Charity encourages people to enjoy the outdoors at Rushmere Country Park

Countryside sites owned by The Greensand Trust, including Rushmere Country Park in Heath and Reach, remain open for visitors to access.

The charity is encouraging people to spend time with nature and exercise, while maintaining their distance from others.

Rushmere Country Park is open but visitor centres and toilets at both entrances are closed, visitors are advised to bring their own hand sanitiser.

In a statement on The Greensand Trust website, it says: "We believe that now, more than ever, people can still benefit from improved health and wellbeing from being among the trees whilst taking sensible, personal precautions.

"It’s important in these difficult times that people do what they can to boost their physical and mental wellbeing. Walking outdoors – cycling and horse-riding - are deemed fairly safe activities as long as visitors follow government advice about social distancing.

"The Greensand Trust is closely monitoring Government advice on COVID-19 and following the advice of Public Health England.

"We’re taking all appropriate measures to keep our visitors, staff and volunteers safe and healthy during this time.

"These are extraordinary circumstances and we ask for understanding while we get through this difficult time."

Rushmere parkrun has been cancelled in line with all UK parkrun events.

Visitors are being asked to follow Government advice with regard to social distancing when collecting food and drinks.

All learning and education programmes and volunteer activities by The Greensand Trust have been cancelled with immediate effect until the end of April, when we will review the situation.

All events at The Working Woodlands Centre and Rushmere Country Park between now and April 30, will be cancelled. Anyone who has purchased tickets will be entitled to a full refund.