The idea
Our former demolition dumping site now has mature trees and an established wildlife belt around the perimeter of the site. Completion of this project will provide accessibility to people with limited mobility, in wheelchairs or with prams for the first time. The pathway is an 'accessible to all' rubber surfaced path which covers 1000 sq metres with secluded areas housing natural seating where you will share space with nature. The path will be freely accessible to people who can walk around, travel around in wheelchairs or prams and there will be guided horseback and horse-drawn nature trails. Horse-drawn wheelchair carriages ensure that everybody can enjoy the guided nature trail events. The themed trails will include evening activities such as Bat Watch events and Rook Murmuration events as well as regular seasonal Bird Watch and Nature Watch events.
Some additional tree planting with Willow and Birch will provide more screening and seclusion alongside providing habitat enhancement.
What we'll deliver
- We'll plant 30 additional trees providing seclusion and habitat
- We'll provide 1000 square metres of impact safe pathways to create accessibility to all areas of the 8.5 acre site
- There will be 4 picnic areas with seating, nature identification signage and recycling bins
- You will have a secluded Meditation Zone with wildflowers, log seating and a fire pit for Camp Fire Stories events
- You can use one of the ten secluded benches to sit and read etc in nature
- We will provide 25 weatherproof picnic blankets for meditation events so you can be safely grounded
- We will have a small 6x4 shed hidden away for storing picnic blankets and fire pit
- The three horse-drawn wheelchair carriages will allow wheel chair users to access the horse themed Nature Trail events
Why it's a great idea
Enjoying outdoor recreation provides benefits for mind, body, spirit and, in turn, the local economy. The psychological benefits, include the prevention or reduction of stress; improved self-esteem, confidence and creativity; spiritual growth; and an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge from living a healthy outdoor life. Being outside provides physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, as well as improved functioning of the immune system. Bonding with like-minded people who enjoy outdoor activities reduces loneliness and embodies a increased pride in your community and nation. It is documented that people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation tend to be more productive at work. which leads to economic growth. Outdoor recreation provides benefits including increased environmental awareness which results in increased involvement in environmental issues. Engagement in positive activities reduces anti social behaviour
Steps to get it done
- step 1 - purchase the rubber pavers and trees immediately upon receipt of funding
- step 2 - plant the trees and set the pathways completion 12 weeks from recieving funding
- step 3 - purchase the benches, log seats, small shed and picnic blankets 12 weeks after receipt of funding
- step 4 - site the shed, benches and log seats upon their delivery
- step 5 - purchase the wheelchair carriages 14 weeks from receipt of funding
- step 6 - Open the project to the public 5 months from receipt funding
The access to Shy Lowen Horse and Pony Sanctuary has been largely limited to scheduled Open Days and 'By Appointment' for those accessing our educational, therapeutic and horse riding activities. This project will mean that people can access the space at any time we are open which is 7 days per week and, for 4 evenings we are open late. A future project will provide staff accomodation for overnight and our opening times will be further extended providing safe outdoor space for people to access when it suits them and giving the opportunity to view the natural world in a safe and secure environment.
The fact that this is possible on a site which 25 years ago was buried in demolition waste and rubbish will further inspire people to make the positive changes to the planet which are necessary to minimise the harm which the thoughtless actions of the past have led to and make the future a better place for everyone.
