WELCOME TO THE NATURAL WORLD CENTRE. Accessibility Statement updated April 2018 This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with disabilities, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our customers/visitors. Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 1 of 15
Welcome Welcome to The Natural World Centre which is set in the heart of the beautiful Whisby Nature Park. The nature park is made up of a series of former gravel pits which are home to a variety of wildlife and is located to the south of Lincoln City centre just off the A46. The Natural World Centre houses a delicious bistro serving local food which can be tailored to specific dietary requirements. We have an exciting gift shop and our Bistro gallery displays local artists and crafters. Outside there is Little Darters Adventure Play area, designed to keep little ones occupied with a sand pit and water play areas. There is also an Octagonal Tower, Scramble ramp, Rope Balance and the Cave for children and adults to investigate and look for wildlife. Otter s Reach indoor play area is a natural place made from tactile wood for adventurous children under the age of 7 up to a height of 1.3m. The Cygnet Suite is below the ground floor area and hosts parties, conferences and private events. There is access onto the pontoon from the Suite and a walkway takes you around to the front of the building. The centre has free entry, with a free car parking for non-blue badge holders. Car parking is 2.00 per day for non-badge holders. The centre is accessible with use of a hearing loop, accessible toilet facilities, lowered reception desk. View over the Thorpe Lake towards the Natural World Centre Further details are available from The Natural World Centre: t: +44 (0) 1522 688868 e: naturalworld@lincsinspire.com Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 2 of 15
CONTENTS 1. General Information Page 4 2. Visiting Us Page 4 a. By Train Page 4 b. By Bus Page 4 c. By Taxi Page 5 d. By Car Page 5 3. Scooter Hire Page 5 4. Assistance Dogs Page 6 5. Main Entrance Page 6 6. Reception Page 7 7. Otter s Reach Indoor Play Area Page 7 8. The Cygnet Suite Page 8 9. Gift Shop Page 9 10. Boardwalk Bistro Page 9 11. Boardwalk Seating Area Page 10 12. Little Darters Adventure Play Page 11 13. Public Toilets Page 12 14. Emergency Procedures Page 13 15. On The Nature reserve Page 13 16. Further Information Page 14 17. Accessible Accommodation Page 14 18. Future Plans Page 14 19. Feedback Page 15 20. General Dimensions Page 16 Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 3 of 15
1. General Information The Natural World and car park are on level ground with the centre being based over two floors. There is lift access to the Cygnet Suite. The whole centre is accessible by wheelchairs. Manual wheelchair users may need assistance in some areas. Accessible facilities and baby changing facilities are available. Mobility Scooters are available and can be hired for access onto the Nature Reserve, a manual wheelchair is available for use only within the Natural World area. These can be pre-booked by telephone (01522) 688868 or via email naturalworld@lincsinspire.com Our brochure, leaflets and Nature Park map are available in larger print upon request. 2. Visiting us By Train Closest train station is Lincoln Central which is located to the South of Lincoln City Centre and is 7.5 miles away. The station is fully accessible for wheelchairs. Direct connections are provided by East Midlands Trains, East Coast and Northern Rail which operate daily services to Peterborough, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Doncaster and London. We would advise you to plan your trip in advance with an online route planner or by phone with TrainTracker +44 (0)871 200 49. More information on the train station and it services and accessibility can be found here. www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/sjp/lcn/stationoverview.xhtml You can find the station at: Lincoln Railway Station, St Mary's Street, Lincoln. Lincolnshire. LN5 7EW By Bus. PC Coaches run number 48 bus route travelling between Lincoln and Witham St Hughes every two hours, calling at Thorpe on the Hill. It is a fairly short walk from the bus stop to the Nature Park. All PC Coach on regular routes are wheelchair accessible and the majority of the Stagecoach buses are wheelchair accessible. Please contact Stagecoach to check whether your line is operated by wheelchair accessible buses: t: +44 (0)1522 580515 e: lincolnshire.disabilityhelpdesk@stagecoachbus.com Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 4 of 15
By Taxi Taxis are available at the railway station. Accessible Taxis can be pre-arranged via Marks Passenger Services a local private hire company with wheelchair accessible vehicles. For more information on Marks Passenger Services please visit their http://www.markspassengerservices.co.ukor contact them by phone on +44 (0) 1522 793816. By Car Full details and maps are available on our website http://www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk/visit-us/ The Nature Park is 5 miles from Lincoln City Centre at Thorpe on the Hill, off the A46. Follow the brown signs to the Nature Park. The Natural World Centre is situated in Whisby Nature Park. There are 10 FREE blue badge car parking spaces available and are within 70m of the main reception desk. The car park is level and is tarmac with a block-paved entrance path into the centre. There are dropped kerbs by the blue badge car park area. There is a drop off area by the blue badge bays which is level into the centre. There are a further 48 spaces and 6 coach parking spaces. There is a charge of 2.00 per day per vehicle for non blue badge holders. 3. Scooter and Wheelchair Hire Mobility Scooters and manual wheelchair hire can be arranged at the reception desk. We have three mobility scooters available and are 3.50 for a morning (10.00am-1.00pm) or afternoon (1.00pm-4.30pm) session. The manual wheelchair is 2.00 for a morning or afternoon session. One of our 2 mobility scooters available for hire Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 5 of 15
