Making Cleeve Common Accessible for All: A Step Toward Equitable Access to Nature

A popular Cotswold beauty spot is becoming more accessible for many people with physical disabilities. The largest common in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Common stands at 330 meters at the highest point.

A 2-mile route, called a “Tramper Trail,” designed for off-road mobility scooters has been welcomed by people who thought they would never be able to access the area again.

Sarah Harris, a member of the Disabled Ramblers group, is delighted by the move. She became disabled 10 years ago:

“My very first ramble was on Cleeve Common which was lovely as there is a lot of history here for me. My parents brought me, I my 4 children, and then the grandchildren, and I thought I’d never get up here again, but by joining the Disabled Ramblers and having a scooter, now I can,” she said.

The trail is the brainwave of Cleeve Common Trust, who realised the Common is not easily accessible to many people with physical disabilities and are determined to change that due to its great potential. After testing the new trail with the Disabled Ramblers, the Trust received a grant from the Cotswold National Landscape Access for All fund. The money is being used to level the ground, fill ditches and ensure the area stays as dry as possible. Waymarking has been installed to help people navigate the route, with both written and audio guides.

Kay Berryman, Operations Manager for Cleeve Common Trust said they want people to experience the best nature has to offer. She has been working with members of the team, including the conservation officer and the Disabled Ramblers to assess the route and make improvements balancing recreation with conservation.

Nicole Daw, Community Engagement Officer for Cleeve Common Trust, believes equitable access is crucial for people’s health: “We all know being outdoors and connecting with nature is good for our health and wellbeing and that shouldn't be restricted to those who can go off on a hike,” she said.

Later this year, an off-road mobility scooter will be available for hire on site and a new accessible parking space will be added, with extra width and length, located near the ticket machine for easy access.

With these initiatives, Cleeve Common is on track to become an even more inclusive destination for people of all abilities. As the Trust continues to improve the site, it hopes that more people will be able to enjoy the health benefits of being in nature, no matter their physical disabilities.