You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Forge Mill Farm is a working farm with play barn, cafe and trails, set within the Sandwell Valley Country Park.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: play barn, classroom/room hire, working farm and animal barns, outdoor play area, picnic areas, cafe and trails.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest train station is Sandwell and Dudley.
  • The nearest Metro station is The Hawthorns.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via a slight slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is also the main entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: most of the outdoor walkways are sloped.
  • There is a steep slope to access the toilets in the courtyard.
  • There is a ramp to access the Changing Places facility.
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Staff receive the following training: Sensory Walking, First Aid and Fire Safety.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located in front of the entrance to Forge Mill Farm.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 7 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are signposted and have markings which are faded.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 440cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 110cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 6m from the entrance to Forge Mill Farm.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight slope.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but not all users.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located in the courtyard and 2 in the play barn.
  • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the courtyard and in the play barn.
• Changing Places Facilities View
  • Changing Places facilities are located through the gate, to the right hand side of the Visitor Centre.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations in the courtyard and in the play barn.

You are on Access from the Car Park to the Visitor Centre. Skip to the next section.

Access from the Car Park to the Visitor Centre

• The most accessible route has step-free access via a slope.
• The slope gradient varies between slight and steep.
• This route has uneven surfaces.

You are on Entrance to the Visitor Centre. Skip to the next section.

Entrance to the Visitor Centre

• This entrance is located at the front of the Visitor Centre.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via a slope at the entrance.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The doors require effort to open.
• The width of the opening is 180cm.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double manual doors.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 180cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is step-free access via a slope as you enter.
• The slope has a steep gradient.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: most of the outdoor walkways are sloped.
  • There is a steep slope to access the toilets in the courtyard.
  • There is a ramp to access the Changing Places facility.
• Circulation View
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Ticketing. Skip to the next section.

Ticketing

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• Location View
  • The reception is located straight ahead, on entering the Visitor Centre.
  • The distance from the entrance to the Visitor Centre is 5m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 91cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Farm Shop. Skip to the next section.

Farm Shop

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• Access to the Shop View
  • The Farm Shop is located in the same area as the ticketing desk.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has narrow walkways.
  • There is step-free level access into the shop.
• Shop View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are between 150cm - 180cm.
  • Some aisles did have obstructions at the time of the survey, these included: product displays.
  • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Payment Counters and Checkouts View
  • The payment counter is located at the ticketing desk.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 91cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The payment machine is portable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Outdoor Seating Area. Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Seating Area

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• Location and Access View
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access to this area.
• Seating Area View
  • The seating area is partially covered.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables and adapted picnic tables.
  • The surface height of some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.

You are on Play Area. Skip to the next section.

Play Area

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• About View
  • The following is available in this area: a playground.
• Getting Around View
  • There are no footpaths.
  • Surface types include: wood bark.
  • There is seating available for people to rest.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Playground View
  • The playground is accessed via a gate.
  • The width of the opening is 100cm.
  • The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
  • The following play experiences are available: sliding and climbing.
  • Routes around the play equipment are not firm and even.
  • Routes around the play equipment are at least 150cm wide.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Courtyard - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Courtyard - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the right hand side, after the play area.
  • The distance from the play area is 15m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has a steep slope.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 82cm.
  • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 165cm (width) x 212cm (depth).
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 97cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
  • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 51cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 98cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 88cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 110cm from the floor.
  • There is no emergency alarm.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 87cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Changing Places (Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located through the gate to the right hand side of the Visitor Centre, then on the right.
  • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
  • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
  • The distance from the Visitor Centre is 18m.
  • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free access via ramp into the facility.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
  • There is a handrail on the right going up.
  • There is not any signage on or near the door.
  • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 114cm.
  • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 246cm (width) x 447cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
• Toilet Details View
  • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however they are obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space on the left is 105cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
  • The lateral transfer space on the right is 105cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
  • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the right as you face the toilet.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the right as you face the toilet.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
  • There are dropdown grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The dropdown grab rails have a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
  • The length of the changing bench is 195cm.
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
• Other Facilities View
  • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
  • There are paper towels for drying hands.
  • A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is an unobstructed shelf.
  • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • A privacy screen is not available.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on The Animal Barns and Pens. Skip to the next section.

The Animal Barns and Pens

• The area is both indoors and outdoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via slopes: some of the walkways are sloped.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: strong smells and lighting effects.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Display information includes: pictorial and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables.
• Some of the areas have uneven surfaces.
• Some areas may be muddy, depending on the weather.

You are on The Farm Trail and Animal Contact Zone. Skip to the next section.

The Farm Trail and Animal Contact Zone

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• About View
  • The following is available in this area: farmland.
• Getting Around View
  • There are unsurfaced paths/trails throughout.
  • Path or trail surfaces consist of: compact gravel, compact earth and uncompacted earth (muddy).
  • The majority of the unsurfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: some of the walkways.

You are on Entrance (The Natural Play Barn). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (The Natural Play Barn)

• This entrance is located at the front of the play barn.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 166cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 166cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is a third set of double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 166cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.

You are on The Natural Play Barn Cafe. Skip to the next section.

The Natural Play Barn Cafe

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• Location and Access View
  • The cafe is located on the left hand side, as you enter the play barn.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is open plan access.
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
• Order and Payment View
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located on the left, as you enter the cafe area.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 99cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 77cm.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
• Seating Area View
  • The payment machine is portable.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Service View
  • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are not available.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: dairy free, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Only drinks and pre-packed snacks are served in the cafe.

You are on Group Room - The Natural Play Barn. Skip to the next section.

Group Room - The Natural Play Barn

• The room is located to the right hand side of the play area.
• The distance from the play area is 4m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• There is no signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is a single manual door.
• The door opens away from you.
• The door requires effort to open.
• The width of the opening is 95cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a low colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• Seating available in this room includes: benches.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
• Announcements are in person.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (The Natural Play Barn - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Natural Play Barn - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located within the female standard toilets on the right hand side, as you enter the play barn.
  • There is also a toilet with adaptations within the male standard toilets.
  • The distance from the first entrance door is 4m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 161cm (width) x 221cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 94cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
  • There is a wall sensor flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the non transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 95cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a twist/turn mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a wash basin mounted soap dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 89cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.