Disabled Access to Nature Reserves

[Willow]

Hi everyone,

When replying to WoodNymph’s thread about restricted access to dogs on some nature reserves, it struck me that, due to lack of wheelchair access, our son – and so the whole family – are shut out from far more wild places and nature reserves than our dog ever was! Very often, it's a case of arriving at a reserve to be met with stiles, locked gates, or barriers designed to keep out that minority of horse riders or motorbikers who would ride all over the reserve if access was wide enough for wheelchairs. And then there's often the problem of keeping in grazing animals etc..So, I do understand why providing access can hit a conundrum (ironically, in our pre-children days, we even helped to erect protective barriers like this on reserves ourselves, and I once had to face down (all five foot one of me! ) some bikers in our local woodland who were about to ride all over some orchids). Again, it's often the fault of those who refuse to abide by the rules...and, by their thoughtlessness, affect all the honest folk who just want to respectfully enjoy the place. Sometimes, a site’s terrain makes wheelchair access impossible – but it’s often so frustrating to see that, on the other side of an impassable barrier, the terrain would be no problem for our son’s "mountain buggy" - but we can't get in! We've often struggled by lifting him, then his buggy over...but when there's a whole row of stiles to tackle, it just gets too exhausting for us and upsetting for him...

If only folk were all decent and respectful of the places they visited...everyone would benefit....(mind you, Wye Downs NNR in Kent have some fantastic kissing gates...with turning areas big enough for his buggy or a wheelchair! Keeps in the animals - and keeps out the ride-roughshods...but provides inclusive access for all who want to simply enjoy the place. If only more reserves were given the funds to provide disabled access, maybe we would see more solutions).

Or does anyone know if there are plans afoot to do just that? Things do seem to be getting better in places – my husband heard recently that one of the long distance footpaths in Sussex (he can’t remember which for sure! Anybody know?) has many, many miles of wheelchair access along its route now! And the RSPB are great at marking which of their reserves have disabled access on their website and in their leaflets.

We’re also very fortunate to have Westonbirt Arboretum nearby – which is packed full of wildlife – and is ace for wheelchairs. But, there are still so many places where we cannot go….

What are others’ experiences and thoughts on this issue?

Thanks all!

Willow

[Pete]

the buckingham press Best Birdwatching sites gives access details on the sites mentioned. I think disabled birders were asked for there thoughts.

ultimately i suppose reserves are for the benefit of wildlife. money donated to wildlife trusts, RSPB etc is given mainly for habitat protection and the like and not for facilities. Although where possible they try very hard to make reserves accessible. Some places are wild and its not practical or for that matter desireable. e.g the Golden Eagle watchpoint at Haweswater.

[Wild-Woman]

I certainly agree with you. Reserves need to be accessible by all people. I do think things are changing positively to allow wheelchair access,it's just going to take time to make the necessary arrangements-ie tracks,gates etc. Our local country park is really making an all out effort for wheelchair users. Good on 'em.ww

[Willow]

Thanks for your replies, Pete and Wild-Woman! Yes, it is so heartening to see and hear about all the great efforts being put into providing inclusive access. We heard recently that there are plans to improve disabled access in our LNR just down the road which is fab!

Just to add and clarify on a couple of points Pete raised: as I said earlier, I do totally appreciate that some terrain, and the nature of some habitat, makes wheelchair access impossible. That's just one of those things we, as a family, have to be philosophical about. Some wild places will always remain out of our reach, and we don't expect to be able to go there; and certainly wouldn't want to see fragile, beautiful places changed detrimentally for our sake! Heaven forbid! We want to help the wildlife first...being able to go there to see it would be a bonus, but we realise, not always possible. But it can be so disheartening when we find places where we could easily get around (whilst doing no harm under-wheels to the ground) - but which we just can't get into! We do understand the reasons and problems...but, well it can be hard sometimes to be the one who's shut out. I do feel it for my kids, at those times when we have to turn away....

