You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include a visitor centre and cafe.
• Services / facilities within the grounds include a nature reserve and wildfowl collection.

You are on Opening Times (Wetland Centre - Winter (November to March)). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Wetland Centre - Winter (November to March))

• Monday 09:30 - 16:30.
• Tuesday 09:30 - 16:30.
• Wednesday 09:30 - 16:30.
• Thursday 09:30 - 16:30.
• Friday 09:30 - 16:30.
• Saturday 09:30 - 16:30.
• Sunday 09:30 - 16:30.

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• Comments View
  • Last admission is 1 hour before closing.

You are on Opening Times (Wetland Centre - Summer (April to October)). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Wetland Centre - Summer (April to October))

• Monday 09:30 - 17:30.
• Tuesday 09:30 - 17:30.
• Wednesday 09:30 - 17:30.
• Thursday 09:30 - 17:30.
• Friday 09:30 - 17:30.
• Saturday 09:30 - 17:30.
• Sunday 09:30 - 17:30.

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• Comments View
  • Last admission is 1 hour before closing.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
• The nearest National Rail station is East Boldon.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• Venue Car Park View
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • The car park is located off Barmstone Lane.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 356cm x 493cm (11ft 8in x 16ft 2in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 87m (95yd 5in) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 99m (108yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • 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 slopes/ramps.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.

You are on Level Change (Car Park to Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Car Park to Main Entrance)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located on the path leading from the car park to the main entrance.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the visitor centre.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 98cm (3ft 3in).

You are on Level Change (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
• The ramp/slope is portable.
• Please contact a member of staff.
• The ramp does not have handrails.
• The width of the ramp/slope is 78cm (2ft 7in).
• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located in the doorway.
• There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
• There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
• The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

You are on Outside Access (Main Exit). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Exit)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the visitor centre.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 98cm (3ft 3in).

You are on Level Change (Main Exit). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Main Exit)

• The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located in the doorway.
• There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
• There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
• There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

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• Comments View
  • The step can be overcome by wheelchair users by using the main entrance as an exit.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The desk/counter is 1m (3ft 3in) from the main entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
• The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The lighting levels are medium.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Counter (Gift Shop). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Gift Shop)

• The counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
• There is a bell to attract attention.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
• The height of the counter is 89cm (2ft 11in).
• There is not a lowered section.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Inside Access (Visitor Centre). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (Visitor Centre)

• There is level access to the service(s).
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are varied.

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• Comments View
  • There is a large map of the venue in the centre of the visitor centre (shown in photograph 4).
  • The height to the top of the map is 91cm.

You are on Outside Access (Waterside Cafe Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Waterside Cafe Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located to the rear left of the visitor centre.
• There is level access into the venue.
• There are no doors at this entrance.

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• Comments View
  • The clear width of the opening is 142cm.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Waterside Cafe). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Waterside Cafe)

• The following information is for the café.
• The café is located to the rear left of the visitor centre.
• Full table service is not available.
• Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
• There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the cafe entrance.
• The standard height for tables is 72cm.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
• Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are hand held only.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

You are on Outside Access (Visitor Centre Right Hand Side Entrance / Exit). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Visitor Centre Right Hand Side Entrance / Exit)

• This information is for the entrance located to the right hand side of the visitor centre, leading from the close encounters area.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).

You are on Level Change (Visitor Centre Right Hand Side Entrance / Exit). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Visitor Centre Right Hand Side Entrance / Exit)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does not have handrails.

You are on Outside Access (Visitor Centre Left Hand Side Entrance / Exit). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Visitor Centre Left Hand Side Entrance / Exit)

• This information is for the entrance located to the front left of the visitor centre, leading to the pond zone and playscape.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).

You are on Level Change (Visitor Centre Left Hand Side Entrance / Exit). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Visitor Centre Left Hand Side Entrance / Exit)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp or slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.

You are on Parks and Gardens (Inner Circuit). Skip to the next section.

Parks and Gardens (Inner Circuit)

• The park or garden does have footpaths.
• The path(s) has a / have compact earth and tarmac surface(s).
• The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There are moderate and slight slopes on the paths.
• There are some bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

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• Comments View
  • There is a viewing shelter with picnic table and attached bench seating overlooking the reed bed, to the rear right of the inner circuit.
  • The height of the picnic table is 62cm.
  • There is space for a wheelchair user to use the picnic table.
  • There are information boards throughout the inner circuit.
  • The height to the top of the information boards is between 69cm and 156cm.

