Reighton Nurseries open for business today as government slowly eases lockdown rules on 'essential shops'

Reighton Nurseries was among the first garden centres to open today as the Government relaxed lockdown.
Harry Clark at Reighton NurseriesHarry Clark at Reighton Nurseries
Harry Clark at Reighton Nurseries

The nurseries in Hunmanby Road, between Hunmanby and Filey, is run by the Clark family, Vanessa Steve and Harry. They have had the nursery for 53 years.

Harry and his staff Jo and Andy Simmons have been been preparing for this day for weeks including putting in social distancing measures and safety measures like screens.

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"We have implemented a route round the site so people know they can come safely.. There are screens where we serve and a queue system in the car park so people can be let in one at a time," said Harry.

Since lockdown began nearly two months ago, Harry has been carrying on a routine of taking care of plants and stock at the nursery. He has been helped by his staff Jo and Andy Simmons.

"We have been working every day doing things including weeding and watering," said Harry, "Watering can take up to five hours a day."

During lockdown they operated a delivery system. They also gave plants away, including to Scarborough Hospital where staff could take their pick of two plants, Filey Lions and care homes.

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Like other businesses, the family has been hit financially. Councils including the East Riding would normally buy thousands of pounds worth of stock for their parks, gardens and other displays.

Garden centres across the country were allowed to open from today, among the first non-essential shops allowed to do so since the coronavirus lockdown began on March 23.

For gardeners at home, it's been a frustration not to be able to plant during one of the most beautiful springtimes the UK has seen in years.

Horticultural Trades Association has been lobbying the Government for weeks and successfully argued that the open spaces meant transmitting coronavirus was less likely and it was easier to maintain social distancing.

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