Families planning their annual Cup Match camping trips have been issued guidelines by the Ministry of Environment, as some sites are banned this year.

There are three designated campgrounds at Ferry Point, Chaplin Bay and Higgs and Horseshoe islands.

Issuing advice to those who wish to pitch their tents elsewhere, a Government spokesman said: "The major reforestation and environmental project at Coney Island is still ongoing. Therefore the park is closed to camping. It will be restricted to picnicking only.

"There will be no camping at Blue Hole Park and Nature Reserve or Cooper's Island Nature Reserve at the old NASA site. There is also no camping on the dune immediately behind Jobson's Cove in South Shore Park. This dune area has rare, sensitive plants that need to be protected. There is a sign erected advising park users of this policy."

Rangers are also keen to stop people getting down to the campsites too early and grabbing the best spots before the holiday begins.

For that reason, the spokesman warned that no tents or ropes to mark spots are permitted to be erected before Monday, July 26, and any found on that date will be taken down by the Department of Parks.

People are permitted to erect tents and tarps from Tuesday, July 27 to secure their preferred spot but they will not be able to camp out on that date. Camping is only permitted from Wednesday, July 28 to Sunday, August 1.

Campers have been warned not to erect tents in front of the park and beach access gates and to ensure vehicles are parked in designated lots.

The spokesman said: "We ask the owners and drivers of vehicles to please use common sense and do not park in front of the access gates as they must be kept clear so that parks' maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles including Police, Fire, and Ambulance can gain access at all times.

"Offending vehicles will be ticketed, clamped and towed at the owners' expense in order to clear the blocked gates. In addition there are private residences at John Smith's Bay Park and the access road must be kept clear for tenants."

Park gates will be opened during the day on Wednesday, July 28 to allow campers and picnickers the opportunity to set up, but will be locked from 9.30 p.m.

Park Rangers will be on duty on that date, and the following two days, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. They will also be patrolling on the Saturday and Sunday of the holiday from 9.30 a.m to 6 p.m.

Lifeguards will be on duty at Clearwater Beach, Turtle Beach, John Smith's Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Long Bay at Cooper's Island Nature Reserve from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the holiday period.

Meanwhile, a number of beaches have safe swimming zones designated by buoys where boats and personal watercrafts are not permitted to enter. They are Clarence Cove at Admiralty House Park, Clearwater Beach, Turtle Bay, and Long Bay at Cooper's Island.

The Department of Parks' maintenance crews will be working from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. over the holiday to collect trash, rake beaches and clean toilets.

All camping equipment must be removed from the parks and beaches by Monday, August 2.

The spokesman warned: "All equipment left after this date will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of by the Department of Parks."

He also asked campers to be considerate of their neighbours, and play music at a level that will not disturb others.

For further information please contact the Park Ranger Office on 236-5902 or 239-2355.