Accessibility Statement

Nature Bugs HQ aims to be a space that welcomes everyone, but recognises that the nature of our land present barriers and challenges for some of our visitors. Through this policy we hope to lay out how we feel we can help people to have a wonderful experience despite these. Nature Bugs is committed to continual improvement and so welcomes any feedback on how the activities could become more accessible and Bentley Heath Primary School (Nature Bugs HQ) will welcome feedback on how their space could become more accessible.

General support

We want anyone who might have additional needs to have a great time enjoying our space and activities. To support this we would be happy to meet with people or their carers to have a short pre-visit to assess the space and see how they can get the best out of it. We are always happy to answer any questions that may arise from such a visit.

We have accessible toilets and blue badge parking is available at the community park.

People facing physical barriers to access

Nature Bugs HQ has been built sympathetically within the natural woodland landscapes. This means that the

environment creates barriers to access such as uneven pathways, steep slopes and loose surfaces.

 

Our crafts and storytelling activities are all totally accessible to those with physical barriers to access.

Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted on site but are limited to a maximum speed of 3mph and you may be asked to leave if the speed limit is exceeded. Whilst there are bark chippings down as paths, in very rainy weather these may become muddy and restrict site access further. If this were the case, we would be happy to rebook your session for an alternative date when the terrain is firmer.

People with visual impairments

Nature Bugs HQ’s natural environment can be challenging to those with visual impairments. There are a large number of areas with uneven surfaces and tree stumps, brambles, nettles etc all present on site. To get the best out of our play structures we recommend that visitors with visual impairments are accompanied at all times while they play.

Neurodivergence

As a wild environment Nature Bugs HQ can present some challenges for neurodivergent people. We recognise that

these challenges can be very specific to individuals and so while we have some recommendations below, we encourage you to get in touch to discuss any specific concerns that you may have.

The space is next to a school playground which can, at times, be noisy. Whilst inside the Conservation Area, noise is surprisingly muted but we recognise that individuals with hypersensitivities may find this overwhelming.

We have designed the space to have areas that are more relaxed, such as our den building area and our bird watching hide. If anyone is feeling a little overwhelmed at any time please let a member of the team know and they will be able to advise you on somewhere to take a break.

We understand that queuing can present a challenge for some young people. If you make us aware in advance ahead of your visit we can make arrangements for you to access slightly after everyone else and leave slightly after too in order to avoid any feeling of crowding.

People who use assistance dogs

The site allows assistance dogs of all kinds into the park and follows the Equality and Human Rights commission’s definition of an assistance dog.

Assistance dogs are not pets and are treated as ‘auxiliary aids’

Assistance dogs are highly trained which means they:

• will not wander freely around the premises

• will sit or lie quietly on the floor next to their owner

• are unlikely to foul in a public place

If your dog does not meet the above definition then we are unable to allow them into the park as it presents too high a hazard for our other visitors and to your dog.

Deafness and those hard of hearing

We understand that some areas of our park involve audio elements that pose a barrier to deaf and hard of hearing visitors.

Unfortunately we do not have the resources to provide a signed version if we incorporate storytelling into a session. However, if there are any accommodations, such as sitting close to the storyteller to aid with lip reading, that would aid your enjoyment please let a member of the team know and they will do their best to support. Storytelling is not always part of a session and with advance knowledge that an individual with deafness or one who is hard of hearing, we can leave out the storytelling element of the session.

 

All safety information given is verbal and the caregiver accompanying the child will be responsible for ensuring they adhere to the instructions given however we do have

a printed version of the safety talk, please ask for this to be made available prior to arrival when booking.