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Highland Wildlife Park - The Learning Hive - A' Chaonnag

Kincraig, Kingussie, Inverness-shire, PH21 1NL

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Access Guide

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Getting Here (Highland Wildlife Park)

Getting Help and Assistance (Highland Wildlife Park)

  • For Highland Wildlife Park's Accessibility Statement please click here (new tab).
  • Please click here for information on opening times.
  • The following are available: zoo maps, sensory maps, accessibility maps, downloadable zoo maps, downloadable sensory maps and downloadable accessibility maps.
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print and audio.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the visitor centre.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk .
  • The designated place of safety is located in the First Aid room near the accessible car park.
  • Sensory packs are available and include: accessible maps and sensory maps. For more information about reserving a pack, and any charges, please contact the venue before your visit.
  • Mobility Assistance.
    There are wheelchairs, pushchairs and electric mobility scooters available for free hire. These require a fully refundable deposit. Please enquire at the main entrance on arrival or at the visitor centre.
    Some areas of the park may not be suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Steep slopes and steps are signposted with alternative routes and there is an updated mobility map available for visitors which can be downloaded below.
  • More information on the accessibility map for the park.
  • More information on the sensory map for the park.
  • Talks and Tours.
    There are a number of talks and tours which take place around the park, some private and some public. This includes days with translated talks/tours including BSL.
    Some talks are being translated into BSL which will be available onsite via QR code. Please enquire at the visitor centre.
  • Carers.
    Visitors who require special assistance are offered free admission for one accompanying carer when they pay the full adult/concession/child price.
    Please bring relevant proof of entitlement, such as a National Disability Card, an Access Card with a ‘+1’ symbol, a ‘plus one’ travel card or a letter from Personal Independence Payment, as this will be asked for on arrival.

Getting to The Learning Hive

  • The route from the polar bear statue by the accessible car park to The Learning Hive has a gravel surface with long steep and slight slopes.
  • The route is approximately 350 metres long.
  • From the polar bear statue, follow the path towards the trees at Wildcat Wood, keeping inside the stone wall.
  • Take a left at Wildcat Wood and follow the path alongside the park entry road and fence.
  • Wildcat Wood can also be cut through to access this area, exiting via its boardwalk.
  • The pedestrian park entry path, boardwalk path from Wildcat Wood, and path to The Learning Hive intersect on the other side of the trees where there is directional signage.
  • Follow the path uphill to The Learning Hive, beyond the Kashmir Goats.

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located at the side of the building, off the entry road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
    • There are additional car parks for visitors.
    • Additional parking is at the Accessible Car Park and Monkey Field Car Park. Please see the relevant guides for more information.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Paying View
    • There are no parking charges for the car park.
    • Free parking for all users is limited to the opening times of the wildlife park.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are loose chippings.
    • The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is not clearly signposted.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is loose chippings.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).

Entrance (Main)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 160cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the area.
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is laminate.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is low colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • There is bench seating and single seats without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing loop requires an app.
      The hearing loop is located in the event space room.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Reece Centre for Conservation Education)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The space surveyed was The Reece Centre for Conservation Education.
    • The Reece Centre for Conservation Education is located ahead as you enter.
    • There is not wayfinding signage for the space.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is written signage for the room(s), in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • Room Details View
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.
    • To use the hearing loop download the Wavecast app, then connect to the WiFi and play through your own headphones from your smartphone/device.

Grounds (Outdoor Space and Viewpoint)

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There are some features in this area which could cause a potential trip hazard.
    • The surfaces of the main pathways include concrete paving slabs, gravel and grass.
    • The paths can become slippery when wet.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • There are resting areas in this area.
    • Seating in the resting area(s) include(s); bench seating and picnic tables with fixed seating.
  • Signage and Audio View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
    • Information boards are available in this area.
    • There is not background music/noise in this area.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Learning Hive - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (49ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 93cm (3ft 0in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is low.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 330cm (5ft 2in x 10ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is medium.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, general waste (with lid) and nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 107cm and 169cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is a handheld soap dispenser available.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (The Learning Hive)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.