Officials at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority have urged visitors to keep social distancing if they visit the area this weekend — and have issued a helpful visual guide for anyone confused about how wide is two metres.
According to the authority two metres is equivalent to nine squirrels, three spaniels, two Swaledale ewes or one Land Rover!
Ahead of the first weekend under new Government travel and exercise guidance, their message to visitors and residents is for continued social distancing and respect.
David Butterworth, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: “Everyone should be observing the Government’s social distancing guidelines. Stay at home if you’re unwell or self-isolating. Maintain social distancing of at least two metres from anyone outside your household. And wash your hands regularly.
“Prospective visitors should be aware that the Yorkshire Dales experience they may have been used to will not be the same. Most local businesses remain closed, including cafés, restaurants, pubs, and many local shops. Visitors will need to be self-sufficient when they visit the National Park.
“National Park Authority car parks and toilets will be open, but, if car parks are full, we would ask people not to park in villages or on verges in order to keep local communities safe. And remember that you can’t stay overnight.
“Car parking will be free to NHS staff and social carers.”
— Yorkshire Dales (@yorkshire_dales) May 15, 2020
The park authority has urged visitors to do three things when they visit the national park:
- Respect the Land – Exercise within your limitations to keep pressure off local resources, and know the countryside code (you can download it here). Take care to respect the plant and wildlife which has thrived during lockdown.
- Respect the Community – We recognise that many in the local community are amongst some of the most vulnerable groups of people. Many still need to self-isolate. While walking, please keep a safe distance from homes, schools, and farms.
- Respect each Other – Stay two metres apart, keep within your family/household groups, and avoid gathering in Dales towns and villages where many of the shops and services remain closed. Finally, be kind and respect one another – whether visitor or local.
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The staff of the YDNPA need a pat on the back for coming up with such a humorous poster that certainly gets the message across. No one but no one can possibly help but smile when the read the poster, while at the same time registering the importance of keeping to the 2 meter rule. If they are not already, these posters should be run off and dis played everywhere – one positive way of getting the message across without sounding dictatorial – WELL DONE.