You are on Close Encounters. Skip to the next section.

Close Encounters

• Close Encounters is located to the front right of the inner circuit.
• The area is accessed by gate.
• The gate opens away from you.
• The gate is single.
• The gate is heavy.
• The width of the gate opening is 127cm.
• There is a similar gate to exit the area.
• There is bench seating to the centre of this area.
• There are wooden bridges across the water in this area.

You are on Playscape. Skip to the next section.

Playscape

• Playscape is a children's play area.
• Playscape is located at the front left of the inner circuit.
• There are no gates to access the area.
• There is a variety of play equipment for varying age groups.
• The surface around the equipment is a soft safety matting and loose bark.
• Some of the equipment is accessed by steps.
• The steps can be overcome by slopes.
• The pathways through the area are tarmac.
• The gradients of the slopes are easy.

You are on Parks and Gardens (Nature Reserve). Skip to the next section.

Parks and Gardens (Nature Reserve)

• The park or garden does have footpaths.
• The path(s) has a / have compact earth, loose wood chippings, tarmac and gravel surface(s).
• The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There are slight, steep and moderate slopes on the paths.
• There are some bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

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• Comments View
  • There are fox proof gates throughout the nature reserve.
  • There are 2 sets of gates at the fox proof gated entrances.
  • The gate shown is the Saline Lagoon gate (photographs 27 - 29).
  • The first gate opens towards you.
  • The gate is single and heavy.
  • The clear opening width is 102cm.
  • The second gate opens away from you.
  • The gate is single and heavy.
  • The clear opening width is 112cm.
  • All fox proof gates are similar.
  • The gates are not suitable for wheelchair users.

You are on Hides. Skip to the next section.

Hides

• There are a number of hides throughout the nature reserve.
• Hawthorn Wood Hide is shown in photographs 1 - 6.
• The entrance to Hawthorn Wood Hide opens away from you.
• The entrance is heavy.
• The clear opening width is 85cm.
• There is a moderate ramp to the right as you face the entrance.
• There are no handrails at the ramp.
• There is a moderate slope leading to the entrance.
• There are viewing seats and benches in the hide.
• There is a lowered viewing window which is 71cm high.
• The height of the desks at the higher windows is 91cm.
• The lagoon hide is similar (photographs 7 - 11).
• The Northumbrian Water hide, Paddy Fleming hide, Diageo hide and Prince's Trust hide have no doors.
• The entrances to these hides are 106cm wide.
• There are easy slopes to access these hides.
• Paddy Fleming hide is shown in photographs 12 - 16.
• The other hides are similar.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Visitor Centre). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Visitor Centre)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left hand side of the visitor centre.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The door is heavy.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 190cm (6ft 5in x 6ft 3in).
  • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 124cm (4ft 1in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are sanitary, clinical waste, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 74cm (2ft 5in).

You are on Accessible Toilet (Inner Circuit & Nature Reserve Compost Toilet). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Inner Circuit & Nature Reserve Compost Toilet)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 375m (410yd 4in) from the visitor centre left hand side entrance / exit.
  • This accessible toilet is located on the pathway leading from the inner circuit to the nature reserve, to the rear of the grounds, between the Asian Short-Clawed Otters and Northumbrian Water hide.
  • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
  • The door is heavy.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 176cm x 224cm (5ft 9in x 7ft 4in).
  • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 92cm (3ft).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is no flush.
  • There is not an emergency alarm.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are non-infectious waste and clinical waste disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • There is not a mirror.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • There is not a wash basin.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
  • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 83cm (2ft 9in).
• Comments View
  • The toilet is a compost toilet.
  • The lid to the wood shavings container is 107cm from the floor.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The hand sanitiser can be reached from the seat.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 99cm.

You are on Level Change (Inner Circuit & Nature Reserve Compost Toilet). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Inner Circuit & Nature Reserve Compost Toilet)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to the facility.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Visitor Centre). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitor Centre)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left hand side of the visitor centre.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Parent and Baby Room. Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room

• The room is located to the right hand side of the visitors centre.
• The room is 7m from the main entrance.
• There is a sink in the room.
• The height of the sink is 83cm.
• The taps are twist / turn.
• There is a nappy bin.
• There is a hand dryer.
• The height of the baby change is 87cm.
• There is a seat.
• The seat does not have armrests.
• There is a standard toilet in the room.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Documents are not available in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
• An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is normally on duty.
• Staff are trained to BSL level (unknown at time of research).

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• Comments View
  • Access to Wi-Fi is available.