Ministers have clarified which green spaces people can use during the coronavirus lockdown. 

The new guidance follows confusion over where people could go.

Under the current rules people should only take one exercise break a day.

And police warn that driving significant distances to local beauty spots could be an infringement of the lockdown rules. 

Derbyshire Police was accused of shaming people into sticking by the rules after the force posted drone footage to social media on Thursday of walkers enjoying the Peak District.

In Wiltshire, posters have been left at countryside beauty spots by police officers telling people they are not allowed to drive out to exercise there. 

Now, new guidance published on the Government website has clarified what you can and can't do in the outdoors.

It says you should exercise in open spaces near their homes "where possible" and warns people not to travel unnecessarily.

Please use the following guidance in order to stay safe:

  • stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily
  • you should only go outside alone or with members of your own household
  • keep at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times
  • gatherings of more than two in parks or other public spaces have been banned and the police will enforce this
  • if you have a garden, make use of the space for exercise and fresh air
  • take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors

The website adds: "The Government’s priority is to save lives and the best way to protect yourself and others from illness is to stay at home.

"However, exercise is still important for people’s physical and mental wellbeing, so the government has said people can leave their homes for exercise once a day."