Over the weekend many enjoyed the sunshine by visiting the Heath. John King, Conservator said, “due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are asking all those who choose to visit the Heath to respect the current government advice on social distancing especially at the entrances and car parks, which can get extremely busy. Whilst the vast majority of people followed the social distancing advice staying at least 2m apart, we urge everyone to abide by the government’s latest advice of one form of exercise a day, alone or with household members only”.
Please be considerate of others. Following the guidelines will reduce the spread of COVID-19 and reduce pressure on the NHS.
We are living in the most extraordinary circumstances and we wish to advise you of the measures that we are putting in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We recognise the importance of precious open spaces to the community during these critical times and the latest government guidance explicitly recognises the importance of outdoor exercise for even those who remain in self-isolation for the protection of others.
At the same time, our highest priority must be the health and safety of our tenants, contractors and the public
Operational Matters:
Car Parks – Please do park with consideration to other visitors. We would ask you to not block any entrances or prevent access for emergency vehicles. Please do not park outside the car park, or on any grass areas which can so easily be churned up.
Golf Course – The golf course is now shut, in line with latest guidance. The greens and tees still need to be maintained, so we therefore ask all visitors to respect the greenkeepers’ space and please ensure dogs are kept under proper control and kept off the greens and tees and out of the bunkers.
Bins – With the increase in visitors and the potential reduction in our contractor numbers, we may in the future need to ask visitors to please take their litter and any dog-waste home with them for disposal. If this does become necessary, please do not leave your litter at the side of the bins; it not only presents a risk to wildlife that lives on the Heath but it also presents a health risk.
Cycling – cycling is not permitted on the Heath at any time
What can you do:
Social Distancing – Social distancing measures will reduce the risk of transmitting the virus between people. For your own safety and well-being, please follow government advice in respect of social distancing and keep at least two metres between you and other visitors. For the safety and well being of others, please do not visit Therfield Heath if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms of the virus (new dry cough and/or temperature).
Birds – Please remember the site is home to many ground-nesting birds who are currently trying to nest. Please try to keep to the paths near the nest sites where social distancing allows and keep your dogs with you so they do not disturb these birds.
Flowers – We are just coming into the prime time for the pasqueflowers. If you are visiting these spectacular flowers, please be mindful that there are thousands of buds still waiting to open and they are not easy to spot, so you may inadvertently trample them and stop them flowering.
Please remember there are a set of byelaws in place to protect the site and to keep visitors safe. Do please check these before you visit.
