Dartmoor National Park is asking that people be ‘home heroes’ and not visit the National Park over the Easter weekend.

Visitor numbers have already dropped by 90% since lockdown restrictions were imposed nearly three weeks ago but chief executive Dr Kevin Bishop has urged people to continue to stay at home over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

He has thanked people for their co-operation and consideration so far and urged everyone to continue to do their bit to reduce the spread of coronavirus and to protect the NHS and safe lives.

Dartmoor Rangers posted a video on Facebook showing the Moor empty and thanked everybody for listening to government restrictions and avoiding any unnecessary travel and staying at home.

Councils, emergency services and organisations across Devon and Cornwall have already pleaded with holidaymakers and second home owners to stay away from the region.

Dr Bishop said: “At this time of year we would usually welcome people to Dartmoor but as we continue to all do our bit to limit the spread of coronavirus, we are strongly advocating that people stay at home and help protect our rural communities.

“We are pleased to say the vast majority of people have responded incredibly well and are grateful to everyone who has chosen to take daily exercise from home.

“At this time of national emergency you can do your bit by being a ‘home hero’ – resist the temptation to travel to Dartmoor or other beauty spots, exercise locally. Then, when this is all over, you will be able to say you did your bit to protect yourself, your loved ones, your community and the nation

“We know how important National Parks are for our overall health and wellbeing and appreciate everyone’s continued co-operation and consideration. So thank you for your continued support.”

National Park offices, visitor centres, car parks and toilets remain closed until further notice, and Dr Bishop added: “We continue to work with police, local councils and other partners to look after our staff, volunteers and local communities.

“We understand that, as the bank holiday weekend arrives, staying at home may be tough, but it’s worth remembering this situation is temporary. Dartmoor has stood for thousands of years and will remain here for many more to come.

“We look forward to welcoming you back when this is over. Until then we hope you understand our National Parks are living, working landscapes: the home to thousands of people and the factory floor for many farmers. Please think of them and the pressure you can inadvertently place on local services.

“When the time comes, everyone will be given a warm, enthusiastic Dartmoor welcome and we look forward to seeing people reconnect with this special landscape.”

A Dartmoor National Park spokesman reiterated the UK Government’s instructions, urging people not to travel unless it is essential and to follow advice issued on access to green spaces.

“Continuing to stay at home and make use of spaces from your doorstep is the simplest and most effective action all of us can take in tackling coronavirus on Dartmoor and elsewhere,” they added.

People can still celebrate Dartmoor by sharing photos and memories with each other through the National Park’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels.