An 800-acre site in Kent is reopening to the public following the government's ease on lockdown exercise rules.

Bewl Water, in Lamberhurst, near Tunbridge Wells, will let people into the site from today to walk, cycle on their own bikes, fish and allow current members in for water sports.

The park, which is home to the largest stretch of water in the south east - has been closed since March 22 due to the coronavirus outbreak and says it is taking "robust measures" to ensure the safety of guests and employees.

Chief operating officer Andrew Daniells said: “We are delighted to once again be able to welcome visitors although there are still some restrictions in force on how you can use venue.

“There are also strict guidelines that will be enforced to protect both our staff and others.

“Even so, the opening is a fantastic chance for families and others to enjoy some outdoor exercise and a breath of fresh air.

"We hope people come to Bewl to enjoy the facilities and fresh air but remain mindful of others and the government advice on social distancing.”

Mr Daniells said staff have taken additional measures to their cleaning and hygiene protocols such as cleaning surfaces with high-grade disinfectant, increasing the parking capacity to allow more space between vehicles and one-way routes in areas of the park to encourage social distancing.

Screens and PPE will also be used to protect both customers and employees.

Bewl Water's aqua park is also scheduled to reopen from June 19, and more activities including sports fishing, laser challenge, cycle hire and pedalos will be reintroudced when the government relaxes lockdown and social distancing measures.

Elsewhere, car parks at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Jeskyns in Gravesend still remain closed although Forestry England has said they will begin to re-open them in stages.

Maidstone Borough Council has reminded people of the restrictions still in place as they welcome people back to parks in the area.

Director of regeneration and place, William Cornall said: “It is important that we all appreciate that whilst some of the restrictions to visiting parks have been lifted, we should all continue to follow government guidelines.

“However, given these changes, we are pleased to reopen the car parks within our parks, but for the time being the children’s play areas will remain closed, as will the cafeterias and public toilets too. We would like thank everyone who has helped us to keep the borough safe and encourage them all to continue to do so.”

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