4. Assistance Dogs Assistance Dogs are welcomed within the Natural World Centre. On the Nature Park there are specified dog friendly routes around Thorpe Lake and a restriction for all dogs is in place during the breeding season. All dogs should be kept on leads at all times. There is a dog toilet located along the tarmac level pathway which is found to the right out of the building approximately 50m. Water bowls are available within the Little Darters Play area and on the Boardwalk seating area. 5. Main Entrance The main entrance to the centre is on ground level and is level. The main entrance is a set of two manual double doors. There is a 770mm / 30.5inches minimum clear opening and assistance may be required. A bench is situated outside the main doors. The area is well lit with overhanging fluorescent lights. There are clear location signs throughout the centre. There is a minimum door width of 800mm / 31.5inches in the centre. Main entrance external doors Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 6 of 15
6. Reception The reception is situated on the ground floor within the gift shop and has a lowered desk section. There is a hearing loop installed at the counter. Use of a magnifying glass, pen and pad of paper are available please contact the reception desk. The flooring is linoleum and carpet tiles. The area is well lit with plenty of natural light. Reception desk from the main entrance and towards the cafe entrance doors 7. Otter s Reach and Otters Café Is located on ground level through the Gift Shop The area is well lit with natural light For children under the age of 7 years up to a height of 1.3m There is access for wheelchairs onto the weighbridge and through the gravel pit play to gravel extraction wheel which is at a lower level for access. The flooring is a combination of printed linoleum and bound rubber mulch. View of Otter s Reach from the Gift Shop Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 7 of 15
8. The Cygnet Suite The Cygnet Suite is available to hire for all occasions. The suite is located on the lower floor which is accessed by stairs or lift. The lift is located just past the reception desk. Assistance may be required to enter the main room through two manual doors. The lift measures: width 800mm/31.5inches floor space 1400x1070 / 55x42inches. There are Braille button on the inside and outside of the lift. Views from within the Cygnet Suite Lift to The Cygnet Suite 9. Gift Shop The shop is accessed to the right of the main entrance on the ground floor. There are no further doors to enter the shop and it is level throughout. Payments and enquires are made at the reception desk which has a lowered counter. There is sufficient space through the shop for wheelchair access, however assistance is available if required. All items for sale have price labels which may be difficult to read, however assistance is available from the reception desk. The shop is lit with uplighters and large windows provide natural light. Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 8 of 15
The flooring is mainly carpet tiles with a linoleum strip from the main entrance to the Boardwalk doors. There is access to the Boardwalk from the shop via manual double doors and assistance may be required. View into the Gift Shop 10. Boardwalk Bistro The cafe is located on the ground floor with access from the main entrance. There is one set of double doors with a 770mm / 30.2inches minimum clear opening and assistance may be required should the doors be closed in cold weather. Assistance can be called from the Reception desk. The Boardwalk Bistro is self-service, however assistance is available from the catering staff. Tables are wooden and beech chairs do not have arm rests. Two soft sofas are also available within the seating area. The counter has a lower table for access. We do strive to provide requirements for any dietary requirements and can be discussed with the Chef on duty. Exit onto the Boardwalk is via double doors with a 770mm / 30.2inches minimum clearance and assistance may be required. The bistro is well lit with uplighters and surrounded by windows giving a large amount of natural light. The level floor is covered in a dark laminate effect covering. The nearest public toilet is at the main entrance to the centre (approximately 30m) Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 9 of 15
View of the Boardwalk Bistro Menus are available in larger print on request. Special dishes of the day are displayed on the board and staff can run through the products available. Any allergies must be highlighted to staff members who will direct you to allergen free products. 11. External Boardwalk Seating Area The Boardwalk seating area is for the bistro patrons only and is accessed via manual double doors from the bistro seating area. There are 10 tables and chairs overlooking the reserve lakes with wooden benches towards the building side of the area. Assistance dogs and family pets are allowed on the Boardwalk. The flooring is teak decking with small spacing between the boards. The boardwalk is level and leads onto the Little Darters Play Area. The access to Little Darters is via a walkway approximately 700mm / 30.2inches wide. External seating on the Boardwalk Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 10 of 15
