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Easy Access to
Historic
Landscapes
The United Kingdom’s historic parks, gardens and               English Heritage, the National Trust and Historic
landscapes are valued for their beauty, diversity and          Scotland seek to ensure that their properties and
historical significance. Millions of people visit them every   events are accessible to everyone by providing easy,
year but many others feel unwelcome and unable to              dignified access wherever reasonably possible.The
enjoy these special places. Improving access is one key        statutory agencies encourage others who own or
to a wider understanding, valuing, caring and enjoyment        manage historic landscapes to adopt access plans that
of historic landscapes. English Heritage and the Heritage      are consistent with the special historic or archaeological
Lottery Fund have produced this guidance to help               interest of the property concerned. As the lead advisory
owners and managers reconcile wider access with                body on historic landscapes in England, English Heritage
conservation interests. Although prompted by the               believes access should be celebrated with high-quality
implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act            design that is also sensitive to the special interest of
1995, this guidance promotes an inclusive approach to          historic parks, gardens and landscapes.
ensure that every visitor to a historic park, garden or
landscape has a meaningful experience.                         Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund across the UK
                                                               often presents the biggest opportunity for historic parks
The National Trust, Countryside Agency, Historic               and gardens to undertake major redevelopment and
Houses Association and Historic Scotland have                  make physical improvements to overcome the barriers
provided advice and guidance on this publication.              disabled people face in sharing access to our heritage.
The advice of the Historic Houses Association is very          In its first 10 years the Heritage Lottery Fund has
welcome as many of our important historic parks and            restored over 250 public parks, gardens, squares,
gardens open to the public are in private ownership.           promenades and historic cemeteries across the UK. HLF
The Sensory Trust, which was commissioned to develop           expects all applicants to think about how they can make
this guidance, promotes and implements inclusive               their heritage asset more accessible for disabled people
environmental design and management.The Trust’s                by overcoming the barriers which challenge access.
team has worked closely with groups of disabled
people, property staff and advisors on this project.           All of us who have been involved in producing this
                                                               guidance document encourage everyone who may have
Barriers to access and individual, site-specific solutions     a role in making historic landscapes more accessible –
are illustrated throughout the guidance to stimulate           owners, managers, friends groups, advisors – to use
ideas, but new access solutions are being developed            this guidance to create inclusive landscapes that can
all the time and over the next five years a library of         be accessed and enjoyed by everyone.
good design and good practice case studies could
be developed.

                                        HISTORIC
                                        HOUSES
                                        ASSOCIATION
Contents Easy access to historic landscapes




Contents
Introduction                             3       Access plan                        23
What this guide covers                   4       The access planning process        24
  Other guidance                         4   Supporting the process                 26
                                                 Access statement                   26
Part I                                           Funding                            26
Access and conservation:                     Barriers to access                     27
   getting the balance right             5       Identifying barriers               28
   Permissions and consents              8       Examples of barriers               30
Access legislation and standards        10       Examples of solutions              31
   Disability Discrimination Acts            Visitor experience                     32
       1995 and 2005                    10       Visitor surveys                    33
   Defining disability                  10       Decision to visit                  33
   Standards for access and Part M      11       Information for visitors           34
   Access statement                     12       Bolton Abbey                       35
   Considering reasonable adjustments   12       Getting there and home             36
An inclusive approach                   13       Arrival                            38
   Principles of an inclusive                    Getting around                     39
       historic landscape               14       Paths and routes                   40
   Benefits of an inclusive approach    15       Path surfaces                      42
Developing skills                       16       Steps                              43
Consulting with people                  17       Steep paths and gradients          45
   The Witley Court Project             18       On-site transport                  47
                                                 Garden features                    48
Part 2                                           Information and interpretation     49
Planning for better access              20
                                                 Comfort                            52
    Access strategy                     21
                                                 Poole’s Cavern                     54
    Access audit                        21
    Conservation management plan        21   Supporting information
                                             Disability Discrimination Act 1995     55
                                             Disability Rights Commission
                                                Codes of Practice                   56
 Front cover images, from top left to
 bottom right all © Sensory Trust            Sources of information
 Mount Edgcumbe Park, Cornwall               Primary legislation                    57
 Cathedral Precinct, Glasgow                 Official guidance documents            57
 Chatsworth House, Derbyshire                General reading: access                58
 Mount Stewart, Co. Down                     General reading: historic landscapes
 Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh               and their conservation              62
 Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire                Where to go for further information    63
 No Man’s Land Orchard, Kent                    Access organisations                63
 Painshill Park, Surrey                         National societies                  65
                                                Government bodies                   66
                                                                                                         1
Easy access to historic landscapes         Introduction




Historic landscapes and access issues are diverse.
Clockwise from top left: Peveril Castle, Derbyshire; Witley Court, Worcestershire; Birmingham Botanic
Gardens; Mount Stewart, County Down; Badminton Park, Gloucestershire; Mount Grace Priory, North
Yorkshire; Corfe Castle, Dorset; Painshill Park Waterwheel, Surrey; centre Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol




                                                                                                                    © Christopher Gallagher
                                                                                                  © Andrew Tryner




                                                                                                                    © Stephen Robson
                                                     © National Trust




2
Introduction Easy access to historic landscapes




Introduction
This guide has been produced to help
property owners and managers make their
                                                   Key points of this guide
historic landscapes more accessible to all         Historic landscapes are important national assets.They
visitors. It will also be of value to designers,   provide some of the most special and valued places for
planners, policy makers and others working         public recreation and education. Such landscapes are often
to open up historic sites to a wider range         vulnerable.The objective of conservation management is
of visitors.The principles in this guide are       to maintain historic landscapes in ways that sustain their
applicable for other landscapes.                   significance or values, and where appropriate, recover,
                                                   reveal or enhance them.
The term historic landscape is used
throughout this guide to include the               The benefits of improving access go beyond meeting legal
following types of landscape in the UK:            requirements. It is an opportunity to attract new audiences,
                                                   increase the likelihood of repeat visits and improve the
   Historic parks and gardens                      quality of experience for all visitors.
   Historic urban squares and townscapes
   Ancient monuments                               Access improvements benefit many people. It is estimated
   Industrial heritage                             that one person in five is disabled (11.7 million), and that
   Cemeteries and commemorative sites              a further 18 million people would benefit from improved
                                                   access to public spaces.This includes older people, families
A key theme of this guide is how to achieve        with young children and people with temporary or health-
a balance between improving access and             related impairments (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
conserving the historic character and fabric.      2003).
The focus is on enhancing the visitor
experience, but the guidance will also help        Access must be seen in its widest sense, including how
improve the skills and approach of staff and       easy it is for people to explore the landscape, enjoy it
volunteers. Access can often be significantly      and feel comfortable. Standard solutions rarely work.
enhanced through low-key improvements              Access improvements should be planned to respect
and without major intervention.                    the special qualities of a particular site.

This guide advocates an inclusive approach         The DDA requires a reasonable approach to improving
to design and management, addressing               access but the meaning of reasonable is yet to be established.
the needs of all people, regardless of             Expectations of what is reasonable are likely to evolve as
age, gender, background or disability.             inclusive approaches are more widely used and technology
This inclusive approach is underpinned             improves. Meeting responsibilities under the DDA relies on
by legislation such as the Disability              changing practices, policies and procedures as well as making
Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 (DDA).           practical changes on the ground. Inclusive practices rely on
                                                   the support and involvement of all staff and volunteers.

                                                                                                                    3
Easy access to historic landscapes   Introduction




                       What this guide covers

                       The focus of this guide is on developing      Other guidance
                       approaches that can be sustained over
                       time, for example by making existing          This guide has been produced as a
                       practices more inclusive. In the absence      companion to English Heritage’s Easy
                       of regulatory standards for access to         Access to Historic Buildings (2004), Historic
                       landscape, this guide suggests                Scotland’s Technical Advice Note Access to
                       examples of current good practice.            the Built Heritage (1996), the Countryside
                                                                     for All accessibility standards, the Fieldfare
                       Part 1 sets the scene. It addresses the       Trust’s A Good Practice Guide to Countryside
                       challenges associated with improving          Access for Disabled People Extended CD
                       access in historic landscapes and the need    Edition: 2005, and the Countryside
                       to find creative access solutions. It gives   Agency’s new guidance on least restrictive
                       an overview of the DDA, highlights the        access (By All Reasonable Means 2005).
                       benefits of an inclusive approach and         It also refers to the Building Regulations and
                       outlines the importance of developing         the minimum standards set out in Part M
                       skills and consulting with people.            of these regulations (ODPM 2004).

                       Part 2 is designed to help managers           Guidance on access standards for buildings
                       and owners plan access improvements.          and the wider countryside can be very
                       It discusses how visitors find out about,     useful. However, whilst many issues are
                       reach, and enjoy a site, and highlights the   similar for both indoor and outdoor
                       importance of comfort and enjoyment.          environments caution is required when
                       Ideas and examples of good practice           applying such solutions in historic landscapes.
                       have been collected from historic
                       landscapes throughout the UK.                 At the time of writing there is limited
                                                                     published guidance on improving access
                       The supporting information section            to historic landscapes.The Sensory Trust
                       provides information on the legislation,      website includes a review of current
                       with particular emphasis on the DDA.          publications.
                       It also identifies sources of further
                       information and advice.




4
Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes




Part 1
Access and conservation:
getting the balance right
Historic landscapes provide some of the         Parks and gardens were designed for
most popular visitor attractions in the UK.     pleasure.Their paths, drives, vantage points
In 2002, more than 57 million visits were       and features such as pavilions and terraces
made to country parks, historic gardens,        show how the landscape was originally
historic houses and palaces (VisitBritain       intended to be used and enjoyed.
2002). English Heritage’s own visitor survey
information from 2003 and 2004 shows            Many of these historic landscapes are open
that approximately 35 per cent                  to the public, and visitors are important
are repeat visits.                              to help them remain viable.

These landscapes are tangible links to our      However, few historic landscapes were
past.They are important as expressions of       originally planned to be accessible to
landscape design and for their association      disabled people.Therefore, it is not
with individuals, historic events, art and      surprising that many parks and gardens
culture, and as wider landscape settings.       present access challenges due to their
                                                topography and design features or a
Parks, gardens and other designed               combination of both. For example, narrow
landscapes of special historic interest may     paths and gateways laid out as part of an
merit inclusion in the national registers for   intimate private garden may make access
England, Wales and Northern Ireland and         difficult for wheelchair users or people
the Inventory of Gardens and Designed           with pushchairs when this garden is
Landscapes in Scotland.These designations       opened up to the public to visit.
reflect the aesthetic qualities of the
landscapes, their rarity, state of survival,    Carefully planned and maintained access
and their contribution to the history           improvements can help attract new
of landscape design.                            audiences and improve the visitor
                                                experience.The principles of easy access
Registered and inventory landscapes often       are not new. In 1833, the garden designer,
represent layers of design from different       Robert Marnock wrote an article on the
historic periods as well as the work of         making and formation of gravel walks and
important designers. Many other non-            was mindful of ‘the horror’ of loose gravel
registered sites are of local importance        upon those who happened to have ‘such
and require care when planning changes.         things as corns on their feet’ (Gardener’s
                                                and Forester’s Record 1 1833).


                                                                                                                 5
Easy access to historic landscapes   Part 1




Access relies on more                         The potential benefits of improving access
than making physical
changes. For example,                         need to be balanced with maintaining the
guided tours bring to                         integrity and authenticity of the historic
life the history of a                         landscape.This requires an understanding
place and can be
tailored to different                         of the significance of the historic landscape.
audiences, such as here                       For example, its design and features,
at the Great Flat Lode                        architecture, archaeology, historic and
Trail in Cornwall.
                                              cultural associations, scientific or wildlife
                                              interest and role as an amenity.The
                                              aesthetic qualities of the historic landscape
                                              are equally important. Part of the property
                                              manager’s challenge is to appreciate these
                                              different and potentially conflicting interests,
                                              and find the most appropriate solutions
                                              to improving access.

An example of                                 Conservation principles for historic
balancing historic
                                              landscapes give priority to physical
significance with access
improvement to                                preservation and, where possible, their
accommodate a grade                           continued use or function. As much as
change at Well Hall
                                              possible of the original fabric should
Pleasaunce, London.
                                              be retained, and intervention should
                                              be minimised.