I just think it's good to bring these issues into people's minds, really. Perhaps, we who don't use wheelchairs, could look around us sometimes, and think about the everyday wildlife watching places we go to. Would those places be simply inaccessible to us if we ever needed to rely on a set of wheels? We've found our own solution to a lot of our countryside access problems by buying an all-terrain pushchair for our son, which (with a lot of puff and muscle power from us!) gets him to places which previously were impossible to enjoy. The pushchair is very expensive to buy though, so wouldn't be an option for all, sadly...

Disabled people and their families are generally a resourceful lot, who help themselves in order to be able to join in alongside what's so often taken for granted. I am really pleased to see things moving towards making that task easier....but I do wonder how big (or not!) the problem is for others.....and would be so interested to hear what other people's experiences are...

[nightshade]

Hi Willow The Avon Wildlife Trust is putting in a wheelchair path on the owl walk at
Folly Farm ifI remember correctly

[colinaj]

Minsmere is wheel cahir friendly. so is the Carlton Marshes reserve in Suffolk.
I think Minsmere loans buggies like golf buggies but it easy to push a wheelcahir & theuy have wheel cahir slits in most of the hides.

[henrya]

Willow, if access is barred by a locked gate, it might be worth asking the reserve owners if you can have a key (and some keys may open a whole lot of gates owned by that organisation). May not work every time, but it's worth a try.

henrya

[Willow]

Hi everyone - thanks very much for your help! All this kind of info really helps with our research and pre-trip planning...we try to do as much of that as we can; to be prepared! (my parents were cub scout leaders in their youth, so I suppose I should be an expert in that! lol!)!

nightshade,

I remember that the Avon Wildlife Trust was putting in a wheelchair trail around the wood and through some fields at Folly Farm a few years ago when we were regular volunteers with their Wildlife Action Group. That might be the one they're working on - or perhaps they've extended it further...Great news! (Once, we camped out there over a weekend on a WAG event..and I stood in the farmyard and watched a HUGE flock (correct term?) of bats pass over my head, with a swish and rush of wings, on its way to Chew Valley lake. One of the most spectacular, magical wildlife sights I've ever seen! - Anyway..I digress...just thought you might be interested to know that bit of info, being a bat fan!) Folly Farm is such a beautiful place....it's fantastic that AWT are putting so much work into the wheelchair access. They've done a great job at Willsbridge Mill too.

We're very lucky to have the all-terrain pushchair for our son - as we don't need to be reliant on wheelchair tracks, like we would be if we just had his ordinary wheelchair. The 'mountain' pushchair, as it's called, will tackle any terrain and most gradients as long as we have the strength to push it!!!! (well, except for the likes of the obviously too perilous Ebbor Gorge main trail or Goblin Combe of course!) We've received some very strange looks off people sometimes when they've seen us coming towards them with our son bouncing happily along in his chair up a steep hillside though! I think they think we're mad! The chair's been such a godsend - will get us over the Northumbrian dune paths and up the Cheviots nay bovver next week!

Colin,

Minsmere is definitely a place on our must-go list (hopefully next year). Thanks for that! We're so impressed with the RSPB's efforts to make so many of their reserves accessible. I love their member's booklet and website info that give such clear and detailed access information. Their Ham Wall reserve not far from here in Somerset is also wheelchair accessible - so we'll be checking that out this summer. It's a real joy to go to places where we can all relax, and save a bit of our puff and aching muscles....and our son can often use his walking frame on his own in such places too, which gives him a great independence. They've got some sensory stuff at Ham Wall too, which he'll love.

Henrya,

that's a great tip about the key. We'll check that out - as the gates or stiles can often be our only obstacle. The rest, once in, is fine...Yesterday, I asked my son's occupational therapist about the RADAR key scheme. I think I heard somewhere that some footpath gates might have RADAR locks and blue badge holders can get a key for them. She didn't know the answer to that one - but I'll do some digging....getting the info about what's out there can sometimes be a bit of a Sherlock Holmes trail...but it's worth it in the end!

Thanks all!

Willow

(Sorry for another long post! )

[Hosy]

Hi Willow

I was wondering what make of buggy you use for your son. I'm trying to find one so my 10 year old daughter can enjoy the countryside more. Would appreciate any advice.

