WHARFEDALE and Aireborough residents are being urged to nominate local outdoor sites that are going the extra mile to improve accessibility.

Yorkshire-based charity Open Country’s Good Access Scheme award recognises the best countryside ‘access for all’ projects across Yorkshire.

Outdoor sites can be nominated by the disabled people who use them or by the staff or volunteers who manage them.

Previous winners have included Otley Town Council for its work on improving access at Gallows Hill Nature Area.

Open Country’s Chief Officer, David Shaftoe, said: “Whether it’s a scheme to improve pathways or innovative projects to engage visually impaired people, we’d love to hear about countryside sites that are going the extra mile to welcome people with physical, learning or sensory disabilities.

“On your trips into the countryside this year keep in mind our award scheme and if you have an idea for a worthy winner, please do let us know.”

To make a nomination email info@opencountry.org.uk by the end of October outlining the ways in which the outdoor site or project has enhanced their accessibility.

The Good Access Scheme award was launched in 2015 to recognise the best countryside ‘access for all’ projects across Yorkshire each year. Previous winners have included a number of local nature reserves as well as landowners such as Yorkshire Water who are working creatively to unlock the countryside for people of all abilities.

The awards are judged annually by the charity's advisory group, made up of disabled members alongside volunteers and trustees of the charity.

Visit https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/QFZaCBNMMFO05k1hNWRGu for more information and to read about previous winners of the Good Access Scheme award. Open Country began in 1990 as a temporary project. Since then it has been recognised by many awards including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2006.