During the Covid pandemic, our 'magical landscape' has been under assault.
On the one hand we welcome a broader range of new visitors to the Sandstone Ridge but, on the other hand, the consequences of increased visitor numbers in some locations on The Ridge, have created a raft of management concerns.
As we move from Tier 4 Restrictions to another full lockdown we ask you to pause and to consider the following.
We have most recently reported on the congestion at Bickerton Hill and this was also covered extensively in the local press.
Last weekend, a conservative estimate placed at least 250 people on Bickerton Hill. Crocodile queues (without appropriate social distancing) were observed on the pathways leading to both Kitty's Stone and to Maiden Castle. In addition, 40 cars were parked outside Bickerton Church and along Goldford Lane, 30 cars were parked at Pool Lane car park and by the adjacent pond, 10 cars were parked at Quarry car park in Duckington and 20+ cars elsewhere in locations such as Brown Knowl and at the Sandstone Inn.
It is likely that this is being repeated in other honeypots throughout the length and breadth of The Ridge, including Bulkeley Hill, Copper Mine Lane, Peckforton Hill, Utkinton, Kelsall, Delamere Forest, Helsby and Frodsham Hills.
Whilst we welcome the diversity of visitors that Covid has created, there are also considerable consequences from this surge in visitor numbers, some of which we have reported on previously. Those impacts have to be managed.
So, some considerations ....
May we also take this opportunity to remind everyone of the potential Covid hazards in touching stiles, kissing gates, farm gates and keypads at parking venues on The Ridge.
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Registered Charity No. 1144470
info@sandstoneridge.org.uk