News
Posted November 4, 2020 by Senga Grave
Winter Lockdown – Watchtree Nature Reserve Announcement
Watchtree Nature Reserve will remain open 7 days per week for public visitor access – walking or using their own bikes.
Our opening times will be from 10 am until 4 pm.
The café will operate on a take-away only basis.
Our visitors centre toilets will remain open subject to covid control measures.
The Watchtree Wheelers cycle hire and workshop services will close from 4pm today until further notice.
Ex-hire cycles will be advertised for sale through our Watchtree Wheelers Facebook page, purchases can be made by prearrangement only https://www.facebook.com/WatchtreeWheelers
Our online shop will offer various items including calendars, cycling jerseys, running tops and vouchers for mail order or click and collect https://watchtree.co.uk/shop/
We recognise the importance of accessible, outdoor spaces for local people to exercise and enjoy nature for mental and physical well-being. During this second winter lockdown we are aware that many other nature reserves, parks and green spaces will become inaccessible in bad weather, particularly to our most vulnerable visitors. With that in mind we are determined to remain open as long as it is safe to do so.
Please remember that current government advise states you should stay at home except for specific purposes, which includes:
To exercise outdoors or visit an outdoor public place – with the people you live with, with your support bubble or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents, will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside).
Outdoor public places include:
parks, beaches, countryside,
public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them),
allotments
playgrounds
You cannot meet in a private garden
We hope that our facilities will be used by our local community, in a sensible and safe manner. We will continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly should there be any reason for concern.
When visiting please remember:
Wash hands make space, cover face
Do not visit if you have any covid-19 symptoms
All dogs on leads at all times
Pick up any litter and dog poo and use the bins provided
Be nice – to us and each other.
As a charity we are not out to make a profit, we are however still a business, an employer and we need to make ends meet. The upcoming decline in income from cycle hire, indoor café sales etc. is very worrying. We hope you will continue to support us, as you always have done, by using the facilities safely, membership, making donations or contributing by purchasing from the café and online shop.
Finally, whilst we can’t all be around for a smile and chat when you visit, we are very much here ‘online’. Please make use of our various social media pages, groups and communities to keep in touch and virtually socialise with others. We’d love to hear what you’re up to and see your photos. Stay safe, stay well.