Accessible Forests
The Forestry Commission recently extended an invitation for Able magazine to visit one of their Woodlands (Callendar Woods in central Scotland). Somehow, the moment we stepped onto that leafy path, all of our troubles seemed to be swept away amidst the birdsong and breeze. The local town of Falkirk backs onto the woods – almost literally – but we could’ve been miles away from the bustle of a normal Tuesday afternoon.
This could be a great place to spend a short holiday if you were to take on each of the variety of paths and trails in turn. At the very least it makes for a genuinely refreshing morning or afternoon wander and, since it’s so accessible, you’ll not need to sweat about how fit or active you are. If you’re going to be taking a holiday in the UK it’s well worth looking up Forestry Commissions sites near to your destination.
We hadn’t fully realized just what a beautiful resource we had right on our doorstep. And chances are, neither have you – even though there’s a Forestry Commission woodland pretty close to most people’s front door…
SHERWOOD PINES FOREST PARK
The legendary Sherwood Forest once covered huge parts of the Midlands and, even now, is still the largest single tract of forest open to the public in the East Midlands. With 3,300 acres to tread the Forestry Commission has put together an army of volunteers to ensure practical conservation projects are maintained. Several of these volunteers have a range of mental health issues, fitting in neatly with the Forestry Commission’s own equal opportunity policy.
Sherwood Forest is often used as a place of outdoor stimulation for mind and body and regularly receives referrals from NHS and private clinics. Patients benefit from the ancient forest through the awe of being surrounded by wildlife, light, wind and the soft rain of the East Midlands filtering through the canopy.
MORE: 01623 822 447
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HAFREN FOREST
Disabled people can get closer to some of the most striking scenery in mid-Wales after Forestry Commission Wales invested £43,000 upgrading forest trails and other all-ability facilities in Hafren Forest, near the market town of Llanidloes. The forest, which takes its name from Afon Hafren (the River Severn), has both pine and spruce trees and includes the start of Britain’s longest riverside walk, the Severn Way – a route dotted with small towns and villages which act as handy stop-off points.
The forest includes the half-mile long
Cascades Trail which incorporates 100m of boardwalk soon to be fitted with a new anti-slip surface. The trail was designed in partnership with local disability groups and includes several features making it easy to follow, with resting places available for those looking for a wander rather than a workout. The reward is a raised platform that allows people to sit and take in the view.
MORE: 0845 6040845
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COED Y BRENIN
Although Coed y Brenin is famed for some of the finest mountain biking in the UK it’s also great for groups looking for all-ability and family walking trails. Situated in the south of the Snowdonia National Park, near Dolgellau, Coed y Brenin covers an area of 9,000 acres, taking in the wondrous valleys that bank the rivers Mawddach Eden, and Went o the south of Cader Idris.
The Forestry Commission launched all-ability trails at Coed y Brenin in May 2009. The Eden trail incorporates tactile slate sculptures that interpret some of the wildlife that you could be lucky enough to meet in the forest park. Especially for those with visual impairments, there is a ‘sound store’ wind-up box telling a local folk tale about a bridge called Pont Llam yr Ewig – while another in the car park offers information on the importance of the Glasdir copper mine.
MORE: 0845 604 0845,
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BWLCH NANT YR ARIAN
The all-ability trail here is wheelchair friendly and follows a lakeside path for two thirds of a mile to its destination – the Red Kite viewing area. Forestry Commission staff feed these great birds of prey daily, so nobody should be disappointed by not seeing them. There’s also an animal puzzle trail on the path that gives access to the education area and the log cabin.
MORE: 0845 604 0845,
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HALDON FOREST PARK
The Mamhead Sensory Trail in Haldon Forest is another example of a well conceived all-ability trail. It’s flat and well surfaced and there’s a choice of two loops of one mile and another of one and a half miles in length. There are plenty of resting places (each enhanced with interpretation features aimed at inspiring your senses) that will help you to get to the breathtaking view overlooking the Exe Estuary and beyond.
Pre-visit packs are available for those with visual impairment that include Braille and tactile mapping by contacting the Ranger’s office.
MORE: 01392 834 251,
haldon.rangers@forestry.gsi.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or
www.forestry.gsi.gov.uk/haldonforestpark
WISTLANDPOUND
Opened in 2008, and costing roughly £1 million, Wistlandpound is a unique countryside heritage attraction in North Devon that aims to make the stunning scenery of Exmoor accessible to all. The natural and social heritage centre is the result of a two year collaboration by Calvert Trust Exmoor, the Forestry Commission and South West Lakes Trust, and was officially opened in November 2007 by Sarah Piercey, GB wheelchair marathon athlete, and Jon Amos, Team Manager and head coach of the GB Paralympics power lifting squad.
The 2.5km Discovery Trail circles Wistlandpound reservoir and features sensory structures for those with visual impairments. The Challenge Trail is a UK first – a 1.5km exercise trail suitable for all abilities, including wheelchair users. Five bespoke pieces of exercise equipment are designed to develop co-ordination, balance and strength, as well as being fun to use for everyone. Wistlandpound also features a Discovery Centre which will host a new educational service. The centre will also open to the public at peak times, when you can explore the Wistlandpound Estate’s social, historical and environmental importance, including the 19th century model farm and its role in the agricultural revolution.
THE FORESTRY COMMISSION
The Forestry Commission is the government agency which supports woodland owners with grants, felling licenses, regulation and advice. It also promotes the benefits of forests and forestry to the public and, through Defra, advises Ministers on forestry policy.
The Commission also maintains much of the nation’s treasured woodlands and forests for recreational use and has started a vigorous programme of bringing accessibility to these great sites.
For more information about the Forestry Commission or to find your closest forest or woodland, visit: www.forestry.gov.uk.