A unique event for people with sensory impairment is being staged in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in September.

Visually or hearing impaired visitors to the Bolton Abbey Estate on 4 September will be able to take part in guided walks, practical conservation tasks and family nature activities – all designed and interpreted with them and their enablers in mind.

The free event, called Sense the Dales, is being organised by Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) Outreach Officer Catherine Kemp and Access Development Officer Rachel Briggs, and Natural England.

The pilot is aimed at encouraging more people with disabilities to visit to the National Park.

Catherine said: “The aim is two-fold – to enable people with a form of sensory disability to experience a range of activities that are suitable for all and to give us and Natural England an opportunity to learn from the day.

“We’ll be asking how well participants think ideas worked and were delivered, and then we will use the results to shape our work. The event is free and those who take part in the activities and evaluation will pay a reduced car park charge to the estate.

“We want to see a countryside that is accessible to everyone and we are aware that, at present, there are limited opportunities for people with disabilities to fully access the National Park.“

Rachel said: “There has been a great deal of work on increasing the length of rights of way suitable for people with limited mobility, and we have complimented this with a suite of leaflets describing points of interest and trails.

“Now we are looking to find new ways of signing and interpreting this special place and holding more events that are accessible for people with a sensory impairment.”

Just turn up on the day - or pre-book before 27 August and receive 50% car-parking fee back!

For more information, or to book, please contact: Rachel Briggs on 01969 652300 or email Rachel.briggs@yorkshiredales.org.uk