As members of the Cotswolds Outdoor Learning Network, we recently co-hosted an event at the National Star College delving deeper into how we can broaden access for outdoor education.
We heard from Sarah Lawfull, a professional coach, Forest School Association Endorsed trainer, and education consultant about her experience of leading long term Forest School programmes with young autistic people and other projects allowing access to nature for disadvantaged groups with particular needs.
There was a fantastic demonstration of a range of all-terrain wheelchairs from Roger Crawford of Mountain Trike – showcasing how innovative engineering techniques can make a huge difference for people’s experience of the great outdoors. Attendees were invited to try out the wheelchairs, to experience the different features and benefits for themselves.
The final contribution came from Marika Kovacs, an enthusiastic and experienced walker who is visually impaired. Marika shared her advice on best practice for leading walks for blind or visually impaired people, and ideas for how to make the walks both enjoyable and safe (for everyone). She also offered valuable insight into her personal experiences of walking and the countryside.