THE National Trust has taken the difficult decision to close its houses, shops, cafes, parks and gardens to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The Trust made the announcement at the weekend ahead of Mothering Sunday and urges people to ’observe social distancing measures’.

From midnight on March 21 the National Trust closed all of its gated gardens and parks, in addition to the closure of its houses, cafes and shops, to help restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

The move follows the closure of pubs, restaurants, cafes, gyms and leisure centres announced by the government on Friday, and tightening travel restrictions and public health advice.

At the start of last week the conservation charity announced that despite closing its houses, shops and cafes, it would work to keep gardens and parks open so people could access open space. However, the Trust warned that a fair weather forecast and Mothering Sunday could tempt people onto the roads over the weekend and National Trust sites would close if high demand meant social distancing could not be enforced.

Director-General Hilary McGrady said before the weekend: "Despite our desire to keep our outdoor spaces open, the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors has to be our top priority. Having observed the numbers visiting our properties today and I am no longer convinced we can maintain social distancing over Mother’s Day when numbers are likely to grow, and beyond.

"We have now sadly taken the decision to close all of our parks and gardens, in addition to our houses, shops and cafes, to avoid crowding that puts social distancing at risk.

"We know that people are likely to need space and fresh air in the coming weeks and months and we will do all we can to provide access wherever possible.

"Our countryside and coastal locations remain open with parking charges waived, but we encourage people to stay local and observe social distancing measures.

"Over the coming weeks our digital platforms - our website, social media feeds, podcasts and video - will become even more important, ensuring the places of nature, beauty and history that we care for on behalf of the nation can remain open for business virtually while we are temporarily closed.

"We will also be ramping up our efforts to help people connect with nature wherever they are and to find moments of joy in the world around them. We will be providing rich content and staying in touch with our members and followers throughout this time."

But on Sunday, the Trust announced that many of its car parks for countryside and coastal locations will also have to close due to high demand.

A spokesperson from the Trust added: "We urge people to stay local and observe social distancing. Please do not travel."