The National Trust has announced plans to open many of its parks and gardens free of charge during the coronavirus pandemic.
The government has advised people in the UK to follow social distancing measures, such as working from home and avoiding pubs and restaurants. However, people may go outside where possible, and the National Trust hopes allowing free access to its open spaces will help the nation 'relax and refresh'.
The charity's houses, cafes and shops will close by Friday though, in accordance with Government guidance.
Advert
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the National Trust's director-general Hilary McGrady said: "The National Trust was founded 125 years ago for the benefit of the entire nation. We want to honour our mission - to enable people and nature to thrive.
"Over the coming weeks we will do all that we can to keep on providing public benefit through caring for places and giving people access wherever possible.
"While we will close our indoor areas to help fight the spread of coronavirus, we recognise that people are likely to need access to open space."
The National Trust shared an updated statement this morning (18 March) which read: "Following yesterday's announcement, The National Trust is continuing to work hard to keep open spaces accessible to people while it closes houses, shops and cafes to restrict the spread of coronavirus.
"This will take time and we hope by this Friday (20 March) all properties will have a plan in place as to what will be available to the public. Many factors have to be considered when continuing to open, including whether the garden or park allows enough space for adequate social distancing.
Advert
"We will try to keep as many open spaces available as possible but this is a changing situation and we are strictly following Government advice so please keep checking our website for updated information and always check the site before you visit any of our places.
"The wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors remains our top concern."
Indeed, while the government has asked the whole country to follow social distancing measures, it has recognised that this can be challenging both physically and mentally.
As such, people have been advised they can go on walks - so long as they keep more than two metres away from others. Considering this, allowing access to National Trust parks and gardens free of charge could be a huge boost to the nation's mental health.
Advert
Government guidance about looking after your mental health during self isolation reads as follows: "Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people.
"At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that may help, to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as:
- look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website
- spend time doing things you enjoy - this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes
- try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
- keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden"
Topics: uk news, coronavirus
