The Peak District National Park Authority has announced that its offices, ranger hubs and visitor facilities including car parks are closing.
They have also asked staff remain at home, unless undertaking essential safety tasks, in line with strict government guidance.
Chief Executive Sarah Fowler said:
As a chief executive and passionate advocate for all that our national parks stand for, it seemed almost unthinkable that we would arrive at a situation where I have, and must, ask those who do not live in, or work on essential services in, the Peak District to please stay away.
We have weathered many challenges in our almost 70 year history and, when the time is right, we will once again welcome everyone to this place which so many millions of us love and hold dear.
It is so often in these extraordinary circumstances that we learn the importance of nature, beauty and history to our health and sense of wellbeing. That’s why I feel so strongly that our individual efforts now to take on this battle against coronavirus are so important – so that we may once again be able to let nature help our personal and collective recovery.
As we enter this period of unprecedented uncertainty, I ask everyone to heed the government’s advice and any information provided by the National Park Authority on the ground.
