The North York Moors National Park Authority has made a greater number of mobility scooters available to help widen access for disabled visitors. The BBC reports that the off-road vehicles are now available at four locations, including Dalby Forest, Cropton, Ravenscar, and Sutton Bank.
All-terrain mobility scooters allow the user to traverse steep hills and rough ground, so that they can enjoy the natural landscape and open beauty of the moors. The Park authority has also improved access by removing stiles and resurfacing paths. The scooters are available for an annual fee of just £10, and training is giving in how to drive them safely.
Mike Hawtin, Head of Nature Recovery Projects at the North York Moors National Park, said: “The introduction of the North York Moors Mobility scheme in the National Park has allowed us to identify and work with like-minded partners and sites to improve accessibility for those with limited mobility.”
He added: “In expanding the scheme, we are enabling visitors or residents to access experiences such as the drama of a sweeping coastal vista, taking in the finest view in England or the peace and tranquillity of a trek through the forest.”
“Trampers allow couples, families and friendship groups to continue to enjoy the outdoors together through changing personal circumstances, ensuring that access to the beauty of the National Park is available to the widest possible range of people.”
The new all-terrain vehicles have been paid for with funds from Anglo American, who are developing a potash mine in the park. A Section 106 agreement is in place, which is intended to help offset the environmental impact of the Woodsmith mine, which is located near Whitby.
Potash is potassium rich salt which is in demand for fertiliser products, and North Yorkshire has some of the world’s biggest reserves. Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between the developers and the local authority, whereby the developer has to meet certain conditions to avoid putting undue pressure on a local area and community.
Jemma Crusher, Visitor Experience Manager at Dalby Forest said: “The Forestry England team at Dalby are delighted to be working with the National Park in adding to the availability of Trampers in the region.”
She added: “Ensuring our forest is accessible to all is key and from 27 September, those who wish to explore outdoor areas, which would otherwise be inaccessible to traditional mobility scooters, will be able to hire a Tramper based at our Visitors Centre.”
“Tramper routes are being designed to allow users to explore as much of the Forest as possible and enable more of our visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Forest with their friends and family.”
The North York Moors National Park was created 70 years ago this year, in 1952, the year of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. The Park Authority is running a series of celebratory events, walks, family days, and exhibitions, to mark the occasion.
If you would like some information about the Freerider Mini Ranger Plus mobility scooter, please get in touch today.
