During the COVID-19 pandemic many outdoor recreation sites and associated facilities across Northern Ireland have been closed or had reduced access. Restrictions are now easing, sites and facilities are gradually reopening on a phased basis. A key change is many car parks have now been opened.
Outdoor Recreation NI is continuing to advise people to ‘Stay Apart, Stay Safe and Leave No Trace.’
Stay Apart
- Maintain social distancing from those not living in your household – stay at least 2 metres apart
- Meet in groups of 10 or less – if meeting those from outside your household
- Avoid peak times and popular honeypot sites – do you really want to be around large groups of people?
- Respect the wishes of landowners and local communities
Stay Safe
- Respect our emergency services – now is not the time to end up in hospital
- Scale back your ambitions – choose activities that are within your skills and capabilities
- Park with care – careless parking can create a road hazard or block access for Emergency Services, local farmers and residents
- Expect some changes – many toilets, on-site visitor facilities, playgrounds and baby changing remain closed
- Plan your day around your needs and what will be available – check reliable websites
Leave No Trace
- Practicing a Leave No trace ethic is very simple – Make it hard for others to see or hear you and LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit.
Further information and the current status of key outdoor recreation sites is provided on NI DIRECT.
