Thank you for giving nature space says Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor says big thank you to everyone for ‘giving nature space’ after a busy weekend.
Places across the National Park were busy throughout the long weekend with lots of people taking advantage of the good weather to enjoy picnics, walks and the health benefits of being in an iconic landscape.
Dartmoor National Park launched its 'Leave no trace, give nature space' campaign ahead of the Easter weekend, to welcome people back to Dartmoor as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.
'Leave no trace, give nature space' asks people to think about the positive impact nature and the outdoors has had on their lives during lockdown, and to show compassion and care as they return to the landscape to enjoy its mental and physical health benefits.
Alison Kohler, Director of Conservation and Communities, said: “We’re pleased to see people returning to Dartmoor in safe and responsible ways. We would like to thank the majority of people for keeping dogs on leads, keeping gateways clear and taking all litter home.
“We’d urge people to continue following the Government covid-19 guidance and restrictions and to follow the Countryside Code. This helps keep Dartmoor special and keeps everyone safe, including those who live and work here and the moor’s unique and special habitats and species.”
The advice is to plan ahead to avoid busy places and times, check local information and travel reports. If you arrive and the place you hoped to visit is busy, have an alternative location in mind that might be quieter.
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.
Spring is a busy time for farmers looking after pregnant ewes and lambs so we urge people not to park in gateways or driveways and to keep dogs on leads around all livestock.
The Authority's website has more information on about how to enjoy your visit in line with the new-look Countryside Code.
