Nature And Landscape

Inclusive Natural Heritage – developing expertise in disability access

Inclusive Natural Heritage will equip the natural heritage sector with skills and tools to welcome traditionally underserved heritage audiences to their sites and activities. It responds to the lack of confidence and knowledge we have learned from heritage staff. It focuses on people who face some of the greatest barriers to engaging with natural heritage: disabled, D/deaf and neurodivergent people. We will combine training with mentoring and practical demonstration, an approach consistently commended by heritage staff and volunteers, often leading to new and revised practices. Inclusive action is often piecemeal. We will show how real, lasting change comes from integrating an inclusive approach across all elements of visitor management, volunteer engagement and community participation. We will show how this results in welcoming the widest audience and building meaningful, lasting connections with natural heritage. We know that change happens when people feel empowered to act. Inspiration combined with support is key.