Hosy

[pheonix]

The RSPB are in the process of making Otmoor wheelchair accessable

[Gaina]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Hi Willow The Avon Wildlife Trust is putting in a wheelchair path on the owl walk at
Folly Farm ifI remember correctly

I've just been on their website, it's very nice . The details for wheelchair acces are HERE.

I'm just waiting for the kids (which I don't own, personally ) to go back to school so I can visit these places

[Willow]

Originally Posted by Hosy

Hi Willow

I was wondering what make of buggy you use for your son. I'm trying to find one so my 10 year old daughter can enjoy the countryside more. Would appreciate any advice.

Hosy

Hello Hosy,

I've just seen your post, as I've been away visiting family in Northumberland since the beginning of the month, with no internet access. Hope you haven't given up on getting an answer! Whilst we were away, our all-terrain pushchair more than proved its worth yet again...over dunes and rocks for rock pooling...and generally off the beaten track (with very gratefully received extra muscle power from a best friend (honorary uncle to our kids) to assist getting our son over the roughest bits!)

The pushchair is called the Mountain Buggy XL. Here's a link to the website we used:

http://www.specialneedspushchairs.co.uk/

The only problem is - it's designed for children aged 4 to around 10 years (max weight 35 kg)...so I'd guess that as your daughter is 10, it would be a big consideration how much use you'd get out of it before your daughhter outgrew it.... Our son is now nearly 6, and I don't have a clue what we're going to do when he outgrows the Mountain Buggy....I haven't looked into it as yet...and dread the possibility that I won't find anything suitable when we reach that time...

I really hope that there is something similar out there for older children and adults, for everyone's sake who would benefit from the extra freedom to explore they bring...It might be worth ringing the chap on the website, Hosy. He was really friendly and helpful when we contacted him - and he might have advice that could help you find something suitable for your daughter...I really hope so. I know how wonderful it's been in opening up all sorts of new experiences to our son, and in helping the whole family to enjoy things like rock pooling etc all together - it'd be nice to think that you and your daughter could reap the benefits it brings too....

Good luck! Please let me know if you find out any interesting info during your search...Hopefully the website might prove a good starting point (keeping my fingers crossed for you)

Best Wishes,

Willow

[wildone]

Hi, there is an attachment motor used I know for adult wheelchairs. Not sure how much power it has as it is used to assist the pusher. Will try to find out more about it when Cambs Shopmobility opens tomorrow. I know they had them a year or two back.
wildone

[Willow]

Originally Posted by Gaina

I've just been on their website, it's very nice . The details for wheelchair acces are HERE.

I'm just waiting for the kids (which I don't own, personally ) to go back to school so I can visit these places

Hi Gaina - you'll love Folly Farm...such a beautiful place (like going back in time before all those chemicals hit the land...) We're planning on visiting RSPB's Ham Wall reserve near Glastonbury before the kids go back to school this summer. I'll let you know what it's like...From the RSPB website, it certainly looks brilliantly thought out for wheelchair access...and Bitterns too!

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guid...wall/index.asp


Phoenix - Thanks for the info about Otmoor - I've just checked the reserve out on the RSPB website...and see that it's currently closed for access improvement. What a great organistion the RSPB is (as they're slogan says - for birds and for people...does what it says on the tin! ) - makes me even prouder that we're all members (son's a RSPB Nature Explorer)

[Willow]

Originally Posted by wildone

Hi, there is an attachment motor used I know for adult wheelchairs. Not sure how much power it has as it is used to assist the pusher. Will try to find out more about it when Cambs Shopmobility opens tomorrow. I know they had them a year or two back.
wildone

Thanks for that Wildone; that would be really interesting to know. You've also jogged my memory that I recently saw in Disability Now magazine (from Scope) that there's a new all-terrain motorised chair for adults available (goes up to 20 miles per hour!!!! My son would be away and over the horizon in seconds in that; he's such a speed fanatic! ... )...I'll try and hunt out the details in DN mag. I seem to remember it cost a couple of thousand pounds though...

