Access Guide
Outdoor Spaces (Nature Trails)
- The following is available in this area: woodland and open countryside.
- Additional facilities in this area include: a wetland area.
- The following is available in this area: the Coast Trail, Island Mere Trail, Woodland Trail, East Hide, South Hide, North Hide, Bittern Hide and Island Mere Hide with two lookout points along the trails.
- Outdoor areas consist of loose chippings, grass, gravel, compact earth, sand, loose stones and decking.
- There are footpaths throughout.
- The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: slight and steep gradients occur throughout the trails of the nature reserve.
- The following areas have stepped access: the upper viewing levels of some of the hides.
- There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
- The paths have uneven surfaces.
Access To (East Hide)
- The distance from the Visitor Centre is 1100m.
- The most accessible route has slight ramps or slopes and a very easy slope.
- The slope has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is over 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
- There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
- There is step-free level access to the hide.
- There is a single manual door which opens towards you.
- The width of the opening is 89cm.
- The door has a low visual contrast.
Room (East Hide)
- The room is located on the east side of the nature reserve along the coast trail.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: the upper viewing platform of East Hide.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
- Seating available in the room includes: benches.
- Furniture available in the room includes: long tables.
- The tables are fixed.
- The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
- Announcements are in person.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Stairs (East Hide Upper Viewing Level)
- The stairs surveyed are located ahead and to the left as you enter the hide.
- The upper viewing platform and seating area can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 8 steps between floors.
- The steps have faded markings and have a handrail on the left going up.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 19cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps have open risers.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.