You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • These family-friendly wetlands feature a vibrant visitor centre, viewpoints, hides and screens, and accessible trails helping you discover lots of wildlife.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: a shop, cafe, playground and walled garden, standard and accessible toilets, viewpoints, trails and hides.
  • 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 Middlesbrough.
  • 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 level access at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is also the main entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
  • The cafe on the first floor can be accessed via a standard lift.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a mobility scooter.
  • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: Nature Quest bags and binoculars.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: different languages (on request).
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Staff receive the following training: Disability Awareness, Autism Awareness, Basic British Sign Language.
  • There is a buggy parking space under the stairs near the welcome desk.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on Trails, Hides and Viewpoints (opens new tab).

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 2 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located on the ground floor and first floor of the visitor centre.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of the visitor centre.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the ground floor and first floor of the visitor centre.

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 venue.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac and grass.
  • There are 11 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 50m from the entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located next to the Blue Badge parking nearest the visitor centre.
  • There is an overflow car park for peak times.

You are on Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Entrance

• This entrance is located ahead after the car park.
• 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 is a single automatic door.
• The door opens by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 110cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a medium colour contrast.
• There is a second, single automatic door.
• The door opens by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 174cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a medium colour contrast.

You are on Welcome Desk and Seating Area. Skip to the next section.

Welcome Desk and Seating Area

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• Location View
  • The reception is located on the left hand side after entering.
  • The distance from the entrance is 2m.
• 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 97cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • The seating area is located opposite the welcome desk and contains books and displays.

You are on Indoor Viewing Area. Skip to the next section.

Indoor Viewing Area

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• Location and Access View
  • This viewing area is located on the ground floor.
  • 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.
  • There is an opening without doors.
  • The width of the opening is more than 200cm.
• Seating Area View
  • 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 walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Shop. Skip to the next section.

Shop

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• Shop View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are under 120cm.
  • Some aisles did have obstructions at the time of the survey, these included: product displays and advertising displays.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • There is wayfinding signage.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • Seating available for customers includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• Payment Counters and Checkouts View
  • The payment counter is located to the left side after entering.
  • 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 which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The payment machine is portable.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Exit to Trails, Garden and Playground via Shop. Skip to the next section.

Exit to Trails, Garden and Playground via Shop

• The exit area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the exit.
• There is a single automatic door.
• The door opens by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 98cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a medium colour contrast.

You are on Meeting Space and Classroom. Skip to the next section.

Meeting Space and Classroom

• The room is located on the ground floor of the visitor centre.
• The distance from the entrance is 20m.
• 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 is easy to open.
• The width of the opening is 85cm.
• The door has a high 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.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
• Some seating is fixed.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables and desks.
• None of the tables and desks are fixed.
• 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 is not a hearing assistance system.
• Additional facilities/services include: a wash basin.
• There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• The layout of this room may change depending on the event.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor of the visitor centre, to the right after entering.
  • The distance from the entrance is 25m.
• 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 Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 82cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • 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 198cm (width) x 330cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 130cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula 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 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 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low 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 102cm 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 71cm 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 92cm 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 92cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a long mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 100cm and 137cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 84cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Main Exit to Trails. Skip to the next section.

Main Exit to Trails

• The exit area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the exit.
• There are double automatic doors, which are push pad activated.
• The height of the push pad is 90cm.
• The doors open away from you.
• The width of the opening is 147cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a medium colour contrast.
• There is a push pad when entering via this door at a height of 75cm.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located to the right hand side after entering.
• The distance from the entrance is 12m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.

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• Standard Lift View
  • The cafe on the first floor can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 160cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a mirror to aid reversing.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs are located ahead and to the left after entering.
• The cafe on the first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm-45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Cafe. Skip to the next section.

Cafe

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• Location and Access View
  • The cafe is located on the first floor of the visitor centre.
  • The most accessible route has a lift.
  • 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.
• Order and Payment View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • The payment counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the right hand side after entering.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 82cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The payment machine is portable.
  • The self-service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located opposite the main payment counter.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 82cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • This self service counter is for cutlery and condiments.
• Service View
  • This area also has colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus types include: wall-mounted (digital), menu boards and countertop.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: dairy free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is some 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 walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and high tables.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • 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.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • There is access to the outside terrace, depending on the weather.
  • There are double doors that open onto the terrace seating area.
  • One of the doors is locked, but can be opened on request.
  • The opening width at this access point this 78cm.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor, near the cafe.
  • The distance from the lift is 8m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door 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 inwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 83cm.
  • There is a second door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 79cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a medium 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 176cm (width) x 230cm (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 108cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever 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 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 45cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low 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 106cm 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 72cm 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 can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 102cm 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 95cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a long mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 144cm and 98cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 81cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • The baby change is located in the vestibule between the entrance doors.

You are on Walled Garden. Skip to the next section.

Walled Garden

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• About View
  • The following is available in this area: formal gardens and walkways.
• Getting Around View
  • There are surfaced footpaths in some areas.
  • Surfaced footpaths consist of: tarmac and block paving.
  • The majority of the surfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • Some footpaths have sections with potential obstacles such as: uneven surfaces.
  • There are also unsurfaced paths/trails in some areas.
  • Path or trail surfaces consist of: gravel.
  • The majority of the unsurfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • Some paths/trails have sections with: uneven surfaces.
  • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.

You are on Outdoor Spaces, Playground and Picnic Areas. Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces, Playground and Picnic Areas

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• About View
  • The following is available in this area: a playground with adaptations, parkland, gardens and grounds.
• Getting Around View
  • There are surfaced footpaths in some areas.
  • Surfaced footpaths consist of: tarmac.
  • The majority of the surfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • Some footpaths have sections with potential obstacles such as: uneven surfaces.
  • There are also unsurfaced paths/trails in some areas.
  • Path or trail surfaces consist of: rubber mulch or rubber bark, grass, gravel and compact gravel.
  • The majority of the unsurfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • Some paths/trails have sections with: uneven surfaces.
  • There is wayfinding signage in this area.
  • There are some 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 trails, outdoor and raised seating areas.
• Playground View
  • Some of the play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
  • The following play experiences are available: swinging, sliding, rocking, rotating, climbing, balancing, crawling, viewing, sensory (visual, audible, or tactile) and social play (e.g. water or sand pits, talk tubes, hopscotch, roundabouts, see-saws).
  • Routes around the play equipment are firm and even.
  • Routes around the play equipment are at least 150cm wide.