and havens for wildlife.”