Disabled Birders (2017).

The Rimac easy access trail was completely resurfaced last spring , it has a total of 950 m distance of smooth mostly level terrain 
with seating and 2 viewing decks , one overlooking the extensive saltmarsh 
It also has a section adjacent to the freshwater marsh which has currently  a c 3 acres shallow lagoon currently pulling in a few waders and is
good for water pipits in the winter. areas of wildflowers dunes and  orchids in low lying marshes , a stand of willows and ponds of various size,
 and a section adjacent to dune sea buckthorn , and open semi vegetated dune , good for various bird species.
The wild flower rich areas and ponds have a wide variety of odonata and lepidoptera, etc.

there are interpretation panels on the trail edge.


The trail designed and built in winter 1993/94 is for most disabilities and accommodates  wheelchairs including battery powered models.

Access is from the Rimac car park on the Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR  off the A1031 c 1 mile south of Saltfleet
grid reference TF468918 

regards John

Just checked out the website Birdability, it's American based but still interesting.

Then looked at birdingforall.com now this was very interesting, its UK based and full of lots to read, I only read a small part but have saved the pages for another time. They have an A to Z of reserves both in this country and abroad, sadly only one reserve in Lincs = Deeping Lakes is mentioned with full details. 

Another site I read part of (which I knew about but had forgotten) was fatbirder.com there is an excellent article written by Bo Beolens. He says walking is a problem for him as he has suffered from arthritis in his feet for fifty years!   Again there is loads of advice which I will be reading another day.

When I re-started this old thread it wasn't for myself but for anyone with disability problems including walking which I have among other conditions.

As Jim said lets hope others get involved. If enough people say something those in charge will take notice hopefully.

All I want is a section on the forum called Disabled Birding where I and others can include info about sites we visit where we can either view from a mode of transport, in my case a car, in others it could be the same or a mobility scooter, wheelchair etc surely that isn't too much to ask for.

Regards

John aka Max 

Well said Jim!!

Have not been out in three weeks mainly due to illness and depression. And the latter is due to not going birding, I look in garden every day but it's not same as getting out in countryside or coast with lots of fresh air!! 

Will check out the website you gave for tips etc.

Past two weeks been looking for either a coastal or countryside self catering cottage similar to the ones I visited in Scotland and Wales years ago, remote and very few people, looked at loads but as yet not found one, but will!!

Kind regards
John

I suspect there are dozens of birders who would love to get out and about more, but are reluctant to do so because of limited fitness.

They don't want to be a burden on others so they resign themselves to staying at home and watching birds through the window.

I know a few LBC members who are in almost constant pain, perhaps resulting from some past injury, who bravely venture forth because outdoor birding is in their blood, but it is struggle and they know when they get home the pain may be greater than before.

To their credit, organisations such as the LWT and the RSPB adapt their reserves to provide access for the disabled, but I think the birding hobby at large could do more.

For some folk with mental health issues, I am sure a couple of hour's birding would work wonders.

However, it's hard to know where to start  

Jim,

Thanks for your comments.

I very much doubt anyone will get involved in this thread other than you and myself!!  I know what happens far too well when I make any suggestions, it always falls on deaf ears!!

Max

Good point, John

Any other comments from other members would be welcome.

On our trip to the Cairngorms in April, there were quite a few people with limited mobility, and it was sometimes tricky to balance their capabilities with the aspirations of fitter members of the party. In fact, the balance wasn't always achieved.

Our next committee meeting is not until November, but I'll ensure it's on the agenda subject  to the chairman's approval. In the meantime, there's no reason not to start a debate on John's observations.

The club has some cash in the kitty, so if anyone can come up with detailed costings on a worthwhile and feasible project (or two), this could be considered.

Maybe we could set an example for other county bird clubs to follow.

Note: The Americans are way out in front on this - see this website: 
www.birdability.org