We have been considering the issue of accessibility to our events for people with physical disabilities and we’re very keen to hear your views.
We’re delighted at how successful our virtual talks programme has been and have received a number of positive comments about this new venture from people who have not previously been able to attend our physical meetings. So, this is something we are very pleased about, and we plan to continue to run virtual (or possibly hybrid) events in 2023. We would welcome more volunteers to help with these (please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you’d like to help out).
This has led to discussion about the rest of our programme and in particular how we can plan some of our field meetings to be more accessible too. We appreciate that not everyone who enjoys studying natural history is able to walk long distances on terrain that may be rough and uneven.
People may need some walks planned that:
- cover short distances
- go at a slower pace
- have seating and toilets
- enable plants and animals to be viewed through binoculars
- take place in a location that is wheelchair accessible
- are at sites that are easy to get to.
Possibly we could consider ways to enable people with visual difficulties or other disabilities to take part as well.
We’re very interested in people’s views.
- Do you have any suggestions for sites that you think would work particularly well?
- Would you be interested in attending such field meetings?
- Would it be helpful to highlight facilities at the accessible sites we already use, such as the London Wetland Centre?
Please do send any comments or suggestions to the Society's president, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the secretary, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; alternatively, contact any member of Council or the Section committees.
(Words: Maria Roberts)