                                              The components of a historic landscape
                                              may be important in their own right or
                                              for their collective effect but they may
                                              not be of equal significance. Some may
                                              even detract from or obscure features
                                              of historic significance, some values
                                              may be conflicting.

                                              There can be a tension between conserving
                                              historic significance and broadening the use
                                              and enjoyment of a landscape by visitors.
                                              Historical survey and analysis are essential
                                              to understand the significance of individual
                                              components, optimise values, and plan the
                                              sensitive integration of new or upgraded
                                              access provision. Interventions and



6
Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes




                                                                                                        © Clay Perry
decisions should be recorded for future
interest and original material salvaged.

The diversity of historic landscapes means
that access improvements cannot be
standard solutions. For example, the benefits
of good signage are well understood but
sign design needs to be specific to each site.

Access improvements should be in context
with the design and qualities of a historic
landscape, and major interventions should
aim to be valued as features in their own
right in the future. Conservation principles
do not imply or rule out working in historic
styles but do require respect for the
significance of the historic landscape.
Short-term or temporary solutions should
be reversible and should not delay or
obstruct permanent, well-designed
improvements. Maintenance of a historic
landscape is essential. Paths, signs and
other access features should be kept
in good condition.

New sensory gardens and features like
raised borders with scented plants have
often been developed to add interest to
sites. However, better maintenance of the
whole historic landscape can often unlock
a far more extensive sensory experience
for all visitors.The whole garden should be
                                                 The Arley Hall, Cheshire, double herbaceous
a sensory experience. With the emphasis          border dates from 1846 and is one of the oldest
on maintenance and repair of historically        in the country. By tradition and for aesthetics,
                                                 such flower borders are often set against lawns,
important parks and gardens, new sensory
                                                 however some wheelchair users will find grass
gardens are unlikely to be appropriate.          surfaces difficult.




                                                                                                    7
Easy access to historic landscapes   Part 1




                                                                        Permissions and
                                                                        consents
                       Reconstruction or re-creation of a historic      Planning permission, listed building or
                       landscape or feature may be considered           scheduled monument consents may be
                       to add interest or to aid interpretation.        required if changes affect a registered
                       Such developments need to be accurate,           park or garden of historic interest.
                       exact, evidence-based and fully recorded.
                       Straightforward maintenance and repair           Planning permission
                       is nearly always preferable.
                                                                        Permission is required for the development
                                                                        of land.This includes most building work
                         The DDA does not override other                involving material alteration to the
                         legislation such as listed building or         appearance of a property and most
                         planning legislation, and the need to obtain   changes of use. Planning permissions
                         appropriate approvals still applies in the     are administered by local authorities.
                         case of changes made to improve access.
                                                                        Listed building consent

                                                                        Historic landscapes often include notable
                                                                        buildings and garden structures. Consent
                                                                        is required for any works of demolition,
                                                                        alteration or extension which affect the
                                                                        character of a listed building, including any
                                                                        associated structures and fittings within its
                                                                        curtilage. Listed building legislation applies
                                                                        to both internal and external changes,
                                                                        irrespective of whether features are
                                                                        identified separately in the list description.
                                                                        The advice of the local planning authority
                                                                        should be sought on the need for consent
                                                                        at an early stage in the design process.

                                                                        In seeking listed building consent it is
                                                                        important to provide information about
                                                                        the architectural and historical significance
                                                                        of the building and to assess the likely
                                                                        impact of the access proposals in relation
                                                                        to this.The application must demonstrate
                       The historic garden at Audley End, Essex has     why any potentially damaging works are
                       an 18th-century parterre which was restored
                       in the 1980s.The fountains add to the sensory
                       experience of the garden.


8
Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes




necessary or desirable, and thus establish     Designated historic gardens
that a balance between conservation            and landscapes
and access has been struck. If a detailed
proposal is refused consent it may still       If planning permission is required for any
be possible to achieve alternative and         proposed alterations, the local planning
acceptable design solutions through            authority must consult the Garden
negotiation and resubmission.                  History Society in all cases. In addition,
                                               English Heritage in the case of English sites
It may also be necessary to apply for listed   registered as Grade I or II*, or Historic
building consent for temporary access          Scotland, or Cadw on designated landscapes
measures, including those made in advance      in Scotland and Wales.The Department
of permanent solutions being adopted,          of the Environment in Northern Ireland
if these will affect the character of the      is the statutory agency for natural and
building – the local planning authority will   built heritage.
advise on the need for consent. Portable
ramps which are not fixed in place and          It is important in principle that disabled
which are removed after use do not              people should have dignified access to
require consent.                                and within historic buildings. If it is
                                                treated as part of an integrated review
Scheduled monument consent                      of access arrangements for all visitors
                                                or users, and a flexible and pragmatic
Some historic landscapes may be protected       approach taken, it should normally be
as scheduled monuments. Consent is              possible to plan suitable access for
required for any work to a site or building     disabled people without compromising
that has been designated as a scheduled         a building’s special interest. Alternative
monument.The websites for English               routes or reorganising the use of space
Heritage, Historic Scotland, Cadw and           may achieve the desired result without
the Department of the Environment in            the need for damaging alterations.
Northern Ireland give information on
how to apply for consents.                      Department of the Environment and
                                                Department of National Heritage 1994.
                                                Planning Policy Guidance Note 15:
                                                Planning and the Historic Environment.




                                                                                                                9
Easy access to historic landscapes   Part 1




                       Access legislation and standards
                       Disability Discrimination Acts                      especially those that can be achieved by
                       1995 and 2005                                       means that avoid major physical alteration.
                                                                           It is usually possible to reconcile
                       This section gives an introduction to the           conservation and access interests.
                       Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the
                       scope of which is extended by the 2005              Defining disability
                       Act. Further detail about the DDA and
                       associated Codes of Practice is provided            Improving access for disabled people is
                       in the supporting information section.              often assumed to mean providing for
                                                                           wheelchair users, but it is estimated that
                       The DDA makes it unlawful for the                   only five per cent of disabled people are
                       providers of goods, facilities and services         permanent wheelchair users.Their needs
                       (and certain other bodies) to discriminate          are important but must be considered
                       against anyone on the grounds of his or             together with other types of disability.
                       her disability. It affects all owners of historic
                       gardens and landscapes that are open to             The DDA defines disability as ‘a physical
                       the public, as ‘service providers’, often also      or mental impairment which has a
                       as employers and sometimes as education             substantial and long-term adverse effect
                       providers. It applies in England, Scotland,         on [a person’s] ability to carry out normal
                       Wales and Northern Ireland.                         day-to-day activities’. In addition to
                                                                           wheelchair users and ambulant disabled
                       The DDA requires that reasonable                    people, this definition includes those
                       adjustments should be made where a                  with poor manual co-ordination or little
                       service provider has a practice, policy or          strength; those with sensory impairments,
                       procedure or there is a physical feature            including impaired sight and hearing;
                       that makes it impossible or unreasonably            and people with impaired memory,
                       difficult for disabled people to make use           concentration or understanding.The DDA
                       of the service. What is deemed reasonable           2005 extends this definition to include
                       will be tested in the courts but the                people with progressive conditions such
                       Disability Rights Commission’s Code of              as multiple sclerosis, HIV or cancer.
                       Practice (2002), gives helpful guidance.
                                                                           Disability spans all age groups, backgrounds
                       Where appropriate, Scheduled Monument,              and circumstances. It is estimated that one
                       or Listed Building Consent and planning             in five people in the UK has a disability
                       approval must be obtained in advance of             (ODPM 2003).This does not include
                       improving access by physical changes.               all those people who at any one time
                       However, this does not provide a blanket            experience what may be temporary
                       excuse for avoiding access improvements,




10
Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes




‘disabilities’, for example a broken limb,   Standards for access
a heart condition, or general fatigue.       and Part M
The implications of disability are often
shared by a group of visitors including      The DDA does not include standards for
families, friends, carers and companions.    access. Approved Document Part M: Access
                                             to and Use of Buildings (ODPM 2004) of
Older people may not consider themselves     the Building Regulations (ODPM 2002) is
disabled but can experience many of the      the only set of regulatory standards to
same barriers through reduced stamina,       address accessible design. It was updated
mobility, sight and hearing. Demographic     to include the BS 8300 (BSI 2001) standards.
changes are resulting in a greater           The updated version advocates an inclusive
proportion of older people in society.       approach to ‘design to accommodate the
Increasingly, retired people have more       needs of all people’. BS 8300 has also
disposable income and time to spend          been updated.
on leisure.They are already likely to
be a significant proportion of visitors      Part M applies primarily to buildings but
to historic landscapes.                      includes the approaches to them from edge
                                             of site, car parks and setting-down points.

 Recent disability figures for the UK        Part M is a useful reference point for
 suggest that there are:                     designers, owners and managers, even
                                             when building regulations do not apply.
    Over 11.7 million people who are         It provides guidance on inclusive design
    categorised as disabled                  principles and a wide range of specific
    Over 2 million have a visual             issues including car parking, paths, ramps,
    impairment                               gradients, steps, information, toilets and
    8 million people suffer from some        other facilities.
    form of hearing loss
    1 million people have a form of          However, the following points need to
    learning difficulty                      be considered:
    Over 7 million people have literacy
    problems.’                                  Part M provides minimum standards
                                                and these serve as baselines only
 Cabinet Office 2002. Illustrated Handbook      The standards are building-related
 for Web Management Teams                       and may not be appropriate for all
 www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk                       landscape situations
                                                There may be constraints that prevent
                                                a historic designed landscape from
                                                meeting the standards, and inclusive
                                                solutions may be achieved more
                                                effectively through other means

                                                                                                             11
Easy access to historic landscapes      Part 1




                           A copy of Approved Document Part M                Considering reasonable
                           (2004) can be downloaded from the                 adjustments
                           ODPM website. Similar standards for
                           access can be found in the Building               The DRC Code of Practice (DRC 2002)
                           (Scotland) Regulations (2004) on the              that covers access, facilities and services
                           Scottish Building Standards Agency website.       explains the statutory duty to make
                                                                             reasonable adjustments as comprising of a
                           Access statement                                  series of duties falling into three main areas:

                           The access statement is an important              1 Change practices, policies and
                           addition to the updated Part M. Essentially         procedures
                           the access statement is a way of                  2 Provide auxiliary aids and services
                           demonstrating that every effort has been          3 Overcome a physical feature by
                           made to provide an inclusive environment            removing the feature, or altering it,
                           and that the property manager is not                or avoiding it, or providing services
                           simply using the site and its layout to justify     by alternative methods
                           lower standards of access provision. It is a
                           useful document for owners and managers           All of these need to be considered and
                           to create, even when building regulations         judged in terms of what would form a
                           do not apply. Part M recognises that access       reasonable approach to balancing historic
                           solutions may vary from site to site, and         significance and access requirements.
                           that there may be other, equally satisfactory
                           ways of meeting the requirements.                 It is often assumed that access
                                                                             improvements involve physical changes.
                           An access statement should be a working           This is not always the case. Some of
                           record of how approaches and applications         the most effective improvements come
                           were planned, the reasons why decisions           from quite simple, low-cost changes to
                           were made, the constraints imposed by             interpretation, the way things are done,
                           the existing design, who was consulted and        and how visitors are looked after.This is
                           what guidance was used. Further detail            particularly important for landscapes of
                           is given on page 26.                              high historic significance with more
                                                                             limited options for physical change.

Accessible sites allow
disabled and non-
disabled visitors to
enjoy the experience
together. Access
provision that separates
people should be
avoided whenever
possible.



12
Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes




An inclusive approach
An inclusive approach recognises everyone
as a potential visitor.The challenge is to
ensure that each visitor has an equally
satisfying experience.

An inclusive environment is one that can
be used by everyone, regardless of age,
gender, disability or background. It results
from a creative approach to design and
management that embraces diversity and
seeks solutions to benefit as many people
as possible.This approach will help owners
and managers improve access for the
widest range of visitors, staff and volunteers.