12. Little Darters Adventure Play Little Darters Adventure Play area is an outside playground consisting of climbing frames, sand pit, water play, the cave, octagonal tower and an assault course comprising of scramble ramps and rope balance. There is an incline towards the Octagonal tower and is no more than 1:12 gradient. Little Darters play area Assistance to access to the cave and the octagonal tower may be required. There are three benches within Little Darters 12 picnic benches are available in the kiosk area. 3 of the picnic benches have been modified to allow closer access for wheelchairs. 13. Public Toilets Designated accessible facilities are located in the main entrance to the Natural World Centre. We currently do not have Braille or tactile signage. There is a manual door which is 860mm / 33.8inches wide and assistance may be required. The room is 1070mm / 42.1inches wide There is only forward or angled transfer to the WC. This may be awkward for some wheelchair users. There is forward or angled only transfer beside the WC. There is sufficient turning space at the entrance to the facility. There is a horizontal rail on the rear of the door. There are also horizontal and vertical grab rails either side of the WC. The space to the side of the WC is 500mm / 19.7inches which means that there is no space to the side for wheelchairs. The toilet is well lit with a linoleum level flooring. Assistance may be required by some users. There are lever taps on the basin. A larger access cubile is available in the ladies and gents toilets. Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 11 of 15
Public toilets are available from 9.00am until 5.00pm daily (the centre is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) Accessible facilities 14. General Emergency Procedures The emergency alarm is a two tone sounder Strobe lighting is linked to the fire alarm within the accessible toilet Fire exits are all on a level with no steps Fire exits in the lower exhibition area open to a concrete walkway with a slight gradient ramp no more than 1:12, however manual wheelchair users may need assistance. Our Emergency evacuation plan for disabled visitors or groups is available from reception The emergency assembly point is by the coach parking bays at the end of the car park. First Aid is available when the centre is open. Please contact the closest member of staff for assistance. The emergency cord is located to the left of the accessible WC and alerts reception and the Managers office when pressed 15. On The Nature Reserve managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust There is a circular route around Grebe Lake, one of six in the park, approximately 2km (1.25miles) in length and waymarked. The paths are made of compacted lime stone and the route is level with some slight ramps (less than 1:12 gradient) There are wooden benches situated around the walking routes on the reserve. Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 12 of 15
Entrance to Whisby Nature Park and a view over Thorpe Lake For further information please contact the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust T: +44 (0) 1522 500676 E: whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk 16. Further Information All Duty Managers have been trained to assist in the case of emergency evacuation Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 13 of 15
17. Accessible accommodation The Lincoln Hotel, Eastgate, Lincoln. LN2 1PN T: +44 (0) 1522 520348 E enquiries@thelincolnhotel.com For further information and access statements visit http://www.thelincolnhotel.com/ 18. Future Plans All signage within the centre is currently being reviewed to include information in Braille and include tactile An evaluation of the suitability of accessible toilet facilities will be conducted. 19. Feedback We appreciate and welcome any comments relating to your visit to the Natural World Centre or this Access Statement. We are always interested in ways to improve our visitor experiences. Please email your enquiry or comment to naturalworld@lincsinspire.com, telephone +44 (0) 1522 688868 or contact a member of staff when you visit us. Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 14 of 15
20. General Dimensions Width mm Height mm Width Inches Outer Entrance Door Double Doors Each Door Each door 840mm 33inches Inside Foyer Doors Double Doors Each Door Each door 840mm 33inches Gents and Ladies Toilet Doors 800mm 31.5inches Height inches Accessible Toilet 860mm 33.8inches Bistro Entrance Doors Double Doors Each door 840mm Each Door 33inches Boardwalk Exit Doors (Bistro) Double Doors Each door 840mm Each Door 33inches Bistro Seating Area Fire Exit Doors 1 ½ Doors Total width 1230mm Total Width 48.5inches Boardwalk Exit Doors (Gift Shop) Double Doors 840mm Double Doors 33inches Height of Reception Desk 1700mm 67inches Height of lowered Reception 1240mm 800mm 487inches 31.5inches Desk Entrance to Otter s Reach 1260mm 49.5inches Boardwalk Exit Door (G/Floor Double Doors 34.5inches Exhibition) Each door 875mm Fire Exit Doors (G/Floor Exhibition) 1 ½ Doors Total width of Total width 47.2inches 1200mm Entrance to Cygnet Suite 1260mm 49.5inches Entrance to the Cygnet Suite via stairs 930mm 36.6inches Passenger Lift 800mm 1400x1070mm 55x42.2inches Fire Exits in the Cygnet Suite Minimum space around retail shelving 1150mm 45.2inches Accessibility Statement The Natural World Centre. Updated Apr 2018 Page 15 of 15