Organisations along the Norfolk Coast are working hard to make the area of outstanding natural beauty safe for visitors and have issued a plea to visitors to check in advance which facilities are open and, if possible, to avoid peak times.
As pubs, restaurants and other businesses are not yet open, there is still a general lack of parking, catering and toilet facilities in some areas. At
Holme Dunes and
Cley Marshes, the visitor centres, toilets, hides and boardwalks remain closed. The nature reserve is also closed at Holme; and the majority of Cley Marshes, which only has very limited outer footpath access.
A working group of Norfolk Coast Partnership members, has been sharing good practice, addressing issues and recording the many actions taken to get ready, from King’s Lynn in the west to Great Yarmouth in the east. Their advice is that, if people decide to visit, they should plan in advance, bring their own hygiene products (such as hand sanitisers), stay safe and be considerate to the local communities and wildlife.
Estelle Hook, Manager of the Norfolk Coast Partnership said: “The picture is that across the coast people are working hard to be able to welcome visitors again. As a group we are asking visitors to be mindful, take care and inform themselves in advance, to ensure they enjoy, respect and protect the Norfolk Coast when here. We will also be sharing advice to help people in planning future visits to our beautiful coast once it is more ready to welcome them as more tourism businesses start to reopen in July.”
It is a critical time of year for ground nesting birds, which are just settling down to nest and – taking advantage of lack of footfall – are often nesting in places they may not normally. A sudden influx of visitors puts the fragile nature of the coast at risk, as well as the local communities that live and work here.
Pamela Abbott, Chief Executive at Norfolk Wildlife Trust said: “Gradual re-opening of car parks will help us manage the flow of people coming to the coast and enable them to park appropriately. The visitor centre and toilets remain closed for the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and our visitors in accordance with Government guidance. We are doing our utmost to make potential visitors aware of the lack of facilities before they visit. As always, we ask visitors to respect the local area, protect wildlife and take litter home with them.”
Read our full coronavirus update
Please enjoy, respect, and protect the area
Enjoy your visit and stay safe
- Prepare any relevant maps, guidebooks and other information to take with you
- Take account of weather conditions and tide times
- Check for up-to-date advice and restrictions, e.g. limits on access in the breeding season
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return
Respect people and place
- Read local updates/information and act on any advice given
- Use public transport, walk or cycle
- If using the car, please drive and park responsibly
- Keep to paths/routes and leave gates as you find them
- Use public waste bins or take litter home
- Shop locally and use local services
Protect the area and its wildlife
- Take care not to disturb wildlife
- Keep away from cordoned areas
- Ensure you don’t harm, destroy or remove any wildlife/plants/rocks
- Only light fires and/or BBQs in designated places
Extra guidance for dog-walkers:
- Be aware of, and adhere to, restrictions limiting where dogs can go
- Keep your dog close to you and under your control
- Use a lead when needed or requested
- Prevent your dog from approaching cordoned areas
- Bag and bin your dog’s poo