Plea for visitors to respect Peak District as lockdown eases
There'll be more visitors to the National Park after rules are relaxed on Monday
Last updated 26th Mar 2021
Rangers in The Peak District are urging people to respect the national park, as they prepare for more visitors next week.
On Monday lockdown restrictions ease to allow six people to meet outside, and the stay at home message changes to stay local.
There were problems last summer when tourists descended on the Peaks as Covid rules were eased.
Engagement Ranger Rob Kenning's tells us he's expecting a rise in visitors:
"We really welcome those people, of course according to social distancing and all the government regulations. We expect there might be an upsurge in littering, people not parking in the right places, and I think the other thing is being mindful of the residents.
"I'd always suggest people go with that Peak District proud mantra of 'Respect, Protect, Enjoy'. Come to learn about the landscape, be interested, but there are things you can do, like with the parking, before you even get there. Look at the Peak District National Park website - there's a list of car parks there so you can park in a designated place."
"And then it's lambing time as well which a lot of people might not realise if they're not from a rural area. Things like keeping your dog on a lead now is really important - I know a lot of people have probably bought puppies during this lockdown period"
So far in the third lockdown we've been allowed to meet one other person outside socially but we've been told only to travel for essential reasons.
The guidance changes on Monday to allow travelling in your local area.
Rob wants those heading to the Peaks to keep in mind many people live there:
"I'm sure some of the residents will be concerned - there'll be farmers that are worried about people coming in, dogs on livestock or leaving gates open or people parking in the wrong place.
"We've just got to have a little bit of understanding, a little bit of care. We've come through a really challenging time and it's times like this that people really need that good quality green space. That goes for the residents and the people coming in as well."