Respect, Protect and Enjoy

We know that following the new and updated guidance from the government, allowing wider access to our beautiful outdoor spaces, you’ll be keen to get outside and blow away the cobwebs. Our number one priority right now is ensuring that people are able to enjoy our glorious county in a safe and responsible way; looking after ourselves, one another, and the landscape around us.   Our friends at Visit Herts have pulled together this guide to help you get the most out of our local green spaces.

Respect, Protect and Enjoy

With over 1,600 km², encompassing winding footpaths, wonderful waterways, and exciting cycle trails, there’s more than enough Hertfordshire to go around. So, help everyone to enjoy a little slice of our charming county safely by following the simple steps below…

#RespectHerts

• Respect the wildlife. Nature may have recolonised some areas, so please tread carefully and look out for wildlife that has moved into unexpected places during lockdown. Please keep your dog on the lead and stick to footpaths and bridleways so as not to disturb ground nesting birds and other wildlife.
• Respect our local communities by sticking to the Public Right of Way (footpaths and bridleways), keeping dogs on the lead, not picnicing on private land, not parking outside people’s houses, and taking your litter home.
• Respect any specific guidelines that have been put in place by our friends and partners across the county, by planning ahead before travelling, and checking what facilities are open to you (Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, National Trust, RSPB, Natural England, The Canal & River Trust, Chilterns AONB, Lee Valley and your local district council)

#ProtectHerts

• Protect yourself and others. Always follow hand washing guidance, and strict social distancing of 2 meters apart from others who are not in your household. Social distancing not only applies to any form of exercise such as walking, running or cycling but also sitting or sunbathing.
• Protect the landscape by ensuring you are following the Countryside Code, which sets out how visitors to rural areas can behave safely and responsibly. Take a look at the following video with an updated Countryside Code, produced by Natural England.
• Protect the environment by travelling sustainably and staying local. If you can, try to journey by foot or bike. This means you’ll have a chance to experience our wonderful county as you travel, and you won’t have to worry about finding a car parking space.

#EnjoyHerts

• Enjoy getting off the beaten track. We know everyone has their favourite spot in Herts – or maybe their favourite two, or three – but if large numbers of people head to the same place, it becomes impossible to stay safely socially distanced. Instead, seek out some new favourites away from the crowds.
• Enjoy our wonderful waterways and towpaths safely, by following the important advice issued by The Canal & River Trust.
• Enjoy supporting our local businesses. There has never been a more important time to support your local businesses, be it producers, local stores or farm shops. And with so much fresh, local food on offer, why not make the most of it? #SupportSmall
• And finally… when you’re out and about, enjoy taking photos of your surroundings and sharing them with us @VisitHertsUK. We’d love to see them, and share them with others!

If you are holding off from getting outside for now, or are self isolating and unable to leave your home, Visit Herts are totally committed to bringing the very best of Hertfordshire straight to you. Follow us on social at @VisitHertsUK, or sit back and enjoy an at-home tour across this glorious county with our new Virtual Herts experiences (Virtual Gardens, Herts on the Big Screen – A Virtual Tour). When the time is right and safe to do so, we’ll be waiting to welcome you with open arms.

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