Traditional approaches to improving access
have tended to segregate disabled people.
Even though access may be improved,
disabled visitors can feel isolated and           benefit people with pushchairs as well as        An inclusive approach
                                                                                                   ensures that all visitors
patronised. For example, disabled people          older people and wheelchair users. Clearer       feel included.
may have to use a separate entrance               signage will help people with dyslexia as
to their favourite garden, or follow an           well as those with visual impairments.
alternative route around a site that
misses the most popular attraction.               It is rarely possible to do everything for
                                                  everyone.The point is to create a balance
A common example of segregation is                so that every visitor is able to enjoy the
the idea of a sensory garden designed             experience. Providing choice is important.
specifically for visually impaired visitors.      For example, if a property offers audio
An inclusive approach recognises that             tours, an equivalent experience should
the sensory qualities of a landscape              be provided for hearing-impaired visitors
are appreciated by all visitors.The best          through written materials or signage.
approach is to draw out the full sensory
experiences throughout the site.                  Simply following design specifications will
                                                  not result in inclusive sites and facilities.
Accommodating the diverse needs of                Specifications are a starting point, but
disabled people will also address issues          common sense and a creative approach
of age, gender and background as long as          are required to find solutions that work
disability is seen in its broadest sense.         best within a historic landscape.
For example, improving a path surface will




                                                                                                                         13
Easy access to historic landscapes   Part 1




                       Inclusive design is an evolving approach          Offers choice
                       that changes in response to expectations
                                                                         This is one of the most important aspects
                       and new techniques as well as legislation.
                                                                         of an inclusive landscape. It ensures that
                       It relates to how access improvements
                                                                         visitors can decide how they want to use
                       are planned, as well as the end results.
                                                                         and enjoy it. For example, some people
                       An inclusive approach is based on the
                                                                         will visit independently, others with
                       set of principles below.
                                                                         family, friends or as part of a group. It is
                                                                         important to provide for all of these.
                       Principles of an inclusive                        Clear information will help people make
                       historic landscape                                choices about when and what to visit.

                       Easy to use
                                                                         Safe
                       This principle relates to how easy it is for
                                                                         Safety is a fundamental issue. Health and
                       people to get to and around a historic
                                                                         safety policies and practices must address
                       designed landscape, and to use its facilities.
                                                                         the needs of all visitors, staff and volunteers.
                       The main issues usually concern transport,
                                                                         Feedback from visitors, front-line staff and
                       entrances, paths, toilets, seating and
                                                                         volunteers will help identify problems that
                       information. Improvements may involve
                                                                         might be overlooked by routine checks.
                       physical adaptation such as re-laying
                                                                         Issues include emergency evacuation
                       uneven paving or providing an alternative,
                                                                         procedures, and how these are
                       shorter route around a site. Maintenance
                                                                         communicated to people with different
                       can make a big difference, for example
                                                                         disabilities. Safety checks should take
                       keeping paths clear of overhanging plants
                                                                         account of temporary work and how
                       or repairing eroded path surfaces. Staff and
                                                                         it might impact on access.
                       volunteers can provide valuable support
                       as guides or assistants.
                                                                         Embraces diversity

                       Comfortable                                       An inclusive approach sees diversity as
                                                                         an opportunity to find creative design
                       Comfort relies on a network of facilities
                                                                         and management solutions. It relies on
                       including toilets, food, help points and
                                                                         adopting positive approaches in all aspects
                       seating. Comfort is important for all visitors,
                                                                         of design and management.This includes
                       particularly those who tire easily and need
                                                                         staff and volunteer recruitment, events
                       to rest more often. Providing seating and
                                                                         management, landscape design and
                       shelter enables older or disabled people
                                                                         management, education programmes
                       to explore a longer historic route or to
                                                                         and ongoing maintenance.
                       pause to absorb information. Small details
                       can make a big impact, for example
                       water provided for assistance dogs.




14
Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes




Benefits of an inclusive
approach

Visitor satisfaction
   Better quality of experience
   for all visitors

Visitor numbers
   Increased visitor numbers from
   new audiences and increased
   repeat visits

Staff and volunteer development
   Improved service delivery and
   greater staff satisfaction

Positive image
  Good reputation associated with
  making efforts to improve access

Cost versus benefit
  More effective use of resources
  and less wastage from temporary
  measures

Employment
  Greater diversity of people employed
  as staff and volunteers

Balance
   Conservation of historic significance
   is balanced with improved access
   provision.


                                           Broad, well-maintained paths provide good
                                           access through the quarry gardens of Belsay
                                           Hall, Northumberland. Ease of access between
                                           garden areas also needs to be considered.




                                                                                                             15
Easy access to historic landscapes         Part 1




                            Developing skills
                            Disability awareness training is designed     Some of the best ideas for improving
                            to increase understanding of disability and   access, especially concerning operational
                            access issues.Training should be ongoing,     practices, come from front-line staff.
                            linked with other skills development,         Arranging visits to other sites is useful to
                            and provided for all staff and volunteers.    share ideas and experiences with others,
                            Typically, organisations invest in training   and to see examples of good practice.
                            operational staff, but overlook the           This can help staff see the benefits of
                            importance of extending this to all           developing inclusive practices, and how
                            members of the organisation, including        access improvements can be made in
                            those staff who work behind the scenes        keeping with the character and special
                            and senior staff and board members.           qualities of a historic landscape.

                                                                          Ideally, a training programme will include
                                                                          some sessions focused on specific
                                                                          disabilities such as hearing or visual
                                                                          impairments, as well as general awareness.
                                                                          Some of the most effective training is
                                                                          gained by working and consulting with
                                                                          disabled people.Trainers need to have an
                                                                          insight into historic property conservation
                                                                          and management, and the appropriateness
                                                                          of different options to enhance accessibility.

                                                                          Visitors judge an organisation or site on
                                                                          staff attitude and the way things are done,
                                                                          as well as on what the place has to offer.
                                                                          Effective change therefore relies on
Volunteers help a group of visitors negotiate                             developing skills and understanding
barriers designed to prevent vehicular access
                                                                          amongst staff. It is crucial that everyone in
on the Camel Trail in Cornwall.
                                                                          the property team understands that they
                                                                          have a part to play in improving access,
                                                                          and that the organisation or property
                                                                          manager supports and encourages this
                                                                          sense of shared responsibility. Nominating
                                                                          a champion for access issues can help this
                                                                          process, but they must have sufficient
                                                                          seniority and the support of colleagues
                                                                          at all levels of the organisation.




16
Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes




Consulting with people
It is important to involve disabled people                                                       An inclusive approach
                                                                                                 involves as many
as early as possible when planning access                                                        different people as
improvements. Consultation should also                                                           possible. Asking people
include people who do not visit a place in                                                       what they think about
                                                                                                 a place will help
order to find out why.Visitors and visitor-                                                      identify priorities for
operations staff also need to be involved                                                        improving access.This
in the identification, study, interpretation,                                                    group took part in a
                                                                                                 consultation day for the
protection, conservation and presentation                                                        North Downs Way
of the historic landscape in order to                                                            Lost Landscapes
participate in making decisions about                                                            project in Kent.

changes to improve access.This ensures
that the needs and views of different
people and the site and its conservators
are considered at a stage when there is
greatest scope for addressing implications.

Many disabled people are used to finding
creative ways of overcoming barriers in
their day-to-day lives.Their perspectives
can be invaluable in helping to identify the
most practical ways of overcoming access
barriers in a landscape.                         Consultation must not be a token effort to
                                                 involve people. One of the most common
When planning consultation, it is useful to      criticisms from people who have given
identify local communities and groups that       time to share their views is that they never
might get involved, such as disability groups,   heard any news of what happened as a
retirement communities, clubs, conservation      result of their contribution. Ongoing
groups, schools and training centres.            contact with people is important to ensure
                                                 they feel their input was valued and to
Most people will respect the fact that           review subsequent ideas and changes.
efforts are being made and will welcome
the opportunity for their ideas and views        When discussing a site it is important to
to be sought.Their involvement will              address the quality of experience it offers
demonstrate a positive commitment                as well as its barriers.This will give a more
to improving access, and this can help           complete picture of the site and show
reassure visitors who may feel frustrated        how best to make its sensory experiences
with current access difficulties.                accessible. It should also help to identify
                                                 which barriers should be tackled first.




                                                                                                                      17
Easy access to historic landscapes         Part 1




                                                                               Giving a clear picture at the outset will
                                                                               encourage more appropriate suggestions,
                                                                               and will help avoid the need to explain at
                                                                               a later stage why some ideas could not be
                                                                               taken into account. Professional input can
                                                                               provide specialist insights on design and
                                                                               management options, explain the historic
                                                                               significance of a site and interpret the
                                                                               implications of different suggestions.

                                                                               Access at Witley Court Project
                                                                               English Heritage invited groups of
                                                                               disabled people to help its Witley Court,
                                                                               Worcestershire, team understand the
                                                                               property’s physical and intellectual access
Consultation should be convenient and accessible so that people can
participate.This includes accessible venues, appropriate times and transport   barriers and to discuss ideas about
if needed. Any supporting documents and information should be accessible.      how access could be improved.

                            Effective consultation relies on establishing      Witley Court is an important Grade II*
                            clear parameters, including the following:         registered landscape park and formal
                                                                               mid-19th-century garden.The French and
                                Parts of the landscape with special            Italian gardens designed by the prestigious
                                historic significance which have               William Andrews Nesfield (1794–1881)
                                limited options for change                     were considered to be among the most
                               Barriers with no historic significance          magnificent in England.The Court, its
                               that could be changed                           gardens, and associated buildings are also
                               The level of resources available to             a Scheduled Monument. Within this group,
                               support new ideas and improvements              the house, its link to the church and the
                               Realistic estimates of the cost of              baroque church are also Grade I listed
                               capital works                                   buildings, and further buildings and features
                               Providing adequate information for              are listed Grade II* and Grade II.
                               consultees to reach informed decisions
                               Allowing sufficient opportunity for             In 2004, 58,000 people visited Witley
                               consultees to respond                           Court.The majority are in the 45–54
                               Taking into account consultees’ advice          group but 27 per cent are retired.The
                               in final decisions                              visitors are mostly day-trippers who travel
                                                                               between 5 and 20 miles to a property.




18
Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes




                                                                                                                                  © Drew Bennellick
Witley Court is a challenging site for
balancing conservation with access needs
as there is a variety of path surfaces
through the woodland and gardens.There
are also steps, terraces, lawns and parterres;
and the house is only accessible via steps.

The volunteers who took part in the
Access at Witley Court project consultation
included people with hearing and visual
impairments, learning disabilities and
wheelchair users.They offered many
practical and inexpensive recommendations
on how access and the ‘comfort factor’ of
the site might be improved for all visitors.

The clearest message from the consultation
was that many disabled visitors appreciate
being given clear pre-visit and welcome
information in different formats so they
can plan ahead, make choices and decisions
independently. Information should include
details of the site layout and facilities
available as well as the historical significance
of the landcape.

Consultation continues with the groups
who took part in the project as
recommendations are followed up
and new site presentation and
interpretation is developed.




                                                   Volunteers at Witley Court (Worcestershire) discussing how to improve access
                                                   and appraising the audio guide.

                                                                                                                            19
Easy access to historic landscapes     Part 2




Part 2
Planning for better access
Good access provision is the result of a
property team’s commitment to improving
access and enjoyment for all visitors to
their historic landscapes. Property managing
organisations should develop policies and
working practices that include the needs
of disabled people in all aspects of their
business.The ultimate aim is to make this
inclusive approach integral to everything
the organisation does.

