Overview

DIsabled parking only provide a basic 2400mm width, which was not enough to allow wheelchair user to get to the side of the car. Width of entrance door was exactly the same width of the wheelchair which meant it was a struggle to get in, although staff offered to open a side gate if we were not able to manage it. There was two other doors, just after the entrance, and leaving the building to the outside of the attraction with normal width manually operated doors. Some of the paths were marked with signs saying that wheelchair users were not welcome, even though ignoring the signs and going down those paths showed there was absolutely no reason why they should try to prevent wheelchair users from going down them. Lots of manually operated gates, which makes it essential to have a carer to assist you. A behind the scenes experience of seeing ducklings, the space provided was insufficient for wheelchair users, and no alternatives offered. No facilities offered for hearing impaired visitors, had difficulties hearing volunteers during a behind the scenes tour of the ducklings. It wasn't all bad, there was lots of good things too... Venue offered a free carer ticket without having to ask for it, and disabled admission price had a discount over the full price tickets. Lots of hides had lower viewing points ideal for wheelchair access. Was able to see all aisles of the shop, and also able to enjoy the restaurant. Most paths are well constructed for wheelchairs, with just one path noted that was not suitable for wheelchairs (there was no signs for this path to indicate it's non-suitability)

Transport & Parking

Whilst the venue had a bus stop, there was no scheduled buses operating to and from it. Closest bus stop with a scheduled bus service was 1.5 miles away, along a route not suitable for wheelchairs (part of route with no pavement, no drop-down kerb where pavement ends and pavement recommences), the footpath from the railway bridge has a full width gate that is locked, and a side zig zag that is very hard to get a wheelchair around. One path also has a boulder which reduces the width, only way to pass with wheelchair is to ride into the nettles next to the path. Parking, there are 10 disabled parking bays provided at the front, but these bays are 2400mm wide with no wheelchair hatched areas, which makes them unsuitable for wheelchair users when the venue is busy.

Access

Width of entrance door was exactly the same width of the wheelchair which meant it was a struggle to get in, although staff offered to open a side gate if we were not able to manage it. There was two other doors, just after the entrance, and leaving the building to the outside of the attraction with normal width manually operated doors. Some of the paths were marked with signs saying that wheelchair users were not welcome, even though ignoring the signs and going down those paths showed there was absolutely no reason why they should try to prevent wheelchair users from going down them. Lots of manually operated gates, which meant I had to have assistance to open and close them all. Lots of hides had lower viewing points ideal for wheelchair access. Was able to see all aisles of the shop, and also able to enjoy the restaurant. Most paths are well constructed for wheelchairs, with just one path noted that was not suitable for wheelchairs (there was no signs for this path to indicate it's non-suitability)

Toilets

Noted a single toilet in the information area, which was a little small. Door was not locked by RADAR, and so nothing stopped anyone from using the toilet.

Staff

Admission staff, shop staff, and restaurant staff, very helpful and gave me the attention when I spoke. Information Kiosk staff gave their attention to my carer when I spoke. I noted an injured bird, and on speaking to a passing member of staff, they were not interested in the birds suffering, suggesting the Malard was injured by another Malard, and that as they were wild, they were not willing to assist.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

It was a nice experience seeing ducklings before during and after birth, and seeing a large arrange of birds, and whilst I enjoyed the experience, I wouldn't visit again.

Photos