We recently posted this message sent to our Facebook page
I love wildlife but currently need a wheelchair if walking more than 5 minutes. Where are the best wheelchair accessible places locally to see birds, flowers, trees? Alternatively, where are the best benches that are a short walk from a car parking space?
The response was nothing more than we’ve come to expect from the Mapperley People community:
Here’s a summary of the suggestions:
Attenborough Nature Reserve is worth the drive across town, it has accessible toilets and a cafe. Staff are very helpful. There is a small parking charge to support the reserve. There are different routes, and some are more accessible than others. The staff will advise.
Ruddington Country Park. All paths are smooth and not many hills. Walking round the kite field is my favourite. Check there website for opening times of the Heritage Museum.
The Greenwood Coffee Stop. Find them on Facebook. There are bird feeders, benches and views. Happy to help get you there or meet for a coffee.
The Stoke Bardolph entrance to Netherfield Lagoons has a public car park outside opposite Ferry Inn. The path is very well maintained so would be suitable. There are benches, and you can watch the kayaks, people fishing, or walk along paths into woodlands and a small waterfall. They do have the cows out sometimes as well as lots of wildlife. https://nottsguidedwalks.co.uk/…/stoke-bardolph-self…/re
I went to Rufford Country Park in a wheelchair and parked in the Mill End carpark which has better ramps and toilet access.
Colwick Park is pretty good.
Arnot Hill Park is nice for very friendly wildlife and lots of benches. There’s an accessible rose garden as well as a cafe.
Burntstump Park is local and easy access as car park is close to entrance now. The Pub doesn’t mind people cutting through as shared car park and pub has outdoor seating that looks out onto the park. It’s a dog friendly pub. It has a small lake not the best for wildlife but that’s my opinion.
Slightly further afield but at Bradgate Park they offer free off road mobility scooter hire. https://www.bradgatepark.org/access
Gedling Country Park
Gunthorpe Lock
The sender of the message was so pleased with the feedback, she even took the time to thank those who contributed.
Thank you so much everyone! There are places here I know but hadn’t thought of, and places I’ve never ventured before! I am looking forward to getting out and about and hopefully seeing some nice birdies and views along the way 🥰🐦🦚