For disabled people, they can feel supported using large stations, with good access for wheelchair users. However, when using smaller, rural stations, usually unstaffed, they face serious barriers which make accessing nature difficult.
This project aimed to highlight these barriers and also the positive aspects of travelling by train to access nature.
Through three events at different stations on the North Downs Line, SCRP worked with the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People to take their members on a day out to explore disabled access and nature around the station and then have a creative activity with an artist/facilitator at a booked venue with disabled facilities. The art activity was a way to engage with nature in a different way and create positive outcomes from the day.
We travelled to Blackwater Station from Redhill and Guildford; and then travelled by minibus with local provider Yelabus to Blackwater & Hawley Leisure Centre. After a talk from a Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust ranger about tree identification we went on a gentle wheel and stroll around the centre. Everyone enjoyed looking at the trees and the sun was shining which meant everyone enjoyed being outside. This was followed by a sandwich lunch in the hall and a creative activity. Members were encouraged to draw and write about their experiences outside and also record their feedback about their journeys that day.
The second event took place at Dorking. We arrived at Dorking West Station and used a minibus hired from Mole Valley. Some people walked on a gentle route using off road paths, led by Sara. At the Meadowbank cafe we had coffee and then went outside to the surrounding parkland and lake. Again it was gloriously sunny and we enjoyed experiencing the wildlife, trees and plants. We collected leaves, made drawings and rubbings of tree bark. At the cafe we had lunch followed by more time making drawings and paintings.
Finally we went to Shalford Station, we all walked and wheeled to Shalford Village Hall. From there we were able to access some nice footpaths through woodland and again the sun was shining. There were quite a few difficulties on the route from the hall across a busy road and again all this was recorded in the feedback. The art activity culminated in a collaborative piece which will be exhibited to showcase the project at Guildford Station. The feedback for this day was extremely positive.
The events were all documented and the outcomes resulted in a series of posters, created by the Coalition highlighting the negative and positives of travelling by rail to visit the countryside for disabled people. The posters have been displayed at North Downs Line Stations. There was also a display and pop-up at Guildford Station with very good publicity including an interview with Nikki CEO of the Coalition with the BBC.
The events were all documented and the outcomes resulted in a series of posters, created by the Coalition highlighting the negative and positives of travelling by rail to visit the countryside for disabled people. The posters have been displayed at North Downs Line Stations. There was also a display and pop-up at Guildford Station with very good publicity including an interview with Nikki CEO of the Coalition with the BBC.
One result was just how effective the use of different transport modes. We used local community minibus hire for pick up from stations and journey to the village hall or community centre. The drivers and organisations were all incredibly helpful and the smooth transitions made the days really enjoyable. Private taxis and buses were also used by some individual members to get to the departure station and again these were an important part of the integrated transport for the days out.
The Coalition also made a series of short films for social media which have been shared across our platforms. They include interviews with members and lovely images of the journeys and destinations: they give a really good flavour of the days out.
The day out helped me to connect with nature and the outdoors in a way I had not experienced for many years.