The latest government guidelines with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic reads:
17 September 2020
“From Monday 14th September, you must not meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than six.” https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has-changed-9-september
The popularly termed ‘rule of six’ applies to recreational activities outside such as birding. We have a duty to communicate to our visiting birders (and locals) that they should adhere to the ‘rule of six’ at all times. Do not congregate in large numbers in the Spurn area, and always practice social distancing, which 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 always ask yourself if your behaviour constitutes ‘best practice’. This will mean checking the availability of space in hides or Friends of Spurn viewing areas before entering, and bearing in mind others who also want to use these facilities.
Please remember that as birders, our actions often inadvertently reflect on the reputation of the Observatory with local residents, visitors and businesses. Please be respectful of those who live and work here – for example, recognise that the Crown & Anchor landlords have a duty to implement the law upon their property, and so have the right to ask birders behaving inappropriately to move out of the carpark. Please display best practice at all times, it would be a shame if access to the carpark for birding was withheld altogether due to the actions of a few congregating in large groups or not remaining the necessary 1m apart.
In the event of a rarity on Spurn Bird Observatory-owned land, we would appreciate cooperation from all birders towards making sure that the viewing arrangements do not contravene the latest government guidelines.
While Spurn Bird Observatory-owned land remains open, please adhere to strict social distancing and current guidance if accessing them. Any evidence of irresponsible behaviour creating risks for locals and other visitors and we will consider restricting access
The Observatory accommodation is now open with restrictions on one household/’bubble’ booking per room. Please find the latest accommodation update here: https://www.spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/news/post.php?s=2020-09-08-spurn-bird-observatory-accommodation-update-early-september-2020
Let’s all pull together, consider others at all times, and make what should be a very challenging autumn an enjoyable, but safe, one for all involved. Many thanks in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
