Dear Premier Paper,

We have enjoyed meeting many of you on your tree planting events for a number of years now and we could never have imagined a day when enjoying the great outdoors would be so off limits. But, at this incredibly difficult and challenging time, we in the UK all need to do the right thing in order to protect the NHS and save lives. The general rule is that you work from, or stay at home if you can but, there are some notable exceptions to that rule including businesses that are a vital part of the supply chain for our essential services and industries. With the NHS being one of Premier’s largest customers and a number of your print clients providing printing services to the Government, pharmaceutical manufacturers, local authorities and the food packaging industry, you are a very much part of that vital supply chain and its very important to make every effort to maintain the supply of paper in any way that you possibly can.

At the time of writing and until otherwise guided by the UK Government, when you are at home, one form of outdoor exercise a day close to home is currently one of four exceptional reasons to leave the house. This exercise can be a short walk, alone or with household members, and at least 2 metres away from other people. See Public Health England’s guidelines on social distancing.

So, if a short daily walk is safe for you, stay local and don’t walk anywhere you could get into trouble or require emergency services. And avoid touching gates, fences etc – if you do, sanitise and then wash your hands as soon as possible.

If you’re self-isolating or have been advised by Public Health England not to leave your home at all, Spring hasn’t been cancelled and is there to savour through the window. Tending indoor plants can magically help to clear the mind and our YouTube channel is yours for a virtual outdoor boost. Or bring nature to you with a birdfeeder by the window.

The current Government measures to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus will have a chance to work if we continue to follow guidelines on hand hygiene and social distancing. And, when the restrictions on outdoor leisure activities are lifted and we emerge into brighter days ahead, one thing’s for sure – our appreciation of nature, the countryside and all the trees that Premier and its customers have planted with the Woodland Trust, will never be greater!

Thank you for being part of the supply chain that keeps our essential services working. We’re all in this together, so visit our website and the team and I at The Outdoor Guide will be doing our best to help keep you informed and inspired at every step.

Stay safe Love from Julia, Gina and the TOG team.