As Wirral gears up for a warm Bank Holiday weekend, The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is calling on the public to act responsibly while enjoying the countryside.

With temperatures forecasted to be as high as 21 degrees on Monday and the recent government adjustments to lockdown rules, concerns have been raised about members of the public flocking to the borough's beauty spots on mass.

And with social distancing still critical to preventing the spread of Covid-19, overcrowding in outdoors areas could render the practice unenforceable. 

CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said: “We fully recognise that the nation will want to make the most of our beautiful countryside following lockdown restrictions being eased.

“Those using the countryside should, especially under current circumstances, be conscious that it is also a place of work where the land, livestock, machinery, wildlife and environment must be respected.

“Following advice from Defra and Public Health England, we urge the public, when on their daily exercise, to maintain social distancing requirements, keep dogs away from livestock and leave gates as they find them.

“We are also calling on the public to be pragmatic and avoid hot-spot tourist areas that are particularly busy this time of year. It’s important that we all act responsibly and check car parks, for example, are open before travelling.”

For information on the Countryside Code – which details the responsibilities for visitors to the countryside and those who manage the land – click here