An open letter has been written to people planning to visit Dartmoor National Park following changes to the Government's lockdown measures.
Dartmoor National Park Authority Chief Executive Dr Kevin Bishop has written the letter to people living in areas surrounding the National Park. In it, he thanks everyone for their positive action to limit the spread of Covid-19 so far and urges everyone to continue doing their bit.
On behalf of Dartmoor National Park, Authority members and staff, he expresses his “deepest gratitude and thanks” to everyone for their positive action throughout the last seven weeks of lockdown.
He says: “Your continued support means we’ve all played a part in protecting each other, and the communities we live and work in, during this incredibly challenging time.”
He says the Authority is working hard to prepare for the easing of restrictions. “Doing it in the safest way possible for everyone – you, our staff and our communities - remains our top priority”, his letter says.
The letter continues: “I know many of you will be looking forward to visiting Dartmoor and will be keen to drive here from your home to enjoy a welcome respite of fresh moorland air.
“But, understandably, residents and businesses are concerned about the impact the new measures will have on them.”
The Authority has opened its car parks but its public toilets and visitor centres remain closed and will only open when it’s safe to do so and social distancing can be maintained.
Dr Bishop says: “Dartmoor is a very different place to what you’re used to. Many tourism businesses remain closed as do pubs, cafes, restaurants and public facilities.
“But it is still a living, working landscape: businesses are working to ensure essential supplies and access to key services for local people, and farmers are busy with lambing and calving.
“We all need to keep doing our bit to control the spread of Covid-19 and every single action you take will make a difference.”
He asks anyone making a trip to Dartmoor for exercise to:
• Keep distance from other people in line with social distancing guidelines.
• Clean your hands regularly. Bring hand gel for use after touching shared surfaces (gates, stiles etc).
• Keep dogs on lead at all times.
• Avoid paths through farmyards or gardens and not lingering longer than necessary.
• Follow the Ranger Code at all times.
Dartmoor Rangers continue to work with Devon and Cornwall Police to ensure people are kept safe and follow social distancing rules.
Dr Bishop says: “Many thanks to all of you. Please continue to be kind and respectful, not just of each other, but of our National Park and everything that lives within in. For now, stay alert, stay safe and look after yourselves.”
Read the full letter on the website.
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