Sherwood Forest, Rufford Abbey and Holme Pierrepont Country Parks are looking forward to welcoming visitors after receiving the “We’re Good To Go” industry standard mark from VisitEngland.
Although the parks have remained open during the crisis, the award reflects the changes that have been made at each of the parks, including social distancing measures and staff training, to comply with Government COVID-19 guidance.
Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of Communities and Place Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:
“It’s great news that everyone will be able to enjoy our country parks this summer and be confident that they can do so safely.
“Our partners are to be congratulated for the extra measures that they have put in place and I hope the ‘We’re Good To Go’ mark offers reassurance to our residents and visitors planning a fun day out in Nottinghamshire.”
Jack Garner, Contract Manager at Holme Pierrepont Country Park, said:
“We’re delighted to have received this accreditation to show the measures we have put in place will make a COVID safe environment for our staff and customers and look forward to welcoming more people back to the park.
“From 4 July, I’m pleased to say that the car park will open until 8.30pm, following feedback from users of the Country Park, at the weekends and self-contained motor homes and caravans will be welcomed onto the campsite.
“We’ve also added more slots for white water users to meet demand of the extremely successful re opening to paddlers recently and our regatta lake and public toilets remains open alongside take away catering services provided by our partner Romano’s catering.
“Unfortunately, campers will have to wait a little longer but all being well will be welcomed back from 22 July.”
Justin Palfrey, Assistant Regional Director, Parkwood Leisure, Rufford Abbey Country Park said:
“We are pleased to have received this accreditation from VisitEngland and are looking forward to more facilities re-opening this weekend. Our popular Adventure Play Area will once again be open for children of all ages to enjoy.
“The Play Area will be operating a one way in and out system, with restrictions enforced on numbers who can enter to ensure social distancing can be adhered to at busy times. We will also be opening extra take away catering outlets across the park to allow visitors to enjoy a hot drink, snacks and ice creams.
“Our car parking capacity is still limited and would highly recommend pre booking online before you visit. We are open daily from 10am – 4pm. We hope you can come and enjoy a visit to Rufford soon.”
Gemma Howarth, RSPB senior site manager at Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, said:
“We’re delighted to be able to reopen more of our facilities, having taken a phased approach to ensure the safety of everyone concerned. We’d like to thank our visitors for their patience whilst this has been done.
“The toilets have reopened for visitors from 10am – 4pm daily. To enable social distancing, only limited facilities are available and a queuing system is in place. No other areas of the visitor centre are currently open but we are working on reopening the shop over the next week or so.
“Light, pre-packaged refreshments and hot drinks are available from the catering van on the amphitheatre where payment is contactless only and the main and accessible car parks continue to open 10am – 4pm daily.
“Parking costs £4, or free to RSPB members, as normal but please do not arrive by car before 10am as this can cause queuing on the main road.”