Amelia Davies, the Engagement and Participation Officer at East Devon Council, has shared her thoughts on how to enjoy the natural world with limited mobility.
Amelia has recently undergone surgery on her ankle and being someone who loves being outdoors has found it difficult losing the ability to go out for a walk or explore the region’s nature reserves. Many people using mobility aids can struggle to enjoy the great outdoors, especially where there are unlevel surfaces and natural furniture like trees and other plants.
Amelia has talked about her experiences in the latest update from Wild East Devon, talking about the facilities that Seaton Wetlands have on offer. The Wetlands have their own off road electric wheelchair which can be hired and used around the site, offering a completely different way for visitors to experience the site.
With a flat, tarmacked path running through the top end of the site, which includes the bird hides and more, making the site much more wheelchair friendly.
The site also has disabled toilet facilities and in the summer, the Tram will be making a stop at the wetlands, with their wheelchair friendly carriages.
She told East Devon Council: “Once I became more mobile, I was able to make use of the tramper that Seaton Wetlands has to offer. It can be hired at the wetlands and used around the site and offers a completely different way to experience the site.
“As I’m becoming more mobile, soon I will have my boot off and I have become incredible grateful for access to a view.”
It isn’t just at Seaton Wetlands where you can enjoy nature while using mobility aids. You can find out more by searching for Welcome to Countryside Mobility, who have a list of locations throughout the south west where you can enjoy accessible beauty spots or hire off road wheelchairs. The Miles without Stiles campaign has also been working to create accessible trails around Britain’s National Parks.