Natural England

1 December 2008

The first project to map National Nature Reserve access available online. Natural England media release on behalf of Natural England and Direct Enquiries Limited

For the first time, some of England’s most beautiful countryside will be more accessible for people with disabilities thanks to a new online facility launched today (1 December 2008) which maps out the location and terrain of six of England's National Nature Reserves (NNRs).

Using photographs, maps and detailed descriptions, this new online service provides information that everyone will find useful. It will be especially helpful for people with disabilities and their carers, parents with pushchairs to better plan and prepare for a trip to a National Nature Reserve.

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, said: “Everyone should have access to the health benefits and enjoyment that the outdoors provides. This project will help people to plan their days out to some of our most important areas for wildlife in the knowledge that they are easy to get to and easy to get around. Making our countryside easily accessible is essential, not just for health and wellbeing, but to help forge a connection between people and the natural environment.”

Six NNRs have been assessed.

Ainsdale Sand Dunes (Merseyside)
Aston Rowant (Oxfordshire)
Castle Eden Dene (County Durham)
Shapwick Heath (Somerset)
Stiperstones (Shropshire)
Thursley Heath (Surrey)

The new facility can be accessed at www.directenquiries.com by clicking on the 'Attractions & Countryside' icon, or on the Natural England Disabled Access page.

Direct Enquiries Ltd’s assessors walked the six NNRs collating data and mapping each point of accessibility using GPS technology and cameras. The online guides are easy to navigate, offer points of interest and highlight where more information is available on site - such as including Braille signage and voice information boxes which can be found along the route of the Stiperstones NNR. The guides include details of distances, steps, seating and any boardwalks along the routes.

Grant Kennedy, Chief Executive of Direct Enquiries Ltd said: “It is the first time an organisation has chosen to provide people with information about accessible countryside. People should not be put off visiting the rural areas on the assumption that it will be inaccessible. In fact, Natural England is working with its Reserve Managers on simple and very effective maintenance schedules to ensure maximum accessibility across the entire estate.” Direct Enquiries Ltd is the online arm of the Nationwide Access Register.