More work needed to make nature accessible to all

"When you're planning time in the countryside and you have access needs, it's often less about where you want to go and more about where it's possible to go."

Logistics are just one of the challenges that disabled people can face before taking a trip into rural areas, according to Pippa Stacey.

The writer, content creator and charity communications consultant is among those working towards making natural landscapes inclusive places for all.

The Yorkshire countryside is a hugely popular draw for visitors annually, especially in the summer months.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park totalled 6.67 million visitor days in 2023.

In South Yorkshire, an estimated 13 million people explore the Peak District annually.

However, those with disabilities and additional needs can still find rural parts of the region inaccessible, Pippa said, although changes are starting to be put in motion.

"In my experience, these organisations, places or attractions, they're either really prioritising access or they're just not engaging with it at all," she said.

"But we're definitely starting to see positive change and that recognition that everybody has different access needs and it's not a one-size-fits-all situation."

The 31-year-old from York has myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a chronic illness which means she uses an ambulatory wheelchair most of the time.

An increase in the availability of all-terrain mobility scooters, often known as trampers, is an example of a much-welcomed development, she said.

She produces her own tramper travel guides which she shares on social media and her blog.

"I hope it does encourage other people to find ways to engage with the countryside in a way that works for them, it's something that I really love to do."

However, in her experience the biggest barrier often faced is accessible transportation to countryside locations, especially for those who cannot drive.

"I think the challenge is that nobody really sees that as their area," she explained.

"These countryside destinations focus on the experience once you're there [and] local authorities might feel it's not something that they have the ability to cover."

She said it is the "next bit of the puzzle to solve" and that working with disabled people on accessibility would be an easy way of seeing the barriers from "that lived perspective".

"One of the biggest problems is that a lot of people in general underestimate what, as a disabled person, we can do," said Paula Brunt.

She is vice-chair of Disabled Ramblers a national charity which organises group rambles for people with limited mobility.

Being involved early on with projects could mean accessibility is considered at every stage, she said, such as choosing gates that are easier to navigate in a scooter.

She said visiting the countryside can be daunting for a disabled person, especially when there is limited information about what facilities are available.

"I'm sure that puts a lot of people off before they've even left the front door, they've been stymied because they can't find out access.

"It can be a whole new, scary world to go out in a wheelchair or a mobility scooter."

A clear list of available facilities online, such as accessible parking bays and changing spaces, could address those concerns, she said.

Paula said those attending the rambles tell her they feel safe and gain a "sense of community".

"Being disabled can be very isolating [but] you'll go out for the day, and you'll be in stunning scenery, and everybody will have a good old chat about anything."

In Nidderdale, a partnership between Open Country and National Landscapes has proved a success, the charity's chief officer David Shaftoe said.

Based in Harrogate and Wakefield, the charity provides activities, groups and information for people with physical and learning disabilities across the whole region.

The group works with National Landscapes on its Access For All scheme, which is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

David described the partnership as "a game-changer" in progressing accessibility further, and one that some Open Country service users can play an active part in.

"We've always believed that disabled people can be carers, not just the cared for.

"We can do our little bit to improve physical access for everyone, and all can contribute towards making the environment better."

The charity runs practical sessions in which members help to lay footpaths and help with nature management.

Because "no two people with disabilities are the same, so everyone has different access needs," David said Open Country has found other ways to ensure people can experience nature.

For visually impaired people or those who cannot travel, Open Country has audio descriptive walks from a variety of well-known locations including Ilkley Moor.

Last year, Open Country celebrated its 35th year as a charity.

For David, the anniversary marked how much work had been done - but how there is still much left to do.

"Things are improving, albeit quite slowly," he added.

"We were built to be outdoors, we were built to be immersed in nature. If anyone's deprived of that, we're all the poorer for it, in my opinion."

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