News » Yorkshire Dales National Park 'Access for All' forum
Independus continues to work with the Yorkshire Dales national Park authority, in the area of opening the Dales to disabled people and their families and carers, disabled tourism is often overlooked by the media and others. However the Yorkshire Dales National Park authority spend a great deal of time trying to attend to the needs of disabled people. Independus tries to work closely with them on present and future projects where asked.
So on January 27th 2011, Nicola and Roy, ( both trustees of Independus), 75% of Independus trustees have disabilities themselves. This day was spent at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Access Forum at Yordale, Bainbridge.
The Forum commenced by evaluating and discussing the merits and shortcomings of tourist websites before going on to talk about building modifications and developments, in order to aid and improve future developments in the Dales National Park. It was decided, laying out and stipulating the clear guidelines the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorities views would assist and aid improvements.
Project updates were mentioned next, one at Aysgarth, Wensleydale. Here, Gates have been updated and renewed, making freeholders would more accessible. Another project was mentioned at Grimworth Reservoir, where work is being carried out developing an accessible circular route around the Reservoir. Finally, a conservation project at a known quarry was highlighted and discussed, to ensure the continued health of the diverse wildlife that exists there.
The next topic discussed was the problem of walking among suckling herds of cattle with the dog, and the dangers to the unaware in doing so.
Within the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's helpers there are a bunch of volunteering people called "Red Robins", they help with various tasks in a national Park assisted by Rangers. This work can be difficult and demanding at times, so the Forum discussed the need to outline the necessary skills and abilities of their red Robins.
Next, the Disabled Ramblers were mentioned, and they are proposing to come to the Dales for three days this year at differing venues within the National Park this summer, or very soon after.
One of the things that came from the Forum was the chance for Independus trustees to meet some of the other helping organisations, such as "Open Country". They have many years of experience working with disabled people, and activities for them to do in the Dales. It is always good to hear and keep abreast of each other's progress and services provided.