Lancashire Named One Of The Best UK Spots For Accessible Nature Reserves

To encourage everyone to embrace the benefits of birdwatching ahead of the 2022 Big Garden Birdwatch, wildlife expert Sean McMenemy reveals his top tips for disabled birdwatchers and Lancashire's best accessible wildlife spots.

Research has found Lancashire is one of the best counties in the UK when it comes to the number of wheelchair-friendly nature reserves for wildlife-spotting, with five Wildlife Trust nature reserves that are accessible.

Birdwatching is a fantastic way to engage with nature, have some fun and improve your wellbeing.

However, millions are missing out on this experience due to a lack of confidence and information. According to National Parks UK, despite 20% of the UK population having a disability or long-term health issue, they make up just 9% of National Park visitors.

Plus, since recording began in the 1970s, bird populations have plummeted by up to 90% for some species. In response to this decline, the upcoming RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 aims to get millions reporting on their local bird activity to create insight into bird numbers across the UK.

Whether you choose to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch from 28th-30th January, or simply want to give birdwatching a go, it can be adapted to suit your needs, circumstances and capabilities.

If you don’t have a garden or want to pursue birdwatching as a regular hobby, then you might want to consider visiting a nature reserve to find a more diverse range of wildlife.

Ark Wildlife has gathered data on the UK’s most wheelchair-friendly and wildlife-abundant nature reserves.



A full list of wheelchair-friendly nature reserves is available on the Ark Wildlife website. https://www.arkwildlife.co.uk/blog/birding-for-all/

Sean McMenemy, director at Ark Wildlife, provides his top tips on how to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2022, as well as the benefits of getting involved.

Tips for disabled birdwatchers

Be prepared. If you don’t have access to a garden, you can venture out to a local nature spot or simply use your window as a viewing point to the outside world. Here are some of the accessibility factors you might want to consider: surface terrain, route difficulty and length, time required, accessible toilets, seating areas and the availability and location of Blue Badge parking bays.

Use educational resources. It can help to have images to hand so that you know what type of bird you’ve spotted (images of some popular birds can be found on this RSPB resource.) It can also help to identify birds by their songs and calls. You can listen to sound clips on the RSPB website.

Consider supportive equipment. If you have any visual impairments, you may find filtered glasses or magnifiers useful. In addition, those with limited motor skills might benefit from hand grips or low-magnification/stabilising binoculars. Plus, a small trolley with wheels can be used to carry your equipment if needed.

Use winter bird food to attract more birds. Scattering winter bird food can have a big impact on the number and diversity of birds attracted to the area. So if there seems to be a lack of birds around, this tip could create a more exciting birdwatch experience! Common birds to look out for in the winter include starlings, robins, chaffinches, goldfinches and blackbirds.

Remain patient and have fun! When birdwatching, birds may not necessarily appear straight away. So it’s important to make the most of all the beautiful sights and sounds that can be experienced, such as spotting other wildlife or watching plants sway in the wind. Wildlife watching — whether in the countryside or from a window — can bring an immense sense of pleasure and wellbeing. The more you watch, the more immersed you become.