After the government’s announcement on Sunday evening (10th May 2020), regarding planning a route out of the current lockdown, we would like to confirm that Spurn Bird Observatory's business operations still remain CLOSED until further notice.
14 May 2020
This includes the Observatory building, car park and all three caravan sites. Obviously, we will open these facilities as soon as the government allows and it is deemed safe to do so. Can we also kindly request that you do not 'call in’ at Kew Villa as this is the home of both Paul and Jonnie our two staff members.
Governmental advice now states “You can exercise outside as often as you wish and you can also sit and rest outside – exercise or recreation can be alone, with members of your household, or with one other person from outside your household, while keeping two metres apart at all times. You may drive to outdoor publicly accessible open spaces irrespective of distance, but should follow social distancing guidance whilst you are there. You should plan ahead to ensure that, where you are visiting places like National Parks, you have checked that they are open and appropriately prepared for visitors.” (gov.uk website, 13th May 2020).
Please pay careful attention to the wording on the Government’s website here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing#visiting-public-places
We are now into mid-May, and spring migration will be reaching its peak at Spurn in the next few weeks, including the chance of rarer birds. However current Government guidance states ‘’To ensure people are social distancing, the government has prohibited by law all public gatherings of more than two people’’ (gov.uk website, 13th May 2020). Please consider this statement and how necessary it is for you to travel or twitch, bearing in mind that birding sites, including the Spurn area, are often popular with general day trippers anyway.
Social distancing could be difficult in parts the Spurn area, especially in reference to certain gates, pathways and hides. Please consider others during these challenging times and keep up to date with the latest government advice. The toilets in Bluebell car park are closed, as is the Cafe on Sandy Beaches.
Please note that the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve is currently closed at Spurn, and you can keep up to date with details here: https://www.ywt.org.uk/news/coronavirus-latest-updates
While Spurn Bird Observatory-owned land remains open, please adhere to strict social distancing if accessing them. Any evidence of irresponsible behaviour creating risks for locals and other visitors and we will consider reviewing the above plan.
