Since 2022, with funding from Defra, we’ve been hard at work delivering projects to make the nation's forests more accessible. Working with people who have lived experience of disability and access needs, we’ve designed and implemented improvements that make forest visits more comfortable, enjoyable and inclusive.
So far, we've completed over 100 projects across 63 forests, including:
- 145 accessible benches and resting places.
- 17 inclusive play areas.
- 14 all-terrain mobility scooters.
- 7 Changing Places toilets.
- 3 Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) boards to support non-verbal visitors, with more to come.
These changes are already helping more people explore, rest and play in their local forests.
Changing Places toilet facilities
A Changing Places toilet provides the space and facilities needed by people with multiple and complex disabilities who need the support of at least one assistant. Amongst other things, these toilets include a ceiling hoist system and a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench.
In providing Changing Places toilets, we're opening up our forests to visitors who may not previously have been able to visit due to their needs, giving them a safe and dignified toilet space.
By the end of 2026, Changing Places will be available at 14 different forests - more than doubling the number available at the project's start.
All-terrain mobility scooters
There are many reasons why visitors may not be able to explore forests and woodlands on foot. For these visitors, using an all-terrain mobility scooter (such as a Tramper) allows them to navigate the different surfaces and terrains of the nation’s forests with ease, either by themselves or as part of a mixed-ability group.
We’ve added 14 new all-terrain mobility scooters at a number of forests across the country, including Delamere Forest (Cheshire), Thames Chase (Essex), Alice Holt Forest (Surrey) and High Lodge (Suffolk). More visitors now have the chance to experience the wellbeing benefits of time spent in the forest.
Inclusive forest play areas
Providing play opportunities suitable for a range of needs and sensitivities is an important part of providing accessible visits to our forests.
Designed to help everyone feel welcome and included, our inclusive play options can include natural materials, quiet zones, adapted and multi-height equipment and sensory features.
Pedal and Play trails
Our Pedal and Play trails were created especially to help cyclists aged 3-11 years old gain skills and confidence in off-road cycling.
New trails and skills hubs have been opened at High Lodge (Suffolk), Hicks Lodge (Leicestershire) and Sherwood Pines (Notts), joining our existing trail at Cannock Chase Forest (Staffs). Non-standard cycles were considered in the design for these trails, to make sure they can be used by people with additional access needs.
Resting areas and shelters have also been incorporated so that whole family groups can visit together – including those needing to rest or shelter from the elements whilst watching others play.
Accessible paths and forest trails
Widening and levelling uneven paths, removing physical barriers and obstacles and providing new trails have been a key part of opening up our forests to more visitors.
New trails that are suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters have been completed at forests across the country, from Chopwell Wood in Tyne and Wear to Abbeyford Woods in Devon.
Accessible benches and seating
Accessible benches and perches were trialled at Haldon Forest Park in Devon and have now been rolled out at forests across the country, alongside accessible picnic benches. These provide seating at a mix of different heights for people of different statures, have handles to allow users to push up and out of their seats more easily, alongside having preferable back rest and seat angles.
Many of these bench options enable users to transfer from wheelchairs or mobility scooters if they wish to do so.
Plan your forest visit
Ready to head out for an accessible forest adventure? Search for your nearest forest and select the 'facilities and access' tab on the white menu once you click through to see what's available on site.