Planning ensures that improvements
bring the greatest benefits to the visitor
experience, while respecting the special
qualities of the historic landscape. Most         as providing greater accessibility. Conversely,   Involving people as
                                                                                                    early as possible in the
designed landscapes have limited capital          an approach that opens up all areas to
                                                                                                    consultation process,
and revenue budgets, and often limited            change can result in irreparable damage           such as this planning
staff resources. Planning helps ensure            to the historic character and fabric of a         day for the grounds of
                                                                                                    Bethlem Royal Hospital,
that these are used to best effect.               landscape.There may be opportunities
                                                                                                    London, can lead to
                                                  to reinstate routes that are historically         new ways of thinking
The diagram on pages 24 and 25 shows              appropriate, for example old carriage             about access issues,
                                                                                                    and produce good
how to use and relate access planning tools       drives to give vehicular access.
                                                                                                    ideas for tackling
like strategies, audits and plans, and historic                                                     barriers and improving
environment conservation management               Access may also rely on the quality of            the experience for
                                                                                                    visitors.
plans. Plans will vary according to the scale     service provided by external agencies, for
and complexity of a garden or landscape,          example contractors like caterers, grounds
but the principles remain the same.               maintenance teams, and event organisers.
                                                  It is important that such agencies are
There are risks in failing to address             aware of the quality of service they are
historic significance when planning access        expected to deliver.The duties introduced
improvements.The view that an entire              by the DDA and the property’s access
landscape must be preserved may overlook          policies and standards will therefore need
features with little historic significance that   to be included in briefs and specifications.
could be improved aesthetically as well


20
Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes




Access strategy                                 disabilities. Many audits focus on physical
                                                access. A thorough audit should also
The access strategy is a top-level document     include sensory and intellectual barriers,
that sets out the organisation’s access         and whether disabled people have been
policy and the ways in which it will put the    involved in access planning for the site.
policy into practice.The access strategy
needs to include:                               The audit should follow the journey
                                                around a garden or landscape, starting
   A commitment to develop and sustain          from information available to plan a visit,
   inclusive practices                          the arrival areas, through the choice of
   How the document links to other plans        walks, gardens and features, services and
   and strategies, such as a conservation       facilities available on site like guided tours,
   management plan and policies                 interpretation, cafés and toilets, and
   Plans for preparing an access audit          finishing with the exit route.
   and access plan, and related costs
   Aims and targets for improving access        Access audits are usually commissioned
   to services and facilities, together with    from an independent expert.The audit brief
   timescales, priorities, inclusive design     needs to identify the full range of issues to
   implications and budgets                     be included, for example if there are features
   Involvement of disabled people in the        of special historic significance or areas
   development and ongoing review of            that present particular access difficulties.
   the access strategy                          A clearer brief will result in a more useful
   How the access strategy will be              audit. It is important to select an access
   monitored and reviewed and                   auditor with experience of assessing
   who will be responsible                      historic sites.The National Register of
                                                Access Consultants lists auditors with a
Improving access must be seen as an             wide range of specialist skills. Access and
ongoing process, not a one-off exercise.        training organisations offer courses to
The access strategy and planning process        develop audit skills and qualifications.
encourages continuous improvements.
                                                Conservation management plan
Access audit
                                                Planning for managing, restoring or
Being aware of the barriers to access on        developing historic landscapes is well
a site is an essential early step in planning   established.The key to planning change
access improvements. An access audit is         is an authoritative knowledge of the
a useful tool that identifies and records       landscape’s development and its
existing barriers. It should address the        significance in all senses – historical,
requirements of the whole range of              archaeological, cultural, ecological,
                                                character and its role as an amenity.



                                                                                                                  21
Easy access to historic landscapes         Part 2




                                                                                 The conservation assessment includes:

                                                                                    A description of the historic landscape
                                                                                    and all its features
                                                                                    An analysis of how the historic
                                                                                    landscape has changed over time
                                                                                    and how it is currently used
                                                                                    An assessment of its significance
                                                                                    A review of issues and opportunities
                                                                                    including access
                                                                                    Policies for conservation management
                                                                                    including access

                                                                                 The management part includes:

                                                                                    Management and maintenance
Plans need to take account of the relationship between a landscape and its
associated buildings.There are often barriers to access associated with narrow      prescriptions including access
openings.This new visitor centre at Trebah Gardens, Cornwall, has created a         improvements
wide, level entrance to invite people into the garden.
                                                                                    Budgets and work programming,
                                                                                    including access works
                            Conservation management plans are                       Monitoring and review processes
                            used to appraise what matters and why,
                            and to determine how to manage, maintain,            The conservation assessment involves
                            present and use the historic landscape               researching a site’s history, its historic
                            in an ever-changing environment. Access              design, how it has changed over time and
                            strategies will be an important component            its current management and uses. It also
                            of conservation management plans for                 addresses how and why visitors value the
                            sites open to visitors. Plans identify               site and any gaps in knowledge about it.
                            opportunities and constraints and establish          It may be necessary to commission
                            policies and programmes of work for                  additional specialist reports from experts
                            conservation and, where relevant, for                such as landscape historians, archaeologists,
                            opening up the site for public enjoyment.            or ecologists. Much of the research collated
                                                                                 for conservation management will also be
                            The term ‘conservation management plan’              useful for the access plan.The site’s history
                            reflects the two-stage process of developing         and archaeology can provide information
                            a plan.                                              for access projects such as identifying
                                                                                 new routes and designing interpretation
                                                                                 materials.




22
Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes




Historic landscapes are vulnerable.The
                                                Service providers are more likely to be
conservation plan should highlight any
                                                able to comply with their duty to make
potential threats arising from the current
                                                adjustments in relation to physical
use or management of the landscape, for
                                                features if they arrange for an access
example pressure from high visitor numbers
                                                audit of their premises to be conducted
or deterioration of historic features like
                                                and draw up an access plan or strategy.
steps and terraces from lack of repair.
                                                Acting on the results of such an
                                                evaluation may reduce the likelihood of
Access plan                                     legal claims against the service provider.

Access plans are recommended as tools
                                                             DRC 2002. Code of Practice:
to programme access improvements.
                                                         Rights to Access, Goods, Facilities,
An access plan is based on the access
                                                                    Services and Premises
strategy and brings together the findings
from the access audit and the conservation
management plan. It identifies work required
and informs the site’s overall plans for the
short, medium and long term.The access
plan needs to identify timescales and who
is responsible for delivering each agreed
action point. Access plans can also help
show how DDA duties are being addressed.

For historic gardens and landscapes the
access plan should include:

   A summary of the different options and
   their implications for access improvement,
   conservation of historic significance,
   and quality of visitor experience
   Plans for providing alternative services
   during building works
   Cost projections and plans to secure
   the necessary funding
   Priorities for implementation and
   plans to phase the work
   An access audit and a list of suggested
   improvements




                                                                                                               23
Easy access to historic landscapes     Part 2




The access planning process
                                     Access audit
                                     • Identify all access needs
                                     • Prioritise recommendations
                                     • Relate to the conservation assessment
                                       and conservation management plan




                                                                         Feasibility and options studies
                                                                         • Technical studies, including
     Access strategy
                                                                           means of escape
     • Agree strategic commitment
                                                                         • Impact analysis
     • Evaluate accessibility of
                                                                         • Mitigation measures if required
       employment/services offered
                                                                         • Test of ‘reasonableness’ of
     • Consider timescale and budget
                                                                           proposed adjustment
     • Identify person to progress
                                                                         • Consultation with relevant
       the process
                                                                           access and conservation bodies
                                                                           and with disability user groups




                            Conservation assessment
                            • A description of the historic landscape and all its
                              features (historic, archaeological, landscape design,
                              architectural, cultural, biodiversity, access and amenity)
                            • An analysis of how the historic landscape has
                              changed over time and how it is currently used
                            • An assessment of its significance
                            • A review of issues and opportunities including
                              access audit
                            • Policies for conservation management including access




24
Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes




                     Measures have no apparent
                     impact upon significance, or
                     physical alterations not required

                     Confirm that statutory consent
                     is not required




                                                         The access plan
                                                         • Must be site or building specific
                                                         • Incorporates a comprehensive range
Draft access plan                                          of access solutions, from managed
• Reconciles access and                                    change to physical alteration
  conservation needs                                     • Is adopted by all concerned
• Establishes short- and long-term                       • May be implemented in stages according
  aims in relation to opportunities                        to prioritised access needs and long-
• Sets timescales for changes                              term building development strategy
                                                         • Should be reviewed and endorsed
                                                           at regular intervals in relation to the
                                                           access strategy and conservation
                                                           management plan




                     Measures have impact and/or physical
                     alterations are recommended – statutory
                     consents or other approvals required

                     •   Detailed design
                     •   Development and impact assessments
                     •   Further technical studies
                     •   Further consultation
                     •   Prepare access statement for
                         building regulations

                     Obtain listed building, scheduled monument,
                     planning consent or other approvals




                                                                                                     25
Easy access to historic landscapes   Part 2




                       Supporting the process
                       Access statements                                 Some local authorities offer access grants.
                                                                         Eligible work may include provision of
                       An access statement should record progress        ramps, accessible toilet facilities and
                       and the decisions made in relation to the         upgrading of signage.The local authority
                       access plan. It should explain how and why        access officer or volunteer bureau will be
                       these decisions have been made, and how           able to advise on funding sources. Some
                       they have been influenced by the context          private grant-making trusts will also help
                       of the site and advice from other parties.        with the costs of access improvements.The
                       It is valuable for guiding future decisions,      Directory of Social Change produces useful
                       and communicating approaches both                 reference guides on sources of grants.
                       internally and externally.
                                                                         Organisations like the National Trust have
                       The development of an access statement            fulltime access advisors to support staff,
                       is recommended in Approved Document               volunteers and properties.The Historic
                       Part M (see page 11). Even when there are         Houses Association offers its members the
                       no requirements relating to planning or           services of an advisor to undertake audits
                       building regulations, this is a useful document   and advise on access provision for disabled
                       to produce. An access statement should be         visitors and employees.The access advisor
                       prepared at the start of any project and          can also define access limitations and
                       updated throughout all stages of the work.        propose ways of overcoming them.

                       The Disability Rights Commission website          There are no specific funds available from
                       includes a guide on access statements for         English Heritage, Historic Scotland or the
                       planning, designing and managing buildings        Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for access
                       and spaces.Templates for producing access         improvements. HLF currently funds physical
                       statements can be downloaded from the             access improvements to historic landscapes
                       Sensory Trust website.                            or sites if the improvements are part of a
                                                                         wider project and meet other HLF criteria.
                       Funding                                           Since 1994 HLF has granted £3.3 billion to
                                                                         16,000 awards for projects which have
                       At the time of writing there is no funding        increased access to heritage for disabled
                       source specifically to support access             people.The environmental stewardship
                       improvements for historic landscapes.             scheme run by the Department for
                       Where access work is eligible as part of a        Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
                       bigger grant scheme, the funding organisation     (Defra) offers grants towards capital costs
                       is likely to require an access strategy, audit    of access features such as the upgrading
                       and plan, together with a conservation            of path surfaces. Historic environment
                       management plan for a historic landscape.         protection is also one of the scheme’s
                       All funders are likely to require an inclusive    objectives and there are options within
                       approach to planned improvements.



26
Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes




                                            Barriers to access
this for historic landscapes.The Northern   Barriers prevent or dissuade disabled
Ireland Environment and Heritage Service    people from visiting, enjoying or learning
do make grant-aid available for access      about a site.They are diverse and some
routes of significant length within rural   are more obvious than others.The most
historic landscapes, where entry is free.   familiar are physical constraints such as
The Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund     steps, slopes, uneven or loose surfaces
includes a land- and community-based        and narrow paths. Other barriers, such
grant scheme.This scheme supports           as a lack of seating where people can
projects that reduce the effects of land-   rest, or inaccessible information, are often
based aggregate extraction on access,       overlooked. Some barriers work together,
biodiversity, communities, geodiversity,    for example loose gravel will be more
informal recreation and landscapes, and     difficult on a slope.
the scheme can sometimes help with
access improvements.                        A barrier may be an important historic
                                            feature, or an essential part of a landscape’s
                                            character. Alternatively, it may be a
                                            more recent feature of no historic
                                            significance.This must be clarified so
                                            that the appropriate solutions can be
                                            found.There is usually greater freedom
                                            to remove or alter barriers if they do
                                            not have high historic significance. In other
                                            cases, it may be necessary to consider
                                            how to provide an equivalent experience
                                            by alternative means.

                                                                                             This sign at Tintern
                                                                                             Abbey alerts visitors
                                                                                             to the presence of a
                                                                                             trip hazard.This clear
                                                                                             pictorial sign can be
                                                                                             seen by many people
                                                                                             with visual impairments
                                                                                             and understood by
                                                                                             many with learning
                                                                                             disabilities.




                                                                                                                 27
Easy access to historic landscapes      Part 2




                           Identifying barriers                           When reviewing barriers, people should
                                                                          be encouraged to identify potential
                           Identifying the barriers in a historic         solutions as well as simply listing problems,
                           landscape is an essential early step           as this will help to balance the ideal
                           in planning improvements.                      with the achievable. It is important to
                                                                          tell people about existing constraints,
                           Disabled people are the best informed on       such as limited budgets, and to highlight
                           what is a barrier to them and barriers will    the special qualities of a site.
                           affect people in different ways. Sometimes
                           a barrier to one person may be a positive      Access barriers beyond a site must
                           feature to another. For example, steps may     be included in any full assessment.
                           be a barrier to wheelchair users, but can      For instance, the decision to visit relies
                           be easier than ramps for some older            on adequate information about access.
                           visitors and other semi-ambulant people        Similarly, a lack of accessible transport
                           to negotiate.The aim is to achieve             will be a barrier to some people.
                           compromise and the best way is to involve
                           a representative mix of disabled people in     Renovation work can create temporary
                           identifying barriers and possible solutions.   barriers to access. Plans for renovations
                           Contacts can be found through the local        or other building work must include
                           authority access officer, or through a local   solutions to any access barriers
                           disability group or organisation.              caused by work in progress.

