Best Example of Research Making an Impact

Creating More Accessible Green and Blue Spaces – involving research to inform the approach to creating more accessible green and blue spaces for individuals with visual impairments, providing valuable insights and recommendations for the sector.

This research provides valuable recommendations for the outdoor recreation sector on how we can improve access to green and blue space for people with visual impairments. The impact of the research is clearly seen from the way it has informed strategy and practice across the UK, and how it has sparked collaborative conversations.

Pictured: Pippa Langford, Natural England receiving their ORN Success Award from Caro-lynne Ferris, Outscape.he Centre for Outdoor Accessibility Training (COAT)

Challenges:

Engaging individuals with visual impairments in nature-related research presents several key obstacles:

1. Accessibility: Ensuring research methods and materials are accessible, including using alternative formats like audio descriptions and telephonic surveys instead of online ones.
2. Safety Concerns: Outdoor environments can pose safety risks (e.g., roads, water bodies), requiring thoughtful planning for safe access to trails and parks.
3. Limited Awareness: Some people with visual impairments may not be aware of nature engagement opportunities due to accessibility barriers.
4. Communication: Effective verbal communication is crucial for research participation, requiring methods that facilitate meaningful involvement for blind individuals.
5. Understanding Preferences: Researchers need to consider a range of preferences based on age, type of visual impairment, and sensory experiences for more inclusive engagement.
6. Engagement and Confidence: Barriers like transportation and confidence in outdoor settings require efforts to provide easier, accessible options for participation.

Solution:

A collaborative effort was made with various partners to ensure inclusivity and accessibility in the research process:

• RiDC (Research Institute for Disabled Consumers) and organizations like RNIB, Guide Dogs, and The Ramblers helped with accessibility, drawing on their expertise and experience.
• Oxfordshire County Council, University of Oxford, and MyVision Oxfordshire ensured local and national issues were considered, with involvement of individuals with lived experiences of visual impairments.
• A co-produced research model followed the principle of “no decision about me without me” to create truly accessible and relevant research.

Outcomes and Benefits:

1. Influence on Policy: The research influenced Defra’s strategy for engagement and inclusion, and RNIB and RSPB Northern Ireland are implementing recommendations at reserves in Northern Ireland.
2. Local Integration: Recommendations are being integrated into the Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership’s activities and policy by health professionals and community organizations.
3. Pilot Project: A pilot project in Oxfordshire is developing a model based on report recommendations to create organized walking groups for individuals with visual impairments.
4. National Impact: A collaborative bid with Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation is working on a national model for broader application.
5. Collaboration Opportunities: New partnerships have opened, including collaborations with universities and various national organizations focused on access, enabling further research and policy development.
6. Training Implementation: Natural England reserves are exploring recommendations for staff training, utilizing insights from the Centre for Outdoor Accessibility Training.

Overall, the project has enhanced accessibility in nature engagement for individuals with visual impairments, creating long-lasting partnerships and influencing national and local strategies.

Access the full report here: Creating More Accessible Green & Blue Spaces: Understanding the experiences of people with visual impairments that visit green and blue space