Yorkshire Post article – Yorkshire’s national parks vital to helping the county get over coronavirus
April 27, 2020
As the warmer weather continues, many will feel frustration that covid-19 restrictions prevent them enjoying our two national parks.
The Dales and North York Moors are unmistakeable timeless icons of our great county. They are simultaneously thriving working communities, national and international tourist magnets, and a valuable open-air escape for more urban parts of Yorkshire, including my own City of York. As a Yorkshireman who serves on Parliament’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, I well know the importance for our country of this living part of our natural heritage.
Although park authorities and residents are quite rightly telling would-be visitors to stay away, the local economy will be taking a serious hit, with many small shops, pubs, eateries and attractions substantially or wholly sustained by the tourist trade.
Only when the Parks are open once again will our region start to return to normal, and the county’s rural economy begin to recover its strength. The Dales and Moors are essential to our national recovery from coronavirus. They will provide balm for the significant mental and physical strain created both by the virus threat, and prolonged confinement at home away from loved ones and friends.
Given indications some social distancing measures may be in place for some time, and the likelihood of a phased easing of lockdown that maintains protection for the vulnerable, the Parks’ re-opening is likely to require special conditions to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
This may necessitate route restrictions for walkers and motorists, closure or visitor number limits at picnic sites or beauty spots, and social distancing requirements for eateries.
These conditions may be difficult, but this gradual return to normality will at least get the blood flowing again in smaller businesses, and hopefully allow for the Parks to be some of first amenities to re-open.
