As expected, the Yorkshire Dales has been busier as the first weekend under new Government travel and exercise guidance comes to an end. Carl Lis, Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said:
“To everyone who followed the Government’s social distancing guidelines and showed respect to the land, the community and each other, I want to say thank you. It was great to see the vast majority of people taking this on board.
“Of course, there have been one or two exceptions and I would like to thank North Yorkshire and Cumbria police for their support in dealing with these.
Neil Heseltine, Deputy Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said:
“Having taken the decision to open our car parks and toilets, the only car park to near capacity was in my home village of Malham. It was good to see the social distancing guidelines being followed and heartening to see a younger profile of visitor alongside first time visitors, and key workers coming out to clear their heads and get some well-earned exercise.
David Butterworth, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said:
“We recognise this weekend is only the start and we would urge everyone to continue to:
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 plants and wildlife which have 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.
For those who may be interested in how each car park fared over the Saturday as the day progressed I kept a record every 30 minutes or so (I know, a bit sad!) to show the peaks and troughs through the day for each car park.
The link to the information is: https://www.swaleview.com/news/yorkshire-dales-car-park-status
Great piece of work, thank you.
Well done. Am pleased that visitors did not have a major impact on our green spaces and the communities within them. Thank you to those managing the car parks and space. I hope for all concerned people on both sides remain respectful, alert, and socially distance for the good of the nation as a whole. I like many others remained local to my home but am so looking forward to sharing the magnificent countryside that the UK can offer. Keep safe everyone.
Interesting to see the details on the car parks – thank you. We stayed local last weekend but we are looking forward to seeing the Dales again soon, when the time is right!
Hi, I’m Rob. Great news, Dale’s open again. Have walked many many miles in the company of one of Yorkshire’s finest ladies. Yet to resume 2020. As all who visit will know the area is mesmerising, captivates the soul. But why O why can’t people take their litter and dog waste bags home or make use of bins where provided. After all those same people transport thir pre-waste items to the area. Will Yorkshire be litter free post Covid??