Access to the visitor centre at Whisby Nature Park will be improved through a programme of work thanks to a grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund.
North Kesteven District Council has secured £25,000 of funding to improve facilities at the Natural World Centre, particularly for people with disabilities.
Following customer feedback, the space provided for disabled toilets will double, making access easier, and automatic doors will be installed at entrances to the visitors’ centre.
The Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund grant has been welcomed as a significant contribution to fulfil a long-held aspiration.
Economy and Place Director at North Kesteven District Council, Andrew McDonough, said, “We’ve been eager to make improvements to our disabled toilet facilities and access to the building for a while, so the funding we’ve been promised is important.
“Visitors have told us that better access to the facilities would make it easier for them to visit, especially those with larger wheelchairs or buggies. The funding also enables us to install automatic doors making the site much more user-friendly for families and people with disabilities. We’re grateful to Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, whose grant has enabled us to bring forward this project.”
The programme of work will begin on 29 March, with the park remaining open whilst the works are completed.
Andrew McDonough added “Since opening the Natural World Centre to the public 20 years ago as a Millennium project, we have made continual improvements to make it more user-friendly and to provide more interest to visitors. This latest project will help even more people enjoy visits to discover nature and learn about the environment, so we’re really excited to see the plans come to fruition.”
A spokesperson for Tarmac said: “We are delighted to help North Kesteven District Council with this project making the Natural World Centre accessible for even more people to enjoy.”
Whisby Nature Park opened to the public in 1989, having been developed from former gravel pits. The 150 hectare wetland and woodland site is home to many bird and plant species. The Natural World Centre welcomes over 200,000 visitors a year with over 150,000 visitors using the Nature Park. The improved toilet and access facilities will be an excellent addition to the centre which also operates as a conference, party and wedding venue.
