Update on 14th June 2021
On 14th June Prime Minister, Boris Johnson was joined by Chief Medical Officer for England, Chris Whitty, and Chief Scientific Adviser, Patrick Vallance, at a press briefing.
As not all of four tests for proceeding to step 4 in the UK Government roadmap have been met, step 4 openings will be delayed until July 19th, with the exception of weddings and wakes of more than 30 guests which still can go ahead with social distancing.
The situation will be monitored daily and if after 2 weeks, the risk looks like it has diminished, it would be possible to move to step 4 earlier.
View the Prime Minister's statement and the slides and dataset from the briefing.
The guidance on what you can and cannot do in England has been updated with a summary on changes from 21st June, including more information on weddings, civil partnerships and commemorative events.
Please continue to follow guidance as stated on 10th May below.
In his statement on the 10th May, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson confirmed that from Monday 17 May, England will move to step 3 of its roadmap.
The what you can and cannot do guidance for England has been updated with measures that will change from 17 May including:
Gathering limits will be eased. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 30 people and indoor gatherings will be limited to 6 people or 2 households (each household can include a support bubble, if eligible).- Indoor entertainment and attractions will be permitted to open with COVID-secure measures in place including cinemas, theatres, concert halls, bowling alleys, casinos, amusement arcades, museums and children’s indoor play areas.
- People will be able to attend indoor and outdoor events, including live performances, sporting events and business events. Attendance at these events will be capped according to venue type, and attendees should follow the COVID-secure measures set out by those venues.
- Indoor hospitality venues such as restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes can reopen.
- Organised indoor sport will be able to take place for all (this includes gym classes).
- All holiday accommodation will be open (including hotels and B&Bs). This can be used by groups of up to 6 or 2 households (each household can include a support bubble, if eligible).
- New guidance on meeting friends and family will emphasise personal responsibility rather than government rules.
It is welcome news that we can all spend more time in our beautiful National Landscapes once again, but whilst enjoying more time in the Forest of Bowland please continue to stay safe and consider the following:
Know the Countryside Code Plan ahead, take a map and exercise within your limitations to keep pressure off local resources.- Avoid hotspots and busy spots – if you arrive at a place that is already busy and car parks are full, please find an alternative. For ideas of short-breaks covering the whole of the AONB take a look at our area-based itineraries:
- Our farmers have been working hard to maintain food supplies during the pandemic. Support them and our communities by leaving gates as you find them, sticking to the path and keeping dogs on the lead (Note: If you are with a dog and cattle chase you, it is safer to let go of your dog's lead).
- Strictly no BBQs or open fires, due to the danger of wildfire.
- Leave no trace. Please take all your litter home.
- Respect the plant and wildlife which has thrived during lockdown.
- Travel sustainably - If you can, journey on foot or bike; This means you experience the wonderful scenery of the AONB en-route and you don’t have to worry about finding a car parking space.
- Support local - Take a look at the businesses featured on the Discover Bowland website who are all members of the Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Network. Be sure that you check ahead to make sure that places are open and what they are offering, in-line with the Government roadmap
- Stay at home if you, or anyone in your household or support bubble, have symptoms of COVID-19 and keep to the isolation guidance issued by government. Continue to take hygiene precautions when you are outside and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
- Be kind and respect one another.
A new, refreshed Countryside Code was launched on 1st April by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the creation of the founding booklet. With more people enjoying the outdoors than ever before, the code was revised to help people enjoy the countryside in a safe and respectful way. You can view the new revised version here or refer to our local guidance above.