Work at Trafalgar
Square, London, has
resulted in improved
access. Steps now have
double-sided handrails
for left or right-handed
people, tactile warnings
and contrasting step
nosings.




28
Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes




Seasonal changes or weather conditions                              If plants were
                                                                    positioned nearer the
can lead to temporary barriers such as
                                                                    railings, this would
muddy or icy paths. It is important that                            provide added sensory
visitors are informed of any temporary                              experiences.
barriers that cannot be removed.

Identifying barriers must be an ongoing
process. Landscapes change with time,
signs deteriorate, paths become worn and
gates, hinges and latches become difficult
to open. Adding obstacles such as more
tables, extra display stands, or making
use of spaces for storage, can cause
difficulties for wheelchair users or
visitors with impaired vision.

The way that visitors use a place may
change too. For example, increasing
numbers of older and disabled people use
self-drive vehicles, also known as buggies
or scooters, to visit historic sites.These                          Overgrown plants and
                                                                    widened joints may
vehicles have transformed mobility for
                                                                    add character but
many people and have made it possible                               can result in hazards
for them to experience more challenging                             or inconvenience
                                                                    for visitors.
parts of the landscape, such as meadows,
gravel paths and long-distance routes.The
use of these vehicles has not been fully
recognised in much of the existing design
guidance, which focuses on wheelchair
use. Paths, turning circles, gate widths and
toilets designed for wheelchair users may
not be adequate for self-drive vehicles.




                                                                                       29
Easy access to historic landscapes   Part 2



          Examples of barriers
          Organisational

          Lack of staff or volunteers to support sites
          Negative or uninformed staff attitudes
          Lack of support for access improvements from owners or managers

          Physical

          Lack of accessible transport to or around a site
          Lack of accessible signage, information, education and interpretation materials
          Narrow paths and entrances, loose or uneven path surfaces, steep slopes and long distances
          Steps, plinths, kerbs or raised edges and stiles
          Lack of seating and shelter
          Deterioration of routes, signs, facilities and features through lack of repair
          Lack of accessible toilets, baby feeding and baby and adult changing facilities
          Intellectual

          Complex information
          Information does not cater for different learning styles
          Text-only information

          Sensory

          Limited options to touch features
          Poor acoustics
          Visitors are not aware of sensory highlights
          Absence of visual and tactile warnings

          Social and cultural

          Publicity does not promote access
          Inaccessible website
          Lack of information shared with local community
          Lack of opportunities for volunteering or friends groups

          Financial

          Entrance fees
          Charges for activities like guided tours and events
          Cost of goods in café or shop
          Cost of travelling to and from a site
          Expenses for volunteers




30
Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes



Examples of solutions
Organisational

Training to improve skills and attitudes of staff and volunteers
User-testing sessions involve people of different ages, genders and with a range of disabilities
Develop an access strategy and appoint an access champion

Physical

Links with transport companies to improve transport
Clear information about key facilities and features, for example accessible parking and toilets,
    opening times, entrance fees and safety notices
Signage to help visitors find their way around
Education programmes have accessible venues and materials
Regular maintenance for path surfaces, signs, trimming back overhanging vegetation and so on
Uneven paving relaid or repointed
Where appropriate, paths are widened, passing places are provided or alternative routes are created
Accessible toilets, baby feeding and baby and adult changing facilities are provided
Provision of drinking fountains and picnic locations
Links with community transport organisations

Intellectual

Information follows ‘easy-to-read’ guidelines and is accompanied by pictures
Information is offered in different formats
Guided tours and education programmes are designed to accommodate different needs

Sensory

Hearing loops are installed at ticket desks, information points and meeting areas
Portable hearing loops are available for guides and education workers
Touch tours focus on tactile exploration for visually impaired visitors
Where appropriate, visitors are able to touch sculptures and features of tactile interest
Areas and features with high sensory interest are located on an accessible route
Tactile indicators are provided at the approach to hazards, and step nosings are highlighted

Social and cultural

Publicity is distributed through local disability networks and groups
Links are made with the local community, for example local schools, disability groups, retirement
    communities and healthy walking initiatives
Accessible pre-visit information informs people about what they can expect
Surveys help identify who the missing visitors are and the reasons why
User-consultation programmes target groups that are currently under-represented

Financial

Discounted entrance fees and free admission for companions
Some activities are provided free
Adequate compensation of expenses for volunteers and focus groups
                                                                                                               31
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual
Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual

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Easy Access to Historic Landscapes - Sensory Therapy Gardens Manual

