COUNTY WILDLIFE TRUST STATEMENT: NATURE RESERVE VISITOR CENTRES TO REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

                                                                            

One of the reedbeds at Far Ings nature reserve in  Barton-on-Humber

THE Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, which has numerous nature reserves  in the county, has issued statement this statement in response to the Government's partial loosening, earlier this week, of lockdown restrictions.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust are closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation and in response to the latest government advice, we are working towards opening our nature reserve car parks.

This will be kept under review.

Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors to our nature reserves. 

We also have to make sure the wildlife on our reserves is not adversely impacted. 

With reports of species nesting on and near paths, we need to ensure that wildlife is safe - this may mean restrictions to certain areas even when more general access is permitted.

In order to avoid overwhelming our sites, we would encourage people not to travel to reserves outside their local area and to continue to enjoy wildlife close to home.

Please note:

* WCs  are closed for the safety of visitors and staff.

* Dogs are not allowed on the majority of reserves. Where they are permitted please keep dogs on a short lead. There may be grazing animals and lambs present.

* Hides should not be used. Surfaces will be regularly touched, and we are unable to maintain to standards expected with Covid-19. Attempts to lock or secure have resulted in damage and misuse.

* Some paths may be closed due to the presence of ground nesting birds or other vulnerable wildlife.

*All litter should be taken home including tissues, antiseptic wipes and nappies.

*Please stay on the waymarked paths. There may be wildflowers growing and birds nesting adjacent to paths.

*Be kind and respectful of staff and visitors and maintain social distancing.

*Activities are not permitted on nature reserves include: cycling; lighting fires or barbecues; swimming; fishing; putting up tents or hides; the removal of any plants, fungi or animals.

                                          

Chiffchaff - a regular summer visitor to most of the Trust's reserves

The statement continues: "Our nature reserves are special places for wildlife and are home to some of our rarest species. 

"Please take extra care when visiting to cause as little disturbance as possible."

*Far Ings - Ness End car park is open, the toilets are closed. The visitor centre car park, Visitor Centre and toilets will remain closed until further notice.

*Gibraltar Point - Both car parks are closed until further notice.

*Snipe Dales - The Country Park car park is open. The toilets will remain closed until further notice.

* Whisby Nature Park - The car park is open. The toilets and Natural World Centre will remain closed until further notice.

* Deeping Lakes - The car park is open.

* Messingham Sand Quarry - The car park is open.

* Moor Farm, Kirkby Moor and Kirkby Gravel Pits - The gates will remain closed.

* Willow Tree Fen - Closed until further notice.

* Woodhall Spa Airfield - Open as usual.

                                        

Willow Tree Fen near Spalding