These are the Horsham parks and countryside sites you can now visit as lockdown is eased

Horsham District Council says it is easing its lockdown following revised Government guidance.

A spokesman said: “The Government’s guidance states that you can now exercise as often as you like, while still following social distancing guidelines.

“You can use outdoor sports courts or facilities, such as a tennis or basketball court, or a golf course with members of your own household, or one other person, while staying two metres apart.

“People are now allowed to also enjoy leisure activities such as picnics and sunbathing, as long as social distancing is observed.

“Social gatherings of more than two people from different households are still not permitted.

“All our playgrounds and outdoor gyms, skate parks and the Highwood Pump Track are to remain closed at present in line with Government guidance.

“It is still not permitted to play team games, except with members of your immediate household.

“But it is now permissible to drive to take exercise or visit outdoors sites.”

Horsham District Council cabinet member for leisure Jonathan Chowen said: “Being able to take exercise in the outdoors is extremely important for the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“Now that the Government’s guidance about exercise and travel has been updated, we are keen to help people visit our countryside parks and enjoy the outdoors, but in as safe a way as possible.

“They should still follow the rules regarding social distancing and stay alert to the risk of passing the virus on.

“People should not gather in groups socially or use play equipment and must take their litter home with them.”

The following council-owned parks and countryside sites are now open:

Owlbeech and Leechpool Woods - Horsham – the Harwood Road car park is now open.

Monkmead Woods – West Chiltington – the car park on Monkmead Lane is now open.

Southwater Country Park - the main car park is now open. The café is open for takeaway food only.

The number of toilets available will be limited, while they undergo a deep clean, and essential repairs.

The beach area on the lake and Dinosaur Island play area will remain closed until the council feels it is safe to re-open them.

Warnham Nature Reserve – this site remains closed at present because of the construction of the new Discovery Hub building.

Temporary pedestrian access will be installed soon and the council hopes the site may reopen next week May 18).

The car-park will reopen once the site can be accessed but thehe café and Visitor Centre are likely to remain closed for some time.

All other parks and recreation fields remain open.

Meanwhile, grass cutting is continuing in the district although there have been delays in the mowing schedule because of Covid 19.

For updates, see https://www.horsham.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-parks-leisure-and-venues

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