SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Council asks Pokémon Go to have fun – but stay safe at country parks

SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Council asks Pokémon Go to have fun – but stay safe at country parks

POKEMON Go players in and around the Yeovil area can find a whole range of Pokémon and Poke Stops at some of South Somerset District Council’s Green Flag award-winning country parks.SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Council asks Pokémon Go to have fun – but stay safe at country parks Photo 1

Ham Hill Country Park, near Stoke-sub-Hamdon, and Yeovil Country Park have seen an influx of Pokémon Go players in recent weeks - all hunting for the likes of Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Clefairy, Flareon and Electabuzz as well as players collecting items from the Poke Stops located on the sites.

However, rangers from the sites are urging visitors to be cautious when trying to locate and catch their favourite Pokémon.

Katy Menday, countryside manager, said: “It’s great to see so many people enjoying the fresh air and visiting the country parks, but we must stress how important it is to be vigilant of your surroundings, particularly at Ham Hill where there are old quarry faces and steep falls, and this year a prevalence of the yellow flowering plant wild parsnip that can cause burns if the sap gets on skin and isn’t washed off.

“Just make sure you keep your eyes open to enjoy the views whilst also playing the game.”

Follow these safety tips when playing Pokémon Go:

Do not go to isolated area alone.

Concentrate on the dangers around you and be careful when crossing the road – do not focus on your phone.

Do not make yourself vulnerable: don’t be tempted to take your phone out in busy or unlit areas where you could be a target for thieves.SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Council asks Pokémon Go to have fun – but stay safe at country parks Photo 2

Do not trespass on private property.

Do not wade through long vegetation without wearing long clothes to protect yourself from injurious plants and ticks.

Parents: Please make sure you know where your child is at all times.

If Pokémon Go isn’t your thing, you can download the free orienteering packs for Ham Hill and Yeovil Country Park at www.southsomersetcountryside.com/leaflets and venture around the sites. Ranger Rik also has a free nature trail activity sheet that you can download for Yeovil Country Park.

The council’s leisure and culture spokesman, Cllr Sylvia Seal, said: “Whether you are a Pokémon Go player or not, there are plenty of activities and green space for all the family to enjoy. Bring a picnic and enjoy the sites – remember to put your rubbish in the bins that are provided and be aware of your surroundings if you are hunting Pokémon.”

 For activities and events during the school summer holidays at South Somerset District Council’s Countryside sites, visit www.southsomersetcountryside.com.

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