The North York Moors National Park welcomes responsible visitors

The North York Moors National Park Authority is delighted that from Monday 29 March it can once
again welcome people to experience its cherished landscapes. However, it is reminding all those that
choose to visit the area to act responsibly and with great consideration for the wildlife and
communities who live there.

The National Park Authority is working alongside other bodies, including Forestry England and North
Yorkshire Police, to ensure that public safety remains a top priority, alongside the protection of the
local environment. There will also be an increased number of National Park Rangers and volunteers at
various sites over what is expected to be a busy Easter period.

Tom Hind, Chief Executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:
“We recognise that many people have had limited access to open green spaces over the last few
months, and that adhering to the ‘Stay at Home’ guidance has not always been easy on physical and
mental health. Spring has now arrived and lockdown is easing, but it is essential that our eagerness to
return to more relaxed times does not lead to harm, either to other people or to the countryside.
“We ask everyone to act responsibly and stay safe. Please continue to think carefully about your
journeys and interactions, making sure you follow both national advice and local visitor information.
Overcrowded beauty spots not only increase the likelihood of Covid-19 transmission, but are in
themselves harmful to the environment and more likely to result in issues such as congestion and
litter.”

“We are delighted to welcome you back to the North York Moors in your own time, but there is no
rush. And when you do get here, please treat this very special place with the respect it deserves.”
To help the public enjoy the North York Moors safely, the National Park Authority has a dedicated
Covid-19 webpage with up-to-date information regarding open facilities, car parks, and suggestions of
where to find quieter trails and spaces. Included are the following key guidelines:

• Follow the latest Government advice – Observe social distancing rules and clean your
  hands regularly. Bring hand sanitiser for use after touching shared surfaces (including gates
  and stiles) and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
• Know The Countryside Code – If you do choose to visit in the North York Moors, please
  make sure that you read and follow The Countryside Code of ‘Respect, Protect and Enjoy’.
  This includes being considerate to others, taking litter home, picking up and disposing of
  dog poo in a bin and never lighting fires!
• Plan ahead – Before travelling, please check online to see if the outdoor public space is
  open, as well as for any road closures and weather warnings.
• Avoid popular spots – If you arrive at a site that is already busy, please go elsewhere or
  come another time. If car parks are full, do not park on verges or block gates.
• Look after wildlife and livestock – Always keep your dog on a short lead near farm animals
  and under close control wherever you are to protect wildlife. When walking, stick to
  defined routes and tread carefully. If driving, please slow down and drive with care on
  moorland roads.

Forestry England manages and cares for a number of popular woodland sites in the North York Moors
National Park. Tanya Nesbitt-Rex, Head of Recreation for Forestry England Yorkshire district, said:
“We know how valuable outdoor spaces have been to everyone during the last year and as the current
restrictions are eased we are looking forward to the weather improving and are expecting an increase
in people visiting our woodlands. Visitors will need to plan their visits and consider that they may need
to change their plans if sites and areas are reaching capacity. Our priority is to ensure our visitors enjoy
a positive experience in the outdoors and are safe by everyone acting responsibly with regards to
appropriate parking, litter, fires and protecting the wildlife so that our woodlands can be preserved
and enjoyed by future generations.”

For full information regarding the North York Moors National Park’s response to Covid-19, including a
list of open facilities and the measures currently in place, please visit north
northyorkmoors.org.uk/coronavirus. Simple visitor advice for all UK National Parks can also be found
at nationalparks.uk.