Open Forestry Commission Car Parks

Reopen Forestry Commission Car Parks to allow locals to walk in appropriate, gate free surroundings without having to skulk around lay-byes. The safest, most isolated recreational areas in the North are small Forestry Commission woodlands, mostly well away from communities. Regulars have been resorting to inappropriate 'right to roam' walks through busy farmland. Let them back into the forests.

Why the contribution is important

Because outdoor exercise is good for everyone, but taking it in the fields of busy farmers, where there are gates that could be contaminated, is a bad idea. Opening up the forestry again especially as most of these are not 'destinations', just small woods so won't attract hoards of people.

by gamebird33 on May 05, 2020 at 03:31PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.6
Based on: 24 votes

Comments

  • Posted by LBarr May 05, 2020 at 15:42

    Fully agree with this idea as the forestry parks are so large it would be much easier to socially distance than in the crowded streets and local parks

  • Posted by cornscot21 May 05, 2020 at 15:44

    Totally agree, tied in with the 30 min drive from home idea.

  • Posted by dkwatt May 05, 2020 at 16:11

    But then you go back to the madness that was the weekend before the lockdown.
    You just had to look at the sheer volume of people in the carparks around the Pentlands, worse than any bank holiday period ever, even after we had all been told to socially distance it was just being ignored.
    As much as i want to get back into the hills i dont think this would be a good idea for either the first or second phase of the lockdown release.

  • Posted by JwR May 05, 2020 at 16:27

    I think the option to exercise in rural settings is a great idea. However how far will people travel to get to these sites, and do we want to potentially risk spreading the virus to these isolated areas.

  • Posted by sczettner May 05, 2020 at 17:56

    Totally agree. Most of these car parks are vast, and in the woods, there's no danger of spreading the virus. Let the people decide, we are all grown-ups, don't threat us like babies.

  • Posted by MrsBoggs May 06, 2020 at 08:15

    Agree. Our nearest wood car park is closed. We can't use the woods now. Even though it is in walking distance, I need to have the car on standby to return safely home, should my son have a meltdown, he becomes a danger to himself and others. I could not carry him back home when he gets in a state and ensure my toddler is kept safe on the road side at the same time. There are still plenty driving cars round. Also, for these same reasons, we seek secluded areas away from roads and many other people.

    Unfortunately, the sweeping rules regarding coronavirus have not taken into consideration many people's care needs, whether physical or mental.

  • Posted by MAM May 08, 2020 at 10:30

    Very easy to socially distance on woodland walks and exercise is important for everyone. Could be allowed if within 30 minutes drive for example. Currently forestry car parks are closed and very few people can access woodland.
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