We have been following the unfolding events in recent days and weeks in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and how these are now starting to affect our everyday life.
26 March 2020
Governmental advice now states “people should avoid travelling unless it is essential” (gov.uk website, 26th March 2020). This means that travelling into the Spurn area to go birding is now impermissible. Further government directives affirm “essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People should remain in their primary residence. Not taking these steps puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk”.
As many of you will know, the Spurn area has a high presence of Ministry of Defence police officers due to the Easington Gas Works. In line with new powers given to police in England to prevent those leaving their home "without reasonable excuse", the MOD police have been stopping cars entering the area and turning away those who are not residents. This is to prevent the flow of people from out of the area driving down for as seaside walk/birdwatching in order to protect a sensitive community (with many older residents). If you do not live within the area, the MOD police will turn you away.
It is only those whose primary home is in the Spurn, Kilnsea or Easington area who should be taking their one form of exercise a day here. We realise that with spring migration underway, many birders will have been planning to be visiting the area in coming weeks, but please, stay home. This is in the greatest interest for the health of us all. These are hard times, but please listen to the governmental advice and do not undertake any non-essential travel.
We look forward to seeing you back in the area once these sanctions have been lifted and the threat of COVID-19 has passed.
