Access Statement for Fen Drayton Lakes

Transcription

1 This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors. Introduction Access Statement for Fen Drayton Lakes Fen Drayton Lakes is a wetland site, created out of flooded gravel workings. A series a paths wind around numerous lakes, each with its own character and wildlife. Situated in the floodplain of the river Great Ouse, in Cambridgeshire, this site offers flat walks of varying length alongside lake shores, riverbanks, grasslands, hedgerows and plantation woodlands. Picture 1: Drayton Lagoon There is a car park with picnic benches and cycle racks, information & interpretation boards and a range of surfaced and unsurfaced paths. In the heart of the site lies a request stop for the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway. Page 1 of 10 Version August 2013

2 We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone or Further details are on our website Pre-Arrival For a map and directions of how to reach us please see the 'How to get here' section of our website ( which includes a download link for Satellite Navigation systems. Alternatively, you can plan your journey by car or public transport using ; simply enter your postcode and ours to get directions The nearest train stations are at Cambridge and at Huntingdon. Taxis are available at both stations. The nearest bus stop is the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway. Journey times are around 40 minutes from either station. More information at: Picture 2: Cambridgeshire Guided Busway Many public rights of way pass through the site, which can be accessed from the nearby villages of Fenstanton, Fen Drayton, Swavesey and Over The site is open every day and is free of charge Page 2 of 10 Version August 2013

3 Registered Assistance Dogs are welcome and other dogs are allowed only on the public rights of way Car Parking Facilities and Arrival There is a car park at the centre of the reserve with approximately 50 unmarked spaces. Picture 3: Holywell Lake car park Rolled gravel surface There are no charges for car parking Picnic benches and cycle racks Nature Trails The site has a mix of different paths, including hard surfaces such as concrete and tarmac, rolled gravel and grass The paths are all flat, although some gentle slopes may be encountered Page 3 of 10 Version August 2013

4 There are no set trails, but many of the routes are circular and can be of varying length, from less than 2km to over 5km Wooden signposts clearly mark the way and distances are provided Picture 4: Grass footpath at Elney Lake Page 4 of 10 Version August 2013

5 Picture 5 Signpost at Drayton Lagoon Benches, viewpoints and information boards are provided at regular intervals along many of the paths Kissing gates and bridle gates may be encountered along some of the paths A map is available in the trail guide, which can be collected from the car park or the bus shelter. Page 5 of 10 Version August 2013

6 Picture 6: Kissing gate at Holywell Lake Page 6 of 10 Version August 2013

7 Viewing Facilities Five viewing screens, three viewing shelters and one hide viewing shelters provided Picture 7: Viewing shelter at Ferry Lagoon Page 7 of 10 Version August 2013

8 Picture 8: Coucher hide, Moore Lake 3 viewing shelters and 1 (Coucher) hide are provided There are The viewing shelters are located next to the bus stop and along the southern and northern shores of Ferry Lagoon. The Coucher hide is located along the eastern shore of Moore Lake The viewing shelters are on level paths. The Coucher hide is accessed via a ramp, with double handrails and a gradient of 1:20. There are no steps The Coucher hide has a door opening width of 920mm and opens with a lever handle set at 1240mm from the ground Inside the Coucher hide is a space for a wheelchair, with a lowered viewing slot. All of the benches are moveable. Wooden flaps cover the unglazed viewing slots. These can be opened and are held by latches. The wooden flap in the lowered viewing slot also uses friction hinges. Information is provided on the walls and trail guides and events leaflets are displayed Page 8 of 10 Version August 2013

9 Picture 9: Inside the Coucher hide Page 9 of 10 Version August 2013

10 Public Toilets The nearest public toilets are at Cambridge Services, A14 Junction 28, where accessible WCs are available Catering Refreshments are available from Cambridge Services, A14 Junction 28. There are convenience stores in Fenstanton, Swavesey and Over. There are public houses that serve food in Fenstanton, Fen Drayton, Swavesey and Over Future Plans Two marked Blue Badge parking spaces will be created in the car park (winter ) Three gates will either be removed or altered to improve access (winter 2014) Contact Information Address (Inc postcode): RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes, c/o Fens Area Office The Grange, 20 Market Street, Swavesey Cambridgeshire, CB24 4QG Telephone: Website: Grid Reference: TL Page 10 of 10 Version August 2013