A NATURE trail in the shadow of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge has been given the once-over by members of the Warrington Visually Impaired People’s (WVIP) keep fit group.
They were invited to walk the Wigg Island Nature Trail, on the Runcorn side of the bridge, by Paul Oldfield, secretary of the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust (MGET).
The VIP take part in an exercise programme at the Fairfield and Howley Centre but their manager, Gail Bretherton also takes them out for out-of-doors walks when the weather is fine.
Thanks to a grant from Active Cheshire, they are able to visit parks and other outdoor locations.
On the walk, members recorded their observations such as:
*The steep gradient of one of the slopes that made wheelchair access a challenge;
*One of the hides hide couldn’t accommodate a wheelchair;
*Adjustment required to the height of a viewing platform to allow better views from the hide that could be appreciated by all;
*Font and colour of information boards;
*Possible use of mobile phone technology for access to audible information.
Mr Oldfield said: “The MGET want members of the WVIP to scrutinise the path network, information boards, signs etc. We will take note of their comments and incorporate them as best practice whenever we can so that we improve the visitors experience for people with disabilities.
“The self-guided trail provides visitors with information about the local ecology, and the steps that we are taking to preserve and protect the local environment.”
WVIP chairman Geoff Settle was pleased with feedback and said: “Today has been a great day and
everyone enjoyed themselves. There was a good representation of visual impairments and physical disabilities. The one-mile walk takes in wildflower meadows, woodland, wetland, as well as the existing troll trail, an interesting selection of wood and ceramic sculptures designed and created by Halton Borough Council.”
Visually impaired walkers visit nature trail
00 Comments