  • 2. The United Kingdom’s historic parks, gardens and English Heritage, the National Trust and Historic landscapes are valued for their beauty, diversity and Scotland seek to ensure that their properties and historical significance. Millions of people visit them every events are accessible to everyone by providing easy, year but many others feel unwelcome and unable to dignified access wherever reasonably possible.The enjoy these special places. Improving access is one key statutory agencies encourage others who own or to a wider understanding, valuing, caring and enjoyment manage historic landscapes to adopt access plans that of historic landscapes. English Heritage and the Heritage are consistent with the special historic or archaeological Lottery Fund have produced this guidance to help interest of the property concerned. As the lead advisory owners and managers reconcile wider access with body on historic landscapes in England, English Heritage conservation interests. Although prompted by the believes access should be celebrated with high-quality implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act design that is also sensitive to the special interest of 1995, this guidance promotes an inclusive approach to historic parks, gardens and landscapes. ensure that every visitor to a historic park, garden or landscape has a meaningful experience. Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund across the UK often presents the biggest opportunity for historic parks The National Trust, Countryside Agency, Historic and gardens to undertake major redevelopment and Houses Association and Historic Scotland have make physical improvements to overcome the barriers provided advice and guidance on this publication. disabled people face in sharing access to our heritage. The advice of the Historic Houses Association is very In its first 10 years the Heritage Lottery Fund has welcome as many of our important historic parks and restored over 250 public parks, gardens, squares, gardens open to the public are in private ownership. promenades and historic cemeteries across the UK. HLF The Sensory Trust, which was commissioned to develop expects all applicants to think about how they can make this guidance, promotes and implements inclusive their heritage asset more accessible for disabled people environmental design and management.The Trust’s by overcoming the barriers which challenge access. team has worked closely with groups of disabled people, property staff and advisors on this project. All of us who have been involved in producing this guidance document encourage everyone who may have Barriers to access and individual, site-specific solutions a role in making historic landscapes more accessible – are illustrated throughout the guidance to stimulate owners, managers, friends groups, advisors – to use ideas, but new access solutions are being developed this guidance to create inclusive landscapes that can all the time and over the next five years a library of be accessed and enjoyed by everyone. good design and good practice case studies could be developed. HISTORIC HOUSES ASSOCIATION
  • 3. Contents Easy access to historic landscapes Contents Introduction 3 Access plan 23 What this guide covers 4 The access planning process 24 Other guidance 4 Supporting the process 26 Access statement 26 Part I Funding 26 Access and conservation: Barriers to access 27 getting the balance right 5 Identifying barriers 28 Permissions and consents 8 Examples of barriers 30 Access legislation and standards 10 Examples of solutions 31 Disability Discrimination Acts Visitor experience 32 1995 and 2005 10 Visitor surveys 33 Defining disability 10 Decision to visit 33 Standards for access and Part M 11 Information for visitors 34 Access statement 12 Bolton Abbey 35 Considering reasonable adjustments 12 Getting there and home 36 An inclusive approach 13 Arrival 38 Principles of an inclusive Getting around 39 historic landscape 14 Paths and routes 40 Benefits of an inclusive approach 15 Path surfaces 42 Developing skills 16 Steps 43 Consulting with people 17 Steep paths and gradients 45 The Witley Court Project 18 On-site transport 47 Garden features 48 Part 2 Information and interpretation 49 Planning for better access 20 Comfort 52 Access strategy 21 Poole’s Cavern 54 Access audit 21 Conservation management plan 21 Supporting information Disability Discrimination Act 1995 55 Disability Rights Commission Codes of Practice 56 Front cover images, from top left to bottom right all © Sensory Trust Sources of information Mount Edgcumbe Park, Cornwall Primary legislation 57 Cathedral Precinct, Glasgow Official guidance documents 57 Chatsworth House, Derbyshire General reading: access 58 Mount Stewart, Co. Down General reading: historic landscapes Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh and their conservation 62 Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire Where to go for further information 63 No Man’s Land Orchard, Kent Access organisations 63 Painshill Park, Surrey National societies 65 Government bodies 66 1
  • 4. Easy access to historic landscapes Introduction Historic landscapes and access issues are diverse. Clockwise from top left: Peveril Castle, Derbyshire; Witley Court, Worcestershire; Birmingham Botanic Gardens; Mount Stewart, County Down; Badminton Park, Gloucestershire; Mount Grace Priory, North Yorkshire; Corfe Castle, Dorset; Painshill Park Waterwheel, Surrey; centre Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol © Christopher Gallagher © Andrew Tryner © Stephen Robson © National Trust 2
  • 5. Introduction Easy access to historic landscapes Introduction This guide has been produced to help property owners and managers make their Key points of this guide historic landscapes more accessible to all Historic landscapes are important national assets.They visitors. It will also be of value to designers, provide some of the most special and valued places for planners, policy makers and others working public recreation and education. Such landscapes are often to open up historic sites to a wider range vulnerable.The objective of conservation management is of visitors.The principles in this guide are to maintain historic landscapes in ways that sustain their applicable for other landscapes. significance or values, and where appropriate, recover, reveal or enhance them. The term historic landscape is used throughout this guide to include the The benefits of improving access go beyond meeting legal following types of landscape in the UK: requirements. It is an opportunity to attract new audiences, increase the likelihood of repeat visits and improve the Historic parks and gardens quality of experience for all visitors. Historic urban squares and townscapes Ancient monuments Access improvements benefit many people. It is estimated Industrial heritage that one person in five is disabled (11.7 million), and that Cemeteries and commemorative sites a further 18 million people would benefit from improved access to public spaces.This includes older people, families A key theme of this guide is how to achieve with young children and people with temporary or health- a balance between improving access and related impairments (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister conserving the historic character and fabric. 2003). The focus is on enhancing the visitor experience, but the guidance will also help Access must be seen in its widest sense, including how improve the skills and approach of staff and easy it is for people to explore the landscape, enjoy it volunteers. Access can often be significantly and feel comfortable. Standard solutions rarely work. enhanced through low-key improvements Access improvements should be planned to respect and without major intervention. the special qualities of a particular site. This guide advocates an inclusive approach The DDA requires a reasonable approach to improving to design and management, addressing access but the meaning of reasonable is yet to be established. the needs of all people, regardless of Expectations of what is reasonable are likely to evolve as age, gender, background or disability. inclusive approaches are more widely used and technology This inclusive approach is underpinned improves. Meeting responsibilities under the DDA relies on by legislation such as the Disability changing practices, policies and procedures as well as making Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 (DDA). practical changes on the ground. Inclusive practices rely on the support and involvement of all staff and volunteers. 3
  • 6. Easy access to historic landscapes Introduction What this guide covers The focus of this guide is on developing Other guidance approaches that can be sustained over time, for example by making existing This guide has been produced as a practices more inclusive. In the absence companion to English Heritage’s Easy of regulatory standards for access to Access to Historic Buildings (2004), Historic landscape, this guide suggests Scotland’s Technical Advice Note Access to examples of current good practice. the Built Heritage (1996), the Countryside for All accessibility standards, the Fieldfare Part 1 sets the scene. It addresses the Trust’s A Good Practice Guide to Countryside challenges associated with improving Access for Disabled People Extended CD access in historic landscapes and the need Edition: 2005, and the Countryside to find creative access solutions. It gives Agency’s new guidance on least restrictive an overview of the DDA, highlights the access (By All Reasonable Means 2005). benefits of an inclusive approach and It also refers to the Building Regulations and outlines the importance of developing the minimum standards set out in Part M skills and consulting with people. of these regulations (ODPM 2004). Part 2 is designed to help managers Guidance on access standards for buildings and owners plan access improvements. and the wider countryside can be very It discusses how visitors find out about, useful. However, whilst many issues are reach, and enjoy a site, and highlights the similar for both indoor and outdoor importance of comfort and enjoyment. environments caution is required when Ideas and examples of good practice applying such solutions in historic landscapes. have been collected from historic landscapes throughout the UK. At the time of writing there is limited published guidance on improving access The supporting information section to historic landscapes.The Sensory Trust provides information on the legislation, website includes a review of current with particular emphasis on the DDA. publications. It also identifies sources of further information and advice. 4
  • 7. Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes Part 1 Access and conservation: getting the balance right Historic landscapes provide some of the Parks and gardens were designed for most popular visitor attractions in the UK. pleasure.Their paths, drives, vantage points In 2002, more than 57 million visits were and features such as pavilions and terraces made to country parks, historic gardens, show how the landscape was originally historic houses and palaces (VisitBritain intended to be used and enjoyed. 2002). English Heritage’s own visitor survey information from 2003 and 2004 shows Many of these historic landscapes are open that approximately 35 per cent to the public, and visitors are important are repeat visits. to help them remain viable. These landscapes are tangible links to our However, few historic landscapes were past.They are important as expressions of originally planned to be accessible to landscape design and for their association disabled people.Therefore, it is not with individuals, historic events, art and surprising that many parks and gardens culture, and as wider landscape settings. present access challenges due to their topography and design features or a Parks, gardens and other designed combination of both. For example, narrow landscapes of special historic interest may paths and gateways laid out as part of an merit inclusion in the national registers for intimate private garden may make access England, Wales and Northern Ireland and difficult for wheelchair users or people the Inventory of Gardens and Designed with pushchairs when this garden is Landscapes in Scotland.These designations opened up to the public to visit. reflect the aesthetic qualities of the landscapes, their rarity, state of survival, Carefully planned and maintained access and their contribution to the history improvements can help attract new of landscape design. audiences and improve the visitor experience.The principles of easy access Registered and inventory landscapes often are not new. In 1833, the garden designer, represent layers of design from different Robert Marnock wrote an article on the historic periods as well as the work of making and formation of gravel walks and important designers. Many other non- was mindful of ‘the horror’ of loose gravel registered sites are of local importance upon those who happened to have ‘such and require care when planning changes. things as corns on their feet’ (Gardener’s and Forester’s Record 1 1833). 5
  • 8. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 1 Access relies on more The potential benefits of improving access than making physical changes. For example, need to be balanced with maintaining the guided tours bring to integrity and authenticity of the historic life the history of a landscape.This requires an understanding place and can be tailored to different of the significance of the historic landscape. audiences, such as here For example, its design and features, at the Great Flat Lode architecture, archaeology, historic and Trail in Cornwall. cultural associations, scientific or wildlife interest and role as an amenity.The aesthetic qualities of the historic landscape are equally important. Part of the property manager’s challenge is to appreciate these different and potentially conflicting interests, and find the most appropriate solutions to improving access. An example of Conservation principles for historic balancing historic landscapes give priority to physical significance with access improvement to preservation and, where possible, their accommodate a grade continued use or function. As much as change at Well Hall possible of the original fabric should Pleasaunce, London. be retained, and intervention should be minimised. The components of a historic landscape may be important in their own right or for their collective effect but they may not be of equal significance. Some may even detract from or obscure features of historic significance, some values may be conflicting. There can be a tension between conserving historic significance and broadening the use and enjoyment of a landscape by visitors. Historical survey and analysis are essential to understand the significance of individual components, optimise values, and plan the sensitive integration of new or upgraded access provision. Interventions and 6
  • 9. Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes © Clay Perry decisions should be recorded for future interest and original material salvaged. The diversity of historic landscapes means that access improvements cannot be standard solutions. For example, the benefits of good signage are well understood but sign design needs to be specific to each site. Access improvements should be in context with the design and qualities of a historic landscape, and major interventions should aim to be valued as features in their own right in the future. Conservation principles do not imply or rule out working in historic styles but do require respect for the significance of the historic landscape. Short-term or temporary solutions should be reversible and should not delay or obstruct permanent, well-designed improvements. Maintenance of a historic landscape is essential. Paths, signs and other access features should be kept in good condition. New sensory gardens and features like raised borders with scented plants have often been developed to add interest to sites. However, better maintenance of the whole historic landscape can often unlock a far more extensive sensory experience for all visitors.The whole garden should be The Arley Hall, Cheshire, double herbaceous a sensory experience. With the emphasis border dates from 1846 and is one of the oldest on maintenance and repair of historically in the country. By tradition and for aesthetics, such flower borders are often set against lawns, important parks and gardens, new sensory however some wheelchair users will find grass gardens are unlikely to be appropriate. surfaces difficult. 7
  • 10. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 1 Permissions and consents Reconstruction or re-creation of a historic Planning permission, listed building or landscape or feature may be considered scheduled monument consents may be to add interest or to aid interpretation. required if changes affect a registered Such developments need to be accurate, park or garden of historic interest. exact, evidence-based and fully recorded. Straightforward maintenance and repair Planning permission is nearly always preferable. Permission is required for the development of land.This includes most building work The DDA does not override other involving material alteration to the legislation such as listed building or appearance of a property and most planning legislation, and the need to obtain changes of use. Planning permissions appropriate approvals still applies in the are administered by local authorities. case of changes made to improve access. Listed building consent Historic landscapes often include notable buildings and garden structures. Consent is required for any works of demolition, alteration or extension which affect the character of a listed building, including any associated structures and fittings within its curtilage. Listed building legislation applies to both internal and external changes, irrespective of whether features are identified separately in the list description. The advice of the local planning authority should be sought on the need for consent at an early stage in the design process. In seeking listed building consent it is important to provide information about the architectural and historical significance of the building and to assess the likely impact of the access proposals in relation to this.The application must demonstrate The historic garden at Audley End, Essex has why any potentially damaging works are an 18th-century parterre which was restored in the 1980s.The fountains add to the sensory experience of the garden. 8
  • 11. Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes necessary or desirable, and thus establish Designated historic gardens that a balance between conservation and landscapes and access has been struck. If a detailed proposal is refused consent it may still If planning permission is required for any be possible to achieve alternative and proposed alterations, the local planning acceptable design solutions through authority must consult the Garden negotiation and resubmission. History Society in all cases. In addition, English Heritage in the case of English sites It may also be necessary to apply for listed registered as Grade I or II*, or Historic building consent for temporary access Scotland, or Cadw on designated landscapes measures, including those made in advance in Scotland and Wales.The Department of permanent solutions being adopted, of the Environment in Northern Ireland if these will affect the character of the is the statutory agency for natural and building – the local planning authority will built heritage. advise on the need for consent. Portable ramps which are not fixed in place and It is important in principle that disabled which are removed after use do not people should have dignified access to require consent. and within historic buildings. If it is treated as part of an integrated review Scheduled monument consent of access arrangements for all visitors or users, and a flexible and pragmatic Some historic landscapes may be protected approach taken, it should normally be as scheduled monuments. Consent is possible to plan suitable access for required for any work to a site or building disabled people without compromising that has been designated as a scheduled a building’s special interest. Alternative monument.The websites for English routes or reorganising the use of space Heritage, Historic Scotland, Cadw and may achieve the desired result without the Department of the Environment in the need for damaging alterations. Northern Ireland give information on how to apply for consents. Department of the Environment and Department of National Heritage 1994. Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment. 9
