All terrain wheelchair available at Testwood Lakes
4 August 2011
All terrain wheelchair available at Testwood Lakes
Testwood Lakes nature reserve is more accessible than ever before, thanks to its new all terrain wheelchair, on loan from Hampshire County Council. With its robust structure and large inflated wheels, the wheelchair is specially designed to cover all kinds of terrain with ease. This includes gravel and woodchip paths, grass and bare or muddy ground, which is the type of terrain that can be found at the reserve.
Testwood Lakes is an ideal place for people of all ages and abilities to discover wildlife. During late summer and early autumn many interesting species of birds can be seen from the bird hides and from the paths that circle the main lake. For visitors using the all-terrain wheelchair, or wanting to use their own wheelchair or mobility scooter to visit the reserve, there are radar locks on all the gates to allow wheelchair access. If you do not have a radar key we have one at the Testwood Lakes centre that you can use during your visit.
Testwood is a very flat nature reserve with just two short slopes at each end of the main lake. The route around the main lake is approximately 2 km in length and there are grass and gravel options around most of it. Dogs are permitted this part of the reserve, whereas they are not on the route up to the bird hides. The route to the bird hides is approximately 1km from the car park next to the Testwood Lakes Centre, where visitors are welcome to park. This route is all on graveled paths and boardwalks and is completely flat apart from one gentle slope.
The all terrain wheelchair is free to borrow from the Testwood Lakes Centre from Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm and on Sundays from 12pm – 3pm. As the centre is not always staffed it is essential to book the wheelchair in advance so that someone is available to meet you. A member of staff or a volunteer will show you the features of the chair and a map with suitable routes, before you take the chair out for the first time.
If you would like to find out more about the all terrain wheelchair, accessibility at Testwood Lakes or to book the chair, please phone Helen or Grace on 02380 667929.
