People who want a walk in the countryside during the foot and mouth crisis are being reminded that a nature reserve near Coventry is still open.

The Brandon Marsh Nature Centre has stayed open throughout the spread of the disease as there is no livestock on the site, nor any in fields bordering it.

All visitors leave and arrive by road as there are no public footpaths leading to the reserve, and the centre is not in any exclusion area set up since the outbreak.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust chief executive Andy Tasker said the decision to remain open was in line with Government policy.

He said:

”Obviously Warwickshire Wildlife trust is keen to see this awful foot and mouth crisis brought to an end as soon as possible.

“But here at Brandon Marsh the chance of a visitor passing on foot and mouth are minute – certainly no more than anyone going shopping at Tesco for example, so we will keep the centre open as long as we can.

“In relation to other nature reserves we have already closed our rural sites as a precaution, but we will be reviewing these next week in the light of the current risks.

“Clearly we still must discourage visitors here there are livestock, but this is not the case on most of our nature reserves.”

Brandon marsh nature centre is open from 9am to 5pm in the week, and from 10am to 5pm at weekends. Entry is free to members of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, and the re is a small charge for members of the public.

SEE [27 MAR 01] TOURISM DEVASTATED BY FOOT AND MOUTH
SEE [21 MAR 01] BLUEBELL WALK OFF DUE TO FOOT AND MOUTH 
  

©1995-2000 Coventry Internet Developments Ltd

This page modified on 10 November 2008 09:49:15AM