Being wheelchair bound doesn't mean you can't get out into the countryside. James Littlewood, from the Chilterns Conservation Board, explains


WE often hear about how important the countryside and nature are to people. How the countryside is an emotional and physical escape from the noise, pollution and hustle and bustle of modern life. A place to reconnect with nature and the elements, to relax, gather your thoughts and to feel free. It is no surprise that walking in the countryside is the nationÕs number one outdoor activity.

Unfortunately for users of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and people who are ambulant disabled, blind or partially-sighted being able to enjoy the countryside is not so easy. Up to 40 per cent of the population find it difficult to cope with barriers in the countryside, such as stiles and narrow gates or muddy and slippery paths.

In recent years much work has been done to raise awareness of the rights of all types of people to be able to enjoy the countryside. By replacing stiles with gates and improving path surfaces it is possible to make the countryside more accessible for everyone. In the Chilterns we are fortunate that many organisations responsible for the countryside have made such improvements, though there is still a massive amount of work to be done.

To help mark European Year of People with Disabilities 2003, a partnership of local organisations has produced a new pack of countryside walks in the Chilterns suitable for people with disabilities.

Walkers can enjoy the fresh air and fantastic views and explore woodlands, meadows, rivers, canals and lakes and might see red kites, deer and wild flowers. Local resident Sandra Hastrick says: "These walks are wonderful for people like me who love to be outdoors in the countryside. It's great that thought has been given so that people confined to wheelchairs now know where they can go to enjoy the Chilterns."

Most of the walks are on level hard surfaced paths but some are more challenging. Each leaflet provides information about the conditions people can expect to find on the walk, such as slopes or the type of path surface. This information will help disabled people decide if the walk is right for them. At two of the sites it is possible to borrow mobility scooters to help explore (training included).

The pack of 11 walks is free for people with impaired mobility and users of wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. Call the Chilterns Conservation Board on 01844 271300 to order a pack or you can download them from the internet www.chilternsaonb.org/accesswalks/ A programme of guided walks in the countryside accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters is also planned for next spring and summer. Contact James Littlewood 01844 271316 for details. The walks packs have been produced by the Chilterns Conservation Board in partnership with Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, British Waterways, Bucks County Council, Corporation of London, Countryside Agency, English Nature, Forestry Commission, National Trust, Sustrans, Thames Path National Trail, Woodland Trust and local volunteers.