Welsh National Park Authorities issue clear message to respect Welsh Government Guidance

Wales’ three National Park Authorities have welcomed new Welsh Government guidance reinforcing the need for people in Wales to stay at home, stay safe and protect the NHS.

The Park Authorities are also calling on all UK residents to respect rules and measures in place in Wales to protect everyone, and will be making significant efforts with their partners, this week to ensure that the correct information is reaching people.

Speaking of the revised guidance, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Tegryn Jones said: “The clear measures announced by Wales’ First Minster Mark Drakeford on Friday apply to those living in Wales as well as those planning on travelling across the border into Wales.

“In Wales the lockdown continues and you should stay at home unless you are undertaking essential activities. This also means you should not drive to exercise, and only exercise from home, whilst following the Countryside Code.

“For those who do not live within walking distance the message from us is clear – do not visit Wales’s National Parks until the Welsh Government’s guidelines to avoid unnecessary travel in Wales have been lifted.

“We appreciate that the restrictions are challenging for people, but keeping our residents, visitors and staff safe is the first priority. When the time is right we look forward to welcoming you back to the National Parks of Wales and most importantly doing this at a time when we can keep everyone safe.”

The most popular rural hotspots in Wales including Snowdon, Pen y Fan and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path will remain closed using Welsh Government legislation until it is deemed safe to reopen them.

Emyr Williams, Chief Executive of Snowdonia National Park said:

“These measures in Wales mean that people cannot drive to exercise in Wales – no matter where they live – and there will continue to be no parking or access to the most popular sites in the Welsh National Parks.

“We urge visitors planning on coming to climb Snowdon or any other popular peaks and sites to follow government guidance, to stay at home and exercise in their local area – please don’t make a wasted journey. We will continue to review closures on a weekly basis and will only open sites when it is safe to do so.”

Julian Atkins, Chief Executive of Brecon Beacons National Park said:

“Exercise in the outdoors is hugely beneficial for physical and mental well-being and this has been recognised by Welsh Government in their minor amendments to legislation on Friday that now allow people to exercise from their doorstep more than once a day.

“We hope we have clarified the differences between Wales and England and we thank you for staying home, staying safe and protecting the NHS.”

More information on closures as well as changes to National Park services can be found here:

Snowdonia: www.eryri.llyw.cymru/coronavirus

Brecon Beacons:  https://www.beacons-npa.gov.uk/

Pembrokeshire: www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales

The public can report any issues by contacting:

·       Brecon Beacons National Park Authority: enquiries@beacons-npa.gov.uk

·       Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority: info@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

·       Snowdonia National Park Authority: parc@eryri.llyw.cymru