  • 12. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 1 Access legislation and standards Disability Discrimination Acts especially those that can be achieved by 1995 and 2005 means that avoid major physical alteration. It is usually possible to reconcile This section gives an introduction to the conservation and access interests. Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the scope of which is extended by the 2005 Defining disability Act. Further detail about the DDA and associated Codes of Practice is provided Improving access for disabled people is in the supporting information section. often assumed to mean providing for wheelchair users, but it is estimated that The DDA makes it unlawful for the only five per cent of disabled people are providers of goods, facilities and services permanent wheelchair users.Their needs (and certain other bodies) to discriminate are important but must be considered against anyone on the grounds of his or together with other types of disability. her disability. It affects all owners of historic gardens and landscapes that are open to The DDA defines disability as ‘a physical the public, as ‘service providers’, often also or mental impairment which has a as employers and sometimes as education substantial and long-term adverse effect providers. It applies in England, Scotland, on [a person’s] ability to carry out normal Wales and Northern Ireland. day-to-day activities’. In addition to wheelchair users and ambulant disabled The DDA requires that reasonable people, this definition includes those adjustments should be made where a with poor manual co-ordination or little service provider has a practice, policy or strength; those with sensory impairments, procedure or there is a physical feature including impaired sight and hearing; that makes it impossible or unreasonably and people with impaired memory, difficult for disabled people to make use concentration or understanding.The DDA of the service. What is deemed reasonable 2005 extends this definition to include will be tested in the courts but the people with progressive conditions such Disability Rights Commission’s Code of as multiple sclerosis, HIV or cancer. Practice (2002), gives helpful guidance. Disability spans all age groups, backgrounds Where appropriate, Scheduled Monument, and circumstances. It is estimated that one or Listed Building Consent and planning in five people in the UK has a disability approval must be obtained in advance of (ODPM 2003).This does not include improving access by physical changes. all those people who at any one time However, this does not provide a blanket experience what may be temporary excuse for avoiding access improvements, 10
  • 13. Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes ‘disabilities’, for example a broken limb, Standards for access a heart condition, or general fatigue. and Part M The implications of disability are often shared by a group of visitors including The DDA does not include standards for families, friends, carers and companions. access. Approved Document Part M: Access to and Use of Buildings (ODPM 2004) of Older people may not consider themselves the Building Regulations (ODPM 2002) is disabled but can experience many of the the only set of regulatory standards to same barriers through reduced stamina, address accessible design. It was updated mobility, sight and hearing. Demographic to include the BS 8300 (BSI 2001) standards. changes are resulting in a greater The updated version advocates an inclusive proportion of older people in society. approach to ‘design to accommodate the Increasingly, retired people have more needs of all people’. BS 8300 has also disposable income and time to spend been updated. on leisure.They are already likely to be a significant proportion of visitors Part M applies primarily to buildings but to historic landscapes. includes the approaches to them from edge of site, car parks and setting-down points. Recent disability figures for the UK Part M is a useful reference point for suggest that there are: designers, owners and managers, even when building regulations do not apply. Over 11.7 million people who are It provides guidance on inclusive design categorised as disabled principles and a wide range of specific Over 2 million have a visual issues including car parking, paths, ramps, impairment gradients, steps, information, toilets and 8 million people suffer from some other facilities. form of hearing loss 1 million people have a form of However, the following points need to learning difficulty be considered: Over 7 million people have literacy problems.’ Part M provides minimum standards and these serve as baselines only Cabinet Office 2002. Illustrated Handbook The standards are building-related for Web Management Teams and may not be appropriate for all www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk landscape situations There may be constraints that prevent a historic designed landscape from meeting the standards, and inclusive solutions may be achieved more effectively through other means 11
  • 14. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 1 A copy of Approved Document Part M Considering reasonable (2004) can be downloaded from the adjustments ODPM website. Similar standards for access can be found in the Building The DRC Code of Practice (DRC 2002) (Scotland) Regulations (2004) on the that covers access, facilities and services Scottish Building Standards Agency website. explains the statutory duty to make reasonable adjustments as comprising of a Access statement series of duties falling into three main areas: The access statement is an important 1 Change practices, policies and addition to the updated Part M. Essentially procedures the access statement is a way of 2 Provide auxiliary aids and services demonstrating that every effort has been 3 Overcome a physical feature by made to provide an inclusive environment removing the feature, or altering it, and that the property manager is not or avoiding it, or providing services simply using the site and its layout to justify by alternative methods lower standards of access provision. It is a useful document for owners and managers All of these need to be considered and to create, even when building regulations judged in terms of what would form a do not apply. Part M recognises that access reasonable approach to balancing historic solutions may vary from site to site, and significance and access requirements. that there may be other, equally satisfactory ways of meeting the requirements. It is often assumed that access improvements involve physical changes. An access statement should be a working This is not always the case. Some of record of how approaches and applications the most effective improvements come were planned, the reasons why decisions from quite simple, low-cost changes to were made, the constraints imposed by interpretation, the way things are done, the existing design, who was consulted and and how visitors are looked after.This is what guidance was used. Further detail particularly important for landscapes of is given on page 26. high historic significance with more limited options for physical change. Accessible sites allow disabled and non- disabled visitors to enjoy the experience together. Access provision that separates people should be avoided whenever possible. 12
  • 15. Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes An inclusive approach An inclusive approach recognises everyone as a potential visitor.The challenge is to ensure that each visitor has an equally satisfying experience. An inclusive environment is one that can be used by everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability or background. It results from a creative approach to design and management that embraces diversity and seeks solutions to benefit as many people as possible.This approach will help owners and managers improve access for the widest range of visitors, staff and volunteers. Traditional approaches to improving access have tended to segregate disabled people. Even though access may be improved, disabled visitors can feel isolated and benefit people with pushchairs as well as An inclusive approach ensures that all visitors patronised. For example, disabled people older people and wheelchair users. Clearer feel included. may have to use a separate entrance signage will help people with dyslexia as to their favourite garden, or follow an well as those with visual impairments. alternative route around a site that misses the most popular attraction. It is rarely possible to do everything for everyone.The point is to create a balance A common example of segregation is so that every visitor is able to enjoy the the idea of a sensory garden designed experience. Providing choice is important. specifically for visually impaired visitors. For example, if a property offers audio An inclusive approach recognises that tours, an equivalent experience should the sensory qualities of a landscape be provided for hearing-impaired visitors are appreciated by all visitors.The best through written materials or signage. approach is to draw out the full sensory experiences throughout the site. Simply following design specifications will not result in inclusive sites and facilities. Accommodating the diverse needs of Specifications are a starting point, but disabled people will also address issues common sense and a creative approach of age, gender and background as long as are required to find solutions that work disability is seen in its broadest sense. best within a historic landscape. For example, improving a path surface will 13
  • 16. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 1 Inclusive design is an evolving approach Offers choice that changes in response to expectations This is one of the most important aspects and new techniques as well as legislation. of an inclusive landscape. It ensures that It relates to how access improvements visitors can decide how they want to use are planned, as well as the end results. and enjoy it. For example, some people An inclusive approach is based on the will visit independently, others with set of principles below. family, friends or as part of a group. It is important to provide for all of these. Principles of an inclusive Clear information will help people make historic landscape choices about when and what to visit. Easy to use Safe This principle relates to how easy it is for Safety is a fundamental issue. Health and people to get to and around a historic safety policies and practices must address designed landscape, and to use its facilities. the needs of all visitors, staff and volunteers. The main issues usually concern transport, Feedback from visitors, front-line staff and entrances, paths, toilets, seating and volunteers will help identify problems that information. Improvements may involve might be overlooked by routine checks. physical adaptation such as re-laying Issues include emergency evacuation uneven paving or providing an alternative, procedures, and how these are shorter route around a site. Maintenance communicated to people with different can make a big difference, for example disabilities. Safety checks should take keeping paths clear of overhanging plants account of temporary work and how or repairing eroded path surfaces. Staff and it might impact on access. volunteers can provide valuable support as guides or assistants. Embraces diversity Comfortable An inclusive approach sees diversity as an opportunity to find creative design Comfort relies on a network of facilities and management solutions. It relies on including toilets, food, help points and adopting positive approaches in all aspects seating. Comfort is important for all visitors, of design and management.This includes particularly those who tire easily and need staff and volunteer recruitment, events to rest more often. Providing seating and management, landscape design and shelter enables older or disabled people management, education programmes to explore a longer historic route or to and ongoing maintenance. pause to absorb information. Small details can make a big impact, for example water provided for assistance dogs. 14
  • 17. Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes Benefits of an inclusive approach Visitor satisfaction Better quality of experience for all visitors Visitor numbers Increased visitor numbers from new audiences and increased repeat visits Staff and volunteer development Improved service delivery and greater staff satisfaction Positive image Good reputation associated with making efforts to improve access Cost versus benefit More effective use of resources and less wastage from temporary measures Employment Greater diversity of people employed as staff and volunteers Balance Conservation of historic significance is balanced with improved access provision. Broad, well-maintained paths provide good access through the quarry gardens of Belsay Hall, Northumberland. Ease of access between garden areas also needs to be considered. 15
  • 18. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 1 Developing skills Disability awareness training is designed Some of the best ideas for improving to increase understanding of disability and access, especially concerning operational access issues.Training should be ongoing, practices, come from front-line staff. linked with other skills development, Arranging visits to other sites is useful to and provided for all staff and volunteers. share ideas and experiences with others, Typically, organisations invest in training and to see examples of good practice. operational staff, but overlook the This can help staff see the benefits of importance of extending this to all developing inclusive practices, and how members of the organisation, including access improvements can be made in those staff who work behind the scenes keeping with the character and special and senior staff and board members. qualities of a historic landscape. Ideally, a training programme will include some sessions focused on specific disabilities such as hearing or visual impairments, as well as general awareness. Some of the most effective training is gained by working and consulting with disabled people.Trainers need to have an insight into historic property conservation and management, and the appropriateness of different options to enhance accessibility. Visitors judge an organisation or site on staff attitude and the way things are done, as well as on what the place has to offer. Effective change therefore relies on Volunteers help a group of visitors negotiate developing skills and understanding barriers designed to prevent vehicular access amongst staff. It is crucial that everyone in on the Camel Trail in Cornwall. the property team understands that they have a part to play in improving access, and that the organisation or property manager supports and encourages this sense of shared responsibility. Nominating a champion for access issues can help this process, but they must have sufficient seniority and the support of colleagues at all levels of the organisation. 16
  • 19. Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes Consulting with people It is important to involve disabled people An inclusive approach involves as many as early as possible when planning access different people as improvements. Consultation should also possible. Asking people include people who do not visit a place in what they think about a place will help order to find out why.Visitors and visitor- identify priorities for operations staff also need to be involved improving access.This in the identification, study, interpretation, group took part in a consultation day for the protection, conservation and presentation North Downs Way of the historic landscape in order to Lost Landscapes participate in making decisions about project in Kent. changes to improve access.This ensures that the needs and views of different people and the site and its conservators are considered at a stage when there is greatest scope for addressing implications. Many disabled people are used to finding creative ways of overcoming barriers in their day-to-day lives.Their perspectives can be invaluable in helping to identify the most practical ways of overcoming access barriers in a landscape. Consultation must not be a token effort to involve people. One of the most common When planning consultation, it is useful to criticisms from people who have given identify local communities and groups that time to share their views is that they never might get involved, such as disability groups, heard any news of what happened as a retirement communities, clubs, conservation result of their contribution. Ongoing groups, schools and training centres. contact with people is important to ensure they feel their input was valued and to Most people will respect the fact that review subsequent ideas and changes. efforts are being made and will welcome the opportunity for their ideas and views When discussing a site it is important to to be sought.Their involvement will address the quality of experience it offers demonstrate a positive commitment as well as its barriers.This will give a more to improving access, and this can help complete picture of the site and show reassure visitors who may feel frustrated how best to make its sensory experiences with current access difficulties. accessible. It should also help to identify which barriers should be tackled first. 17
  • 20. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 1 Giving a clear picture at the outset will encourage more appropriate suggestions, and will help avoid the need to explain at a later stage why some ideas could not be taken into account. Professional input can provide specialist insights on design and management options, explain the historic significance of a site and interpret the implications of different suggestions. Access at Witley Court Project English Heritage invited groups of disabled people to help its Witley Court, Worcestershire, team understand the property’s physical and intellectual access Consultation should be convenient and accessible so that people can participate.This includes accessible venues, appropriate times and transport barriers and to discuss ideas about if needed. Any supporting documents and information should be accessible. how access could be improved. Effective consultation relies on establishing Witley Court is an important Grade II* clear parameters, including the following: registered landscape park and formal mid-19th-century garden.The French and Parts of the landscape with special Italian gardens designed by the prestigious historic significance which have William Andrews Nesfield (1794–1881) limited options for change were considered to be among the most Barriers with no historic significance magnificent in England.The Court, its that could be changed gardens, and associated buildings are also The level of resources available to a Scheduled Monument. Within this group, support new ideas and improvements the house, its link to the church and the Realistic estimates of the cost of baroque church are also Grade I listed capital works buildings, and further buildings and features Providing adequate information for are listed Grade II* and Grade II. consultees to reach informed decisions Allowing sufficient opportunity for In 2004, 58,000 people visited Witley consultees to respond Court.The majority are in the 45–54 Taking into account consultees’ advice group but 27 per cent are retired.The in final decisions visitors are mostly day-trippers who travel between 5 and 20 miles to a property. 18
  • 21. Part 1 Easy access to historic landscapes © Drew Bennellick Witley Court is a challenging site for balancing conservation with access needs as there is a variety of path surfaces through the woodland and gardens.There are also steps, terraces, lawns and parterres; and the house is only accessible via steps. The volunteers who took part in the Access at Witley Court project consultation included people with hearing and visual impairments, learning disabilities and wheelchair users.They offered many practical and inexpensive recommendations on how access and the ‘comfort factor’ of the site might be improved for all visitors. The clearest message from the consultation was that many disabled visitors appreciate being given clear pre-visit and welcome information in different formats so they can plan ahead, make choices and decisions independently. Information should include details of the site layout and facilities available as well as the historical significance of the landcape. Consultation continues with the groups who took part in the project as recommendations are followed up and new site presentation and interpretation is developed. Volunteers at Witley Court (Worcestershire) discussing how to improve access and appraising the audio guide. 19
