Like everyone in the country BART has been affected by the Covid 19 outbreak.
Whilst we believe what we do is important it is by no means essential in the current scheme of things and we have looked at our priorities and are following Government guidelines fully. All our staff have been asked to work from home.
Dormouse photographed by David Chapman
Two of our team have agreed to be furloughed. All of our projects are on hold until we have more certainty about our future. We have gone into a state of hibernation.
It is a strange term to use in the Spring as buds are bursting and bumblebees busy themselves in the garden. It is probably appropriate however as we are facing our own Winter. We will find out in the weeks ahead whether we have put down sufficient reserves to get us through this arid period – whether we are strong enough to survive. Many small creatures do not survive Winter each year and small businesses across the country are similarly threatened.
BART have had two strong years in a row and with the help of the Government to small businesses we have a good chance of over-wintering as long as Spring comes early in terms of controlling the virus. The understanding of our Staff – Trustees and funders so far has been incredible so we are facing the challenge with confidence.
It goes without saying that we want all our volunteers to stay safe too – follow the guidelines – put yourselves and your families first – and we look forward to meeting up with you all as soon as we can.
Our thoughts are with all those who are in the front line dealing with these difficulties who cannot make the decisions we have and are at risk on our behalf and of course with those even more directly and personally affected.
The BART team