New things seem to be in development all the time, so hopefully there is a solution out there for older children.

[Tinkerbell]

There is an attachment motor used I know for adult wheelchairs

Quite true Wildone, my Mum has one - I insisted since I didn't want members of the family straining themselves pushing her. However, if the motorised wheel is lowered when the motor is not in use it slows you up and makes pushing much harder. We've now got the hang of it though and as a result my Mum managed to go along the pier in her fishing village in June and saw the Lifeboat day events from a hillside. Wouldn't have been possible if we'd had to push her ourselves. I think the range is about 5 miles and speed 5 miles per hour max. The battery powers up overnight, but runs down when not in use, so it's better to power up and plug in just before you go out. On the flat or downhill we take over the pushing and braking and lift the motor wheel off the ground to conserve energy.

Tink

[Gaina]

Originally Posted by Willow

Hi Gaina - you'll love Folly Farm...such a beautiful place (like going back in time before all those chemicals hit the land...) We're planning on visiting RSPB's Ham Wall reserve near Glastonbury before the kids go back to school this summer. I'll let you know what it's like...From the RSPB website, it certainly looks brilliantly thought out for wheelchair access...and Bitterns too!

Ah that would be lovely, thank you .

[wildone]

Thank you for that Tinks.

Do you have details of the make or where they can be obtained. Might be useful information for those who need it. Might even be useful for me to get one as although I borrow the wheelchair they do not have one of those and the person who valiantly pushes me is becoming less able to do so.

[Hosy]

Willow

Many thanks for your reply. I have done some internet searching and had come across your buggy, but noted that it probably won't last her very long.

I came across a company called Delichon

www.delichon.co.uk

and have had some correspondence with them. They do a really funky think called the Hippocampe which is completely waterproof and you can take it in the sea, but it costs £1500!!!!! We don't really need something waterproof. The man recommended the Axion 3-wheeler. There are two sizes and they are for teenagers and young adults and look a bit similar to the buggy you have. Cost is £595 and £645.

We're going to go along to the Independent Living Exhibition at Ally Pally in September to see if there's anything out there, but it's looking like an Axiom at the moment, you might like to bear this in mind.

Thanks again for your support.

Hosy

[Tinkerbell]

Do you have details of the make or where they can be obtained.

I'll certainly find the info for you Wildone, might take a day or two but I'll be back in touch.

Tink

[Gaina]

I have a lightweight wheelchair I got on the NHS Wheelchair Voucher Scheme. They cover motorized scooters too, so you might want to have a look at that.

[Willow]

Hello Hosy,

Many thanks for the Delichon link - knowing that there are buggies out there for older children, for when my son outgrows his Mountain buggy, has taken a big load off my mind - and I'm really glad you're getting closer to finding something for your daughter... Wow, that Hippocampe is so funky isn't it! It looks fab! So many of these things cost a fortune...but the Axiom certainly sounds much more affordable. I'll add the website to my favourites for future reference!

Many thanks again, Hosy. Good luck at the exhibition at Ally Pally - hope you find a suitable buggy soon; it makes such a difference to have so many more places opened up to your child and family....

All the best,

Willow

[Gaina]

I had another idea. I got my ergonomic crutches from america because you can't get them here, so you might find the chair/buggy your looking for cheaper in the US and you can re-claim the import tax on it.

Try an online search, it's amazing what you can find.

[Hosy]

Willow

The man from Delichon called the other day bringing the Axiom 3 with him. Boy, it's huge! Sadly daughter just too big for the Ranger Mountain Buggy (which I think you have) because this thing is much bigger.

Despite its size it does handly fantastically well and we went for a little walk down the narrow muddy and bumpy path near my house and it went like a dream. However, you do need a large boot to get it in and theres no way you'll be lifting this thing over stiles.

Still going to go to Ally Pally to see if there's anything out there (computer search says no) otherwise will get car with big boot and buy Axiom as really keen to get out for some fresh air and exercise.

Thought I'd let you know.

Hosy