  • 22. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 2 Part 2 Planning for better access Good access provision is the result of a property team’s commitment to improving access and enjoyment for all visitors to their historic landscapes. Property managing organisations should develop policies and working practices that include the needs of disabled people in all aspects of their business.The ultimate aim is to make this inclusive approach integral to everything the organisation does. Planning ensures that improvements bring the greatest benefits to the visitor experience, while respecting the special qualities of the historic landscape. Most as providing greater accessibility. Conversely, Involving people as early as possible in the designed landscapes have limited capital an approach that opens up all areas to consultation process, and revenue budgets, and often limited change can result in irreparable damage such as this planning staff resources. Planning helps ensure to the historic character and fabric of a day for the grounds of Bethlem Royal Hospital, that these are used to best effect. landscape.There may be opportunities London, can lead to to reinstate routes that are historically new ways of thinking The diagram on pages 24 and 25 shows appropriate, for example old carriage about access issues, and produce good how to use and relate access planning tools drives to give vehicular access. ideas for tackling like strategies, audits and plans, and historic barriers and improving environment conservation management Access may also rely on the quality of the experience for visitors. plans. Plans will vary according to the scale service provided by external agencies, for and complexity of a garden or landscape, example contractors like caterers, grounds but the principles remain the same. maintenance teams, and event organisers. It is important that such agencies are There are risks in failing to address aware of the quality of service they are historic significance when planning access expected to deliver.The duties introduced improvements.The view that an entire by the DDA and the property’s access landscape must be preserved may overlook policies and standards will therefore need features with little historic significance that to be included in briefs and specifications. could be improved aesthetically as well 20
  • 23. Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes Access strategy disabilities. Many audits focus on physical access. A thorough audit should also The access strategy is a top-level document include sensory and intellectual barriers, that sets out the organisation’s access and whether disabled people have been policy and the ways in which it will put the involved in access planning for the site. policy into practice.The access strategy needs to include: The audit should follow the journey around a garden or landscape, starting A commitment to develop and sustain from information available to plan a visit, inclusive practices the arrival areas, through the choice of How the document links to other plans walks, gardens and features, services and and strategies, such as a conservation facilities available on site like guided tours, management plan and policies interpretation, cafés and toilets, and Plans for preparing an access audit finishing with the exit route. and access plan, and related costs Aims and targets for improving access Access audits are usually commissioned to services and facilities, together with from an independent expert.The audit brief timescales, priorities, inclusive design needs to identify the full range of issues to implications and budgets be included, for example if there are features Involvement of disabled people in the of special historic significance or areas development and ongoing review of that present particular access difficulties. the access strategy A clearer brief will result in a more useful How the access strategy will be audit. It is important to select an access monitored and reviewed and auditor with experience of assessing who will be responsible historic sites.The National Register of Access Consultants lists auditors with a Improving access must be seen as an wide range of specialist skills. Access and ongoing process, not a one-off exercise. training organisations offer courses to The access strategy and planning process develop audit skills and qualifications. encourages continuous improvements. Conservation management plan Access audit Planning for managing, restoring or Being aware of the barriers to access on developing historic landscapes is well a site is an essential early step in planning established.The key to planning change access improvements. An access audit is is an authoritative knowledge of the a useful tool that identifies and records landscape’s development and its existing barriers. It should address the significance in all senses – historical, requirements of the whole range of archaeological, cultural, ecological, character and its role as an amenity. 21
  • 24. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 2 The conservation assessment includes: A description of the historic landscape and all its features An analysis of how the historic landscape has changed over time and how it is currently used An assessment of its significance A review of issues and opportunities including access Policies for conservation management including access The management part includes: Management and maintenance Plans need to take account of the relationship between a landscape and its associated buildings.There are often barriers to access associated with narrow prescriptions including access openings.This new visitor centre at Trebah Gardens, Cornwall, has created a improvements wide, level entrance to invite people into the garden. Budgets and work programming, including access works Conservation management plans are Monitoring and review processes used to appraise what matters and why, and to determine how to manage, maintain, The conservation assessment involves present and use the historic landscape researching a site’s history, its historic in an ever-changing environment. Access design, how it has changed over time and strategies will be an important component its current management and uses. It also of conservation management plans for addresses how and why visitors value the sites open to visitors. Plans identify site and any gaps in knowledge about it. opportunities and constraints and establish It may be necessary to commission policies and programmes of work for additional specialist reports from experts conservation and, where relevant, for such as landscape historians, archaeologists, opening up the site for public enjoyment. or ecologists. Much of the research collated for conservation management will also be The term ‘conservation management plan’ useful for the access plan.The site’s history reflects the two-stage process of developing and archaeology can provide information a plan. for access projects such as identifying new routes and designing interpretation materials. 22
  • 25. Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes Historic landscapes are vulnerable.The Service providers are more likely to be conservation plan should highlight any able to comply with their duty to make potential threats arising from the current adjustments in relation to physical use or management of the landscape, for features if they arrange for an access example pressure from high visitor numbers audit of their premises to be conducted or deterioration of historic features like and draw up an access plan or strategy. steps and terraces from lack of repair. Acting on the results of such an evaluation may reduce the likelihood of Access plan legal claims against the service provider. Access plans are recommended as tools DRC 2002. Code of Practice: to programme access improvements. Rights to Access, Goods, Facilities, An access plan is based on the access Services and Premises strategy and brings together the findings from the access audit and the conservation management plan. It identifies work required and informs the site’s overall plans for the short, medium and long term.The access plan needs to identify timescales and who is responsible for delivering each agreed action point. Access plans can also help show how DDA duties are being addressed. For historic gardens and landscapes the access plan should include: A summary of the different options and their implications for access improvement, conservation of historic significance, and quality of visitor experience Plans for providing alternative services during building works Cost projections and plans to secure the necessary funding Priorities for implementation and plans to phase the work An access audit and a list of suggested improvements 23
  • 26. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 2 The access planning process Access audit • Identify all access needs • Prioritise recommendations • Relate to the conservation assessment and conservation management plan Feasibility and options studies • Technical studies, including Access strategy means of escape • Agree strategic commitment • Impact analysis • Evaluate accessibility of • Mitigation measures if required employment/services offered • Test of ‘reasonableness’ of • Consider timescale and budget proposed adjustment • Identify person to progress • Consultation with relevant the process access and conservation bodies and with disability user groups Conservation assessment • A description of the historic landscape and all its features (historic, archaeological, landscape design, architectural, cultural, biodiversity, access and amenity) • An analysis of how the historic landscape has changed over time and how it is currently used • An assessment of its significance • A review of issues and opportunities including access audit • Policies for conservation management including access 24
  • 27. Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes Measures have no apparent impact upon significance, or physical alterations not required Confirm that statutory consent is not required The access plan • Must be site or building specific • Incorporates a comprehensive range Draft access plan of access solutions, from managed • Reconciles access and change to physical alteration conservation needs • Is adopted by all concerned • Establishes short- and long-term • May be implemented in stages according aims in relation to opportunities to prioritised access needs and long- • Sets timescales for changes term building development strategy • Should be reviewed and endorsed at regular intervals in relation to the access strategy and conservation management plan Measures have impact and/or physical alterations are recommended – statutory consents or other approvals required • Detailed design • Development and impact assessments • Further technical studies • Further consultation • Prepare access statement for building regulations Obtain listed building, scheduled monument, planning consent or other approvals 25
  • 28. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 2 Supporting the process Access statements Some local authorities offer access grants. Eligible work may include provision of An access statement should record progress ramps, accessible toilet facilities and and the decisions made in relation to the upgrading of signage.The local authority access plan. It should explain how and why access officer or volunteer bureau will be these decisions have been made, and how able to advise on funding sources. Some they have been influenced by the context private grant-making trusts will also help of the site and advice from other parties. with the costs of access improvements.The It is valuable for guiding future decisions, Directory of Social Change produces useful and communicating approaches both reference guides on sources of grants. internally and externally. Organisations like the National Trust have The development of an access statement fulltime access advisors to support staff, is recommended in Approved Document volunteers and properties.The Historic Part M (see page 11). Even when there are Houses Association offers its members the no requirements relating to planning or services of an advisor to undertake audits building regulations, this is a useful document and advise on access provision for disabled to produce. An access statement should be visitors and employees.The access advisor prepared at the start of any project and can also define access limitations and updated throughout all stages of the work. propose ways of overcoming them. The Disability Rights Commission website There are no specific funds available from includes a guide on access statements for English Heritage, Historic Scotland or the planning, designing and managing buildings Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for access and spaces.Templates for producing access improvements. HLF currently funds physical statements can be downloaded from the access improvements to historic landscapes Sensory Trust website. or sites if the improvements are part of a wider project and meet other HLF criteria. Funding Since 1994 HLF has granted £3.3 billion to 16,000 awards for projects which have At the time of writing there is no funding increased access to heritage for disabled source specifically to support access people.The environmental stewardship improvements for historic landscapes. scheme run by the Department for Where access work is eligible as part of a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs bigger grant scheme, the funding organisation (Defra) offers grants towards capital costs is likely to require an access strategy, audit of access features such as the upgrading and plan, together with a conservation of path surfaces. Historic environment management plan for a historic landscape. protection is also one of the scheme’s All funders are likely to require an inclusive objectives and there are options within approach to planned improvements. 26
  • 29. Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes Barriers to access this for historic landscapes.The Northern Barriers prevent or dissuade disabled Ireland Environment and Heritage Service people from visiting, enjoying or learning do make grant-aid available for access about a site.They are diverse and some routes of significant length within rural are more obvious than others.The most historic landscapes, where entry is free. familiar are physical constraints such as The Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund steps, slopes, uneven or loose surfaces includes a land- and community-based and narrow paths. Other barriers, such grant scheme.This scheme supports as a lack of seating where people can projects that reduce the effects of land- rest, or inaccessible information, are often based aggregate extraction on access, overlooked. Some barriers work together, biodiversity, communities, geodiversity, for example loose gravel will be more informal recreation and landscapes, and difficult on a slope. the scheme can sometimes help with access improvements. A barrier may be an important historic feature, or an essential part of a landscape’s character. Alternatively, it may be a more recent feature of no historic significance.This must be clarified so that the appropriate solutions can be found.There is usually greater freedom to remove or alter barriers if they do not have high historic significance. In other cases, it may be necessary to consider how to provide an equivalent experience by alternative means. This sign at Tintern Abbey alerts visitors to the presence of a trip hazard.This clear pictorial sign can be seen by many people with visual impairments and understood by many with learning disabilities. 27
  • 30. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 2 Identifying barriers When reviewing barriers, people should be encouraged to identify potential Identifying the barriers in a historic solutions as well as simply listing problems, landscape is an essential early step as this will help to balance the ideal in planning improvements. with the achievable. It is important to tell people about existing constraints, Disabled people are the best informed on such as limited budgets, and to highlight what is a barrier to them and barriers will the special qualities of a site. affect people in different ways. Sometimes a barrier to one person may be a positive Access barriers beyond a site must feature to another. For example, steps may be included in any full assessment. be a barrier to wheelchair users, but can For instance, the decision to visit relies be easier than ramps for some older on adequate information about access. visitors and other semi-ambulant people Similarly, a lack of accessible transport to negotiate.The aim is to achieve will be a barrier to some people. compromise and the best way is to involve a representative mix of disabled people in Renovation work can create temporary identifying barriers and possible solutions. barriers to access. Plans for renovations Contacts can be found through the local or other building work must include authority access officer, or through a local solutions to any access barriers disability group or organisation. caused by work in progress. Work at Trafalgar Square, London, has resulted in improved access. Steps now have double-sided handrails for left or right-handed people, tactile warnings and contrasting step nosings. 28
  • 31. Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes Seasonal changes or weather conditions If plants were positioned nearer the can lead to temporary barriers such as railings, this would muddy or icy paths. It is important that provide added sensory visitors are informed of any temporary experiences. barriers that cannot be removed. Identifying barriers must be an ongoing process. Landscapes change with time, signs deteriorate, paths become worn and gates, hinges and latches become difficult to open. Adding obstacles such as more tables, extra display stands, or making use of spaces for storage, can cause difficulties for wheelchair users or visitors with impaired vision. The way that visitors use a place may change too. For example, increasing numbers of older and disabled people use self-drive vehicles, also known as buggies or scooters, to visit historic sites.These Overgrown plants and widened joints may vehicles have transformed mobility for add character but many people and have made it possible can result in hazards for them to experience more challenging or inconvenience for visitors. parts of the landscape, such as meadows, gravel paths and long-distance routes.The use of these vehicles has not been fully recognised in much of the existing design guidance, which focuses on wheelchair use. Paths, turning circles, gate widths and toilets designed for wheelchair users may not be adequate for self-drive vehicles. 29
  • 32. Easy access to historic landscapes Part 2 Examples of barriers Organisational Lack of staff or volunteers to support sites Negative or uninformed staff attitudes Lack of support for access improvements from owners or managers Physical Lack of accessible transport to or around a site Lack of accessible signage, information, education and interpretation materials Narrow paths and entrances, loose or uneven path surfaces, steep slopes and long distances Steps, plinths, kerbs or raised edges and stiles Lack of seating and shelter Deterioration of routes, signs, facilities and features through lack of repair Lack of accessible toilets, baby feeding and baby and adult changing facilities Intellectual Complex information Information does not cater for different learning styles Text-only information Sensory Limited options to touch features Poor acoustics Visitors are not aware of sensory highlights Absence of visual and tactile warnings Social and cultural Publicity does not promote access Inaccessible website Lack of information shared with local community Lack of opportunities for volunteering or friends groups Financial Entrance fees Charges for activities like guided tours and events Cost of goods in café or shop Cost of travelling to and from a site Expenses for volunteers 30
  • 33. Part 2 Easy access to historic landscapes Examples of solutions Organisational Training to improve skills and attitudes of staff and volunteers User-testing sessions involve people of different ages, genders and with a range of disabilities Develop an access strategy and appoint an access champion Physical Links with transport companies to improve transport Clear information about key facilities and features, for example accessible parking and toilets, opening times, entrance fees and safety notices Signage to help visitors find their way around Education programmes have accessible venues and materials Regular maintenance for path surfaces, signs, trimming back overhanging vegetation and so on Uneven paving relaid or repointed Where appropriate, paths are widened, passing places are provided or alternative routes are created Accessible toilets, baby feeding and baby and adult changing facilities are provided Provision of drinking fountains and picnic locations Links with community transport organisations Intellectual Information follows ‘easy-to-read’ guidelines and is accompanied by pictures Information is offered in different formats Guided tours and education programmes are designed to accommodate different needs Sensory Hearing loops are installed at ticket desks, information points and meeting areas Portable hearing loops are available for guides and education workers Touch tours focus on tactile exploration for visually impaired visitors Where appropriate, visitors are able to touch sculptures and features of tactile interest Areas and features with high sensory interest are located on an accessible route Tactile indicators are provided at the approach to hazards, and step nosings are highlighted Social and cultural Publicity is distributed through local disability networks and groups Links are made with the local community, for example local schools, disability groups, retirement communities and healthy walking initiatives Accessible pre-visit information informs people about what they can expect Surveys help identify who the missing visitors are and the reasons why User-consultation programmes target groups that are currently under-represented Financial Discounted entrance fees and free admission for companions Some activities are provided free Adequate compensation of expenses for volunteers and focus groups 31