Plans for reopening of Harewood House attractions

Harewood House Trust director Jane Marriott said social distancing and increased hygiene measures will be introduced when the site does reopen this summer.

However, Ms Marriott said the trust's work will be "difficult to achieve" after suffering significant financial losses during lockdown.

Ms Marriott said the team at Harewood have been "working hard to define plans for a phased, safe and considered opening of the site once more."

The house and enclosed or communal areas, including the shop and café seating area, will remain closed until further notice.

Ms Marriott,said: "Harewood is a ticketed site, and as such, the earliest we are able to open our grounds and gardens is in the third phase of the Government’s plans.

"The Prime Minister indicated that this would be the first full week of July at the earliest.

"Social distancing will need to be maintained in all areas. This may mean that we have to restrict the number of members and visitors we can give access to high footfall areas such as the bird garden, or indeed the whole site itself.

"You will notice perspex screening in places where face-to-face interaction may be necessary and queuing measures will be in place in many areas.

"Increased hygiene measures are in place across the site. To keep you safe, we have new cleaning schedules in place, and have increased the hand sanitiser or hand washing points across the site.

Ms Marriott added: "Whilst we have been closed, our opportunities for generating vital income have been severely restricted, whilst costs have continued to mount."

Ms Marriott said 80 per cent of staff are currently on furloughed leave and the trust has cut all non-essential expenditure.

She said: "The future is uncertain, but please be reassured that Harewood House Trust has made a commitment to use our site to reinvigorate those feeling low, lonely and without a chance to escape, to come together again in a safe and beautiful environment.

"However, this will be difficult to achieve now with such significant losses. Even with our cost savings and fundraising to date, the trust, a charity since 1986, has much greater outgoing financial obligations than we have the income to cover. We need, and want, to maintain our charitable activities and conservation obligations for everyone’s benefit.

"Therefore, we ask if you could consider lending additional support if you feel in a position to do so. .

"Support our Bird Garden Appeal at https://justgiving.com/campaign/harewoodbirds, helping us raise £35,000 which is the cost to maintain and look after our beautiful birds during this period of lockdown, many of which are critically endangered in the wild and are at risk of extinction;

"Adopt an animal – either as a unique and wonderful gift, or something for yourself knowing you have helped support animal welfare and conservation – there are many digital adoption packs to choose from."

For more information, go to www.harewood.org