Natural England

The first project to map National Nature Reserve access available online

For the first time, some of England’s most beautiful countryside will be more accessible thanks to a new online facility launched today (1 December 2008). Using photographs, maps and detailed descriptions, the new website provides information on the location, terrain and parking/drop off facilities of six of England's National Nature Reserves (NNRs). One of these is Shapwick Heath NNR in Somerset.

England's NNRs are some of the country's key wildlife sites and provide opportunities to experience wildlife and learn more about nature conservation at first hand. Natural England, the government’s conservation agency believes that these opportunities should be available to everyone and it is working to improve accessibility in the countryside. The new online facility provides information that will be useful to all those planning a trip to one of the 6 National Nature Reserves, but especially so for people with disabilities and their carers, and parents with pushchairs.

Phil Holms, Senior Reserves Manager for Natural England in Somerset, said: “Shapwick Heath is a major wetland nature reserve and one of the most diverse sites of its type in the South West. It’s an incredible place to visit and we have something for everyone, whatever ability. On a short visit you can see reed beds, fens, open water, wet woodlands and even traditional hay meadows. The reserve is rich in wildlife and is one of the best places in England to see otters. There’s three miles of wheelchair-friendly paths and elevated boardwalk, together with bird observation hides and brail information panels. Disabled parking and electric scooter hire is also available.”

The new facility can be accessed at www.directenquiries.com by clicking on the 'Attractions & Countryside' icon. The online guides are easy to navigate, offer points of interest and highlight where more information is available on site such as Braille signage and voice information boxes. They also include details of distances, steps, seating and any boardwalks along the routes.

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Notes for editors

1. Explaining the online data:

Each NNR has its own web page consisting of five tabs on the top tool bar:

• Access summary: an overview of car park/drop off, trails and walks information for each NNR;
• Access in detail: photos, written descriptions and distances provided for: gates, roadside parking to show wheelchair/pushchair access, steps, seating, any boardwalks along the routes;
• General information: location and access (how to get there/away); paths and people, nature walks, weather and wildlife, landmarks;
• Trail details: a ‘view route’ option which is a step-by-step guide to each route using photos; a trail map using satellite images of the route;
• Reserve maps: a standard map of the NNR with all routes marked in different colours.

There are also easy-to-understand symbols on the web pages for each NNR: Assistance dogs welcome / Assisted wheelchair access / Non-assisted wheelchair access / Facilities for the mobility impaired / Customer toilet facilities / Accessible toilets / Customer parking facilities / Parent with pushchair access.

2. For more information about Direct Enquiries Ltd (the online arm of the Nationwide Access Register) or for details of how to contact local access groups in the six regions, contact Emma Lattimer on 01344 360 101 or emma.lattimer@directenquiries.com

3. The UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities is on Wednesday 3 December. Visit their website for more details.

4. The Secretary of State Reports on the Disability Equality Duty will be published on Monday 1 December.

5. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. It conserves and enhances the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

For further information contact: Martin Gershon
Telephone: 07900 608364
Email: martin.gershon@naturalengland.org.uk