As the lockdown restrictions relax, more and more people in England are turning to rural spots for their outdoor activities. In Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, unfortunately, lockdown restrictions still apply, which means that outdoor activities are limited and non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. If you live in England, however, chances are that you’ve been making a list of your top favourite rural spots to visit. The Lake District has published a warning to the public, asking people to refrain from visiting during the lockdown, even as the restrictions relax to avoid unnecessary and potentially lethal exposure to the virus. Many day tourists have chosen to turn a blind eye on those warnings. Now more than ever, rural areas are relevant. But this begs the question of how they stay connected to visitors when we’re not self-isolating anymore. 

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You may not know, but they’re managed for safety

It may not seem that rural spots are maintained at first sight, but in reality, there are specialist companies that provide woodland management services and similar services for lake areas. These services ensure forests can stay healthy and support their local wildlife. As for lakes and other water areas, management services focus on keeping the water clean and viable for local species, providing planting designs for banks, and monitoring the wildlife. Regular surveys and maps can keep track of changes through the areas and also provides documented evidence for fund and insurance applications. 

They offer a variety of activities

Sure enough, you don’t visit a rural area in the hope of finding a new coffee shop or discovering an entertainment centre. However, despite the lack of modern and urban amenities, most rural and countryside spots can provide a variety of relaxing activities Hiking is a favourite, and most areas have plenty of marked trails for enthusiastic hikers. Fishing in a stunning setting is close to the heart of many visitors, who find peace in their new bond with nature. Countryside fields and farms also have plenty of kid-friendly entertainment to introduce farm animals and crop work to young visitors. 

They are a source of free food

Fishing and pick-your-own hobbies can already introduce the idea that there is plenty to eat in our landscapes. But joining a foraging course can help beginners discover the potential of England’s best spots. Finding mushrooms in your local woodlands area, or picking up sea spinach on the beach can change your attitude to food. It can be delicious, especially if it’s freely available in nature. 

Rural retreats are popular

Last but not least, countryside spots are offering a new sense of peace. As relaxing as a walk in the wood can be, it doesn’t come close to the peace you experience when you sleep in a wooden cabin in the trees. If woodlands are not your thing, a stone cottage on the beach could perhaps sound more appealing, unless you prefer a hut by the lakes. Rural areas are turning into retreats for stress-out city-dwellers who want to go back to their roots. 

As city life and infrastructure is shaping everyday life, people are transforming their spare time into a rural rediscovery. From enjoying a casual walk in the woodland to booking a rustic accommodation by the sea, rural areas are now more relevant as ever. But, more importantly, being connected isn’t a problem anymore. The next question is how to manage waves of daily or long-term tourists to our countryside spots.