TATTON Park is to reopen its parkland today (Wednesday) after being closed since March 23 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The initial opening phase welcomes walkers, cyclists and vehicles to the parkland only.

There is no need to pre-book, and the numbers of visitors will be actively monitored and managed every day to ensure everybody stays safe.

If Government guidelines are not being followed, social distancing is not possible, or safe use cannot be maintained, the park reserves the right to close the park or its facilities at any time.

From today Rostherne Gate and Knutsford Gate vehicle entry are open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. The pedestrian gate is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

The parkland is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. The play area is currently closed.

Knutsford Guardian:

Tatton Park today. Picture by Jonathan Farber

From June 8 it is hoped to open the gardens as well. For now, however, the farm and mansion remain closed. 

When visiting the parkland people are asked to follow the latest government guidelines, including social distancing, as well as the following.

Do not visit if you, a member of your family or a person you have had contact with in the last 14 days, have any symptoms of coronavirus.

Stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart from people outside your household. Follow any instructions on signage and from staff during your visit. Use bank cards not cash whenever possible. Ensure dogs are on their leads at all times and take all dog waste home for disposal.

You can picnic in the parkland but barbecues are not allowed. Please take all litter home with you. When using toilet facilities adhere to social distancing and handwashing rules. Please do not approach the deer as they are calving.

The park tweeted this morning: "Whilst we have all been staying at home the wildlife at Tatton Park has thrived and made new areas their homes.

"Please help creatures great and small re-adjust to living in a parkland where visitors will be around, and give them plenty of space.

"The deer have started to have their young, so don’t worry if you spot a little one on it’s own….please admire them from a distance.

"A calf or fawn found on its own has not been abandoned by its mother. The mother drops her young in undergrowth or by a fallen branch in a secluded spot because newborn calves have no scent, so it prevents predators from detecting them.

The mother returns at night to feed her young so it is important that it is not disturbed or she will not be able to find it again."