Visiting our sites during the coronavirus pandemic

Last updated: 14 January 2021

Wales is currently under alert level 4 of the Welsh Government’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) regulations, meaning that travel should be for essential purposes only.

Welsh Government regulations state that exercise should start and finish from home, and generally this should not involve people driving to a location away from home.

Where there is a legitimate reason to travel to our sites, such as a specific health condition or mobility issue, you should only drive to the nearest convenient, accessible location.

What’s open and what’s closed

The car parks, trails, play areas and toilets in most of our woodlands and nature reserves are open. Under the current coronavirus restrictions in Wales, this is intended only for the use of people who live locally.

Please note that our mountain bike trails are only open for people who do not need to drive to access them.

If using any of our sites to exercise, you should do so alone or with members of your household or support bubble.

These facilities are closed until further notice:

• visitor centres
• cafés
• toilets inside visitor centres

Some other facilities at our sites remain closed - please check before you visit.

• Find out what's open at your local woodland or nature reserve. 
• Go to the Welsh Government website to find out about the national rules

Sites closed due to forestry operations

Car parks, trails and all facilities are closed at these places due to ongoing forestry operations:

• Brechfa Forest - Sifigwm car parks and Byrgwm car park
• Coed y Garth, near Dolgellau
• Grogwynion, near Aberystwyth

Visiting our sites safely

Plan ahead

• Be aware that some visitor facilities remain closed.
• Check the web page of the place you’re visiting for the latest local information.
• Download the NHS app so that you can check-in when entering one of our buildings - go to the NHS website to find out how to download the app.

Park responsibly

• Respect the local community by parking responsibly at designated car parks – do not park on verges or block emergency access routes.
• There are parking charges in some of our car parks - some pay machines and barriers require the correct cash and do not take cards.

Keep your distance

• Make every effort to maintain the required social distance on our trails.
• Please remember to wear a mask when going inside one of our buildings.

Be patient and respectful

• Follow the guidance and signs at our sites which will help you to enjoy your visit safely.
• If your destination is too busy when you arrive, please have a ‘plan B’ ready and try an alternative destination.

Tread lightly

• Respect the environment and the wildlife around you.
• Please keep an eye out for any temporary signs on our sites - they are there to help keep you safe.

Follow the Countryside Code

• Stick to trails, keep dogs under control, take litter home, leave gates as you find them and don’t block entrances or gateways.