Managing parks as lockdown eases is proving challenging because large numbers are using green spaces while local authorities have limited staff resources to deal with the aftermath of such heavy use. From 1 June in England and Northern Ireland, groupsof six people could meet in parks or private gardens, always remaining 2m apart. Previously, only groups of two from different households were allowed outside, and not in back gardens.Milton Keynes-based The Parks Trust says staff collected 800 bags of litter during one weekend in June. "We understand the importance of access to green space and parks during this uncertain time, but sadly we are seeing a huge increase in those dropping and leaving their litter in the parks," it notes. Rubbish-collecting costs the trust ￡350,000 a year and the issue has become a bigger problem after hot weather and lockdown easing has led to large numbers of people visiting parks.
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