LIKE many national parks across the country Delamere Forest has now closed its recreational facilities in response to the Government’s advice about social distancing.

The popular site reported an extremely high number of visitors on Saturday and anticipated more the following day, so last night took the decision to close its car parks, café and toilet facilities.

A statement posted on social media on Sunday, March 22 read: “The most important thing for Forestry England is to keep the public, our staff and volunteers safe.

“From tonight we will close all recreation facilities in the woods and forests we manage. This includes the car parks, cafe and toilet facilities at Delamere Forest.

“Please carefully reconsider any plans you had to travel. We will keep monitoring the situation closely and follow the latest advice from Public Health England.”

“We hope that people will heed the warnings that are being given by the Government and stay at home.

“We have delayed closing our sites when many asked us to do so earlier in the weekend as we have been worried about pushing visitors to park in other potentially dangerous location, however it has become clear that we have to try to limit visitor numbers somehow for everyone's safety, and this feels like the best next step.”

For more information visit: www.forestryengland.uk/coronavirus-visitor-information