High ropes adventure company Treetop Trek has introduced new measures to help a range of people with physical disabilities and learning difficulties enjoy the thrill of outdoor adventure.

New videos in British Sign Language (BSL) are now available to would-be adventurers, featuring practical information like using a safety harness and making the most of the Brockhole-based attraction’s treetop challenges and 250 metre zip line.
Meanwhile, the company is currently creating a new accessibility-friendly visual ‘storybook’ in conjunction with Bendrigg Trust, to help support participants with conditions like autism and ADHD. Due to be launched this autumn, the step-by-step guide will reassure people about what to expect and make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. 
Another innovation at Treetop Nets Windermere is the introduction of a dedicated ‘accessibility hour’. Taking place at 4pm every Monday during termtime, the sessions are aimed at anyone with additional accessibility needs who is looking for a quieter atmosphere. 
Accompanying carers go free and wheelchair users are being encouraged to bring their access sledge to explore.
Treetop Trek was recently named a finalist in the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2023 for its work around accessibility and inclusivity and had already installed a braking system at the bottom of its zip line, enabling a lower impact landing more suited to participants with physical disabilities. 
The adventure company has also modified the bottom of the zip line to improve access for wheelchair users.
The latest initiatives build on specialist training with Bendrigg Trust earlier this year, when 15 outdoor instructors from Treetop Trek took part in a practical refresher course to better support  potential participants with a range of physical disabilities and learning difficulties.
That included practice using specialist equipment to hoist participants up the outside of a 15 metre tower; an essential part of helping people access Treetop Trek’s 250 metre zip line down to the lakeshore at Windermere.  
General manager of Treetop Trek Windermere, Tom Patrick-Kenny said: “Making our facilities as accessible and inclusive for as many people as possible is really important to us, and we’re constantly looking at the steps we can take to do that.
“For instance, the accessibility hour aims to support anyone who feels overwhelmed in busier, noisier environments, so they can enjoy socialising and adventuring on the nets in a fun, safe and supportive way. We’ve also had a very positive reaction to the introduction of the BSL videos and we’re looking forward to introducing the new visual storybook for people to familiarise themselves with what to expect before they come. When it comes to outdoor adventure, people may think ‘I can’t do that’, but then we show them that they can – and that’s a massive buzz for everyone involved.”