The nation's forests are for all to enjoy
We strive to remove barriers, creating inclusive areas for play, exercise and socialising while making sure parking and facilities are worry free for your visit.
To help you plan your visit, this page offers helpful information on accessibility at the nation's forests.
Hire an all-terrain mobility scooter
All-terrain mobility scooters (for example Trampers) are easy to use and are designed to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients in all kinds of weather. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire one.
Many of the nation's forests offer the hire of mobility scooters, enabling visitors with limited mobility to enjoy a day out in the forest. Visit our mobility scooter page to see a video of what to expect and search the map for hire in a forest near you.
Enjoy an easy access trail
Our easy access trails have easy terrain and no physical barriers, so are suitable for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Many of the nation's forests have easy access trails. Search the map to find an easy access trail near you.
Inclusive play areas
There is a wide range of play opportunities and experiences on offer for all abilities including natural play, quiet zones and sensory features or equipment that allows those with a disability to play alongside others who may not. These areas have been created to help all children feel welcome and included.
Search our play areas map for the different types of play areas in the nation's forests.
Most forests have quieter times to visit, outside of school holidays and later in the afternoon
Changing places
A Changing Places facility is designed to be completely accessible and provides additional space for ease of manoeuvrability compared with a standard accessible toilet.
Specialist equipment is included: a hoist; adult changing table; privacy screen and well-spaced toilet (away from the walls) with hand washing facilities. A shower may also be included. They are accessed with a RADAR key in most cases. (Please check your local forest webpage for information on potential restricted hours).
Inclusive cycling
We have lots of ways to enjoy cycling in the forest and we’re working on improving the accessibility of our cycling offer.
Alice Holt Forest has a range of adapted cycles to hire, including tricycles, tandems, hand-powered trikes, wheelchair transferable bikes, a wheelchair carrier and side-by-side tandems. Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire also hires adaptive bikes from their Dalby Forest Cycle Hub.
Pedal and Play has been designed to ensure a range of needs are catered for regardless of age, mobility or current cycling skills. Children can enjoy Pedal and Play at Cannock Chase Forest, near Stafford, Hicks Lodge in Leicestershire and High Lodge in Suffolk.
The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre has a green-graded accessible bike trail which is suitable for a wide range of cycles with 2, 3 or 4 wheels, adaptive cycles and tag-a-longs. Accessible bike hire is also available on-site, with adapted bikes available too.
Sensory walks
We’ve teamed up with Sense, a national charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex disabilities, to create and map new Sensory Walk routes in our forests. Let the sounds, sights and smells of the forest reduce your stress, stimulate your senses and spark your imagination.
Each route is an accessible walk and we’ve worked with Sense to highlight key sensory points along the way for you to enjoy.
Questions you may have about access to the nation's forests
Forestry England is commitment to making the nation’s forests more inclusive and accessible for everyone and we are doing so by providing facilities and experiences to ensure everyone can enjoy the wellbeing benefits of nature.
- Changing Places toilets
Accessible toilets
Accessible seating
- Accessible cycling trails
- All-terrain mobility scooter hire
- Inclusive play areas for children
- Sensory walks
- Step-free paths and viewing points
Disabled parking for non-members is not free. Find out more about how to get free parking with a Forestry England membership here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/membership
These are wider accessible parking bays, usually less than 50 meters away from the visitor facilities, specifically signed and allocated for those with disabilities. Please note that users should display their blue badge in these spaces but are still required to pay for parking in this car park (where applicable).
Here, you'll find which forests offer mobility scooter hire: https://www.forestryengland.uk/activities/all-terrain-mobility-scooters
Each forest has its own booking process. Please check the forest’s website or contact the local site team.
What are accessible toilets?
An accessible, individual public toilet with space for wheelchair transfer and equipment suitable for disabled users. Doors open outwards and, in some locations, these are power assisted. These toilets are often accessed by a RADAR key, and some may have baby change facilities, all include an emergency assistance alarm.
What is a Changing Place facility?
A room designed with more space than a standard accessible toilet and features such as hoist, adjustable sink, privacy screen and in some cases a shower. Read full information.
What are accessible benches?
Seating designed to cater for a range of needs including different seat heights and seats at the end of the bench designed to allow transfer from a wheelchair or mobility scooter if so desired. Our perches now have arm rests to provide assistance when moving back into an upright standing position.
What are accessible picnic tables?
Picnic tables which are designed with a long overhang at both ends to allow wheelchair users to access the tables comfortably.
What is portable seating?
These are portable walking sticks incorporating a fold out seat. Take a rest wherever and whenever you need.
Find the forest you want to go to Visit a forest or woodland | Forestry England then check that forest’s access information page in the ‘facilities and access’ section of the page.
We welcome your feedback. Please speak to a member of staff on your visit or contact the local site staff via email, this can be found on our website. If you have an idea, a group or charity we could work with please contact us or speak to a member of staff on your visit. Please share any positive experiences too.
