Coronavirus: National Park reminds visitors what 2m is

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is urging visitors to keep social distancing if they visit the Dales this weekend and they've created a great poster to remind people how far apart they should be.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is urging visitors to keep social distancing if they visit the Dales this weekend and they've created a great poster to remind people how far apart they should be.

It's the first weekend under new Government travel and exercise guidance and the message to visitors and residents is for continued social distancing and respect.  According to the authority, two metres is equivalent to nine squirrels, three spaniels, two Swaledale ewes or one Land Rover, (but not a partridge in a pear tree)!

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.”

The Park says visitors should do three things when they visit:

• 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 lock down.
• 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.

You can download the poster here.