'Stay At Home' is still the message in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but here in England government advice is that we can now travel for 'as long as we like' to take unlimited amounts of outdoor activity and exercise. Many outdoor spaces remain closed - so check before you travel - and many organisations are recommending that we 'stay local' as much as possible. We also still need to follow the ‘Be Alert’ guidance from government including observing social distancing rules, washing our hands regularly whilst we're enjoying our time outdoors and not going outside if we, or the people that we live with, have any of the Coronavirus symptoms.
Justin's Top Tips.
- Avoid areas that may quickly become crowded such as well-known popular beauty spots, sites of interest and walking routes. If you arrive at your chosen destination and it appears to be crowded to the point where maintaining social distancing rules would be difficult or impossible, then either move to a different location or go home and return at another time or on another day.
- Try using an Ordnance Survey map or their brilliant and convenient 'map app' to to identify outdoor spaces and routes that you can visit legally and safely. The less distance you have to travel, the better.
- Take everything that you need with you, from the correct clothing and footwear to food and drink so that you don't need to go in search of it.
- Right now, don't push your limits! Stay well within your personal limitations and be sensible with your activities to avoid the likelihood of finding yourself in a situation where you need emergency support, because rescue teams, emergency services and the NHS are already under a tremendous amount of strain.
- Brief everyone in your family on how to act and react in the situations likely to occur. For example, if you're heading out to a walking circuit with young children, be clear on what they need to do when someone not from your household is approaching, such as 'walking in a. single file' or creating a 'family bubble’.
- Plan ahead! Plan absolutely everything, from your car journey to your chosen destination - if you have to use a car - to parking, alternative destinations, your route, what you need to take with you, what to do if you encounter an emergency situation and need help, and even how you'll dispose of litter responsibly. Remember that poor planning can lead to poor decisions…
Ultimately, you are responsible for your own health and wellbeing so if you are in any doubt in any given situation, always err on the side of caution.
When you're in the countryside, no matter what activity you're engaged in from walking, to cycling, to paddling, to fishing, follow the principles of 'Leave No Trace’ which aim traduce any negative impact on the outdoor environments that we enjoy. You can find out more about ‘Leave No Trace’ on our website. |
