A joint project between South Somerset District Council’s Equalities Officer, Countryside team and Yeovil Shopmobility, has produced annotated maps of easy-access routes around Ham Hill Country Park and Yeovil Country Park.
The maps show accessible routes for residents and visitors to enjoy, with information on parking, toilets and refreshments and tips on features and wildlife to look out for along the way.
The walks are suitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, as well as parents and carers who have children in buggies and people who may have some mobility difficulties.
The maps have been designed by Nathan Gardiner and will be available to download on the following websites:
www.southsomersetcountryside.com
Copies will also be available free of charge in Cartgate TIC, Ham Hill Education Centre, Ninesprings Café and Yeovil TIC.
Councillor Jo Roundell Greene, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Economic Development and Equalities, said, “The many possibilities for enjoying the countryside and open spaces is something that attracts many people to live and work in South Somerset, or to come here as visitors.
“SSDC wants to ensure that the welcome is equally good for everyone, by providing reliable information that makes visits to these locations easy, pleasurable and as problem-free as possible.”
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture added, “We are delighted to be launching these new routes today, and are very grateful to Nathan for all his hard work and for bringing his great idea into reality.
“Although we have spectacular countryside on our doorstep in South Somerset, accessing it can pose all sorts of challenges for many people. Having these interesting clear maps, coupled with pictures and points of interest along the way, should really help a great many people access and enjoy the great Country Parks”.
A walk of the YCP route to mark the launch of the maps is to be held in July.
Photo:
SSDC’s Equalities Officer and Countryside Teams celebrate the launch of the new easy-access route maps with District Councillors and Representatives from Access for All and Shopmobility at Yeovil Country Park.
(Left to Right: Cllr Sylvia Seal, Katy Menday (SSDC Countryside Manager), Mike Rowsell, Cllr Jo Roundell Greene, Cherry Cobb (Access for All), Stan Shayler (Access for All), Helen Howard (Access for All), Julia Boon (Shopmobility), Richard Beasley, Jo Morgan (SSDC Equalities Officer), Rachael Whaites (Countryside Ranger), Nathan Gardiner (Shopmobility – produced the maps)).