Teesside Countryside Directory for People with Disabilities

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Whatever your needs, access to and enjoyment of the countryside is rewarding, healthy and great fun. This directory can help you find out what opportunities are available to you in your area. Get yourself outdoors and enjoy all the benefits that come with it…

Foreword written by: Jeremy Garside, Chief Executive of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust

This directory was designed for people with a disability, though the information included will be useful to everyone.

Alongside its heavy industry Teesside has some fantastic countryside. There are numerous parks, green spaces and nature reserves which provide excellent opportunities for countryside activities, from walking to wildlife spotting. It is more than worth taking that first step and getting yourself involved in your local countryside, regardless of your abilities.

For people interested in wildlife and conservation there is much that can be done from home or a local accessible area. Whatever your chosen form of countryside recreation, whether it’s joining a group, doing voluntary work, or getting yourself out into the countryside on your own, we hope you will get as much out of it as we do.

There is still some way to go before we have a properly accessible countryside. By contacting Open Country or another of the organisations listed here, you can help to encourage better access for all in the future.

Published in Spring 2013 Using the Directory

Throughout the Directory you will see some symbols. These are to help you see what kind of facilities or information is available. Please also contact individual places to ask what they can offer people with disabilities.

Key:

A wheelchair accessible toilet is available

Accessible parking is available P

A Braille guide and / or tactile book is available

Large print leaflets are available

Scooters / wheelchairs are available for loan

To make it easier to find information some parts of this directory are divided into the five local authority boroughs:

 Darlington DURHAM Hartlepool  Hartlepool

 Middlesbrough Stockton-on-Tees

 Redcar & Cleveland Redcar & Cleveland Darlington  Stockton-on-Tees Middlesbrough

NORTH YORKSHIRE

Getting into the countryside is such an important thing for all of us. There is nothing better than the natural environment for the body and soul.

Teesside is a compact urban settlement and might not be readily associated with quality natural environments. You can readily and easily get into the surrounding farmland and the landscape to the south is dominated by the steep scarp edge of the moorland plateau. While these all offer great walking and wildlife country, it is worth remembering that there are some fabulous opportunities even closer to home.

There is a truly beautiful coastline which stretches from the golden beaches and low sand dune systems around Teesmouth, to the rocky foreshore of Hartlepool Headland or Redcar Rocks, to the towering cliffs (the highest in England) of East Cleveland’s Heritage Coast.

The real surprise, however, comes from the great selection of nature reserves and countryside sites scattered through the conurbation itself. In what other urban and industrial settlement could you hope to watch seals fishing for salmon or stand a chance of catching a glimpse of an otter?

I am delighted to support Open Country’s Teesside Countryside Directory for People with Disabilities and hope it brings pleasure to all who use it.

Chief Executive of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Contents

1. Walking and Outings 1

Breakfree 2 Walking Clubs and Contacts 3-10 Easy Going Walks 11-13 Health Walks 14-15 Markets 16-17 Outings 18-23

2. Sports and Outdoor Pursuits 24

Clubs and Contacts 25-26 Outdoor Pursuits 27-33 Fishing 34-37 Cycling 38-43

3. Wildlife and Conservation 44

Clubs and Organisations 45-48 Accessible Wildlife Sites 49-52 Visitor Centres 53-54

4. Countryside Employment and Volunteering 55

Volunteer Centres 56-57 Volunteer Websites 57 Volunteering in the Countryside 58-61 Countryside Employment 62

5. Useful information 63

Community Transport 64-65 Public Transport 66-67 RADAR, Blue Badge parking and wheelchair hire 68 Shopmobility 69 Tourist Information Centres 70 Publications 71-72 Websites Worth a Surf 73-74

6. The Countryside Code 75

7. The Authors and Funders 76-77 Walking & Outings

1. Walking and Outings

Breakfree 2 Walking Clubs and Contacts 3-10 Easy Going Walks 11-13 Health Walks 14-15 Markets 16-17 Outings 18-23

Breakfree

Open Country have produced three Breakfree packs for Harrogate District and Nidderdale AONB.

Great for short walks, nature trails, children, cycles and people with disabilities.

The packs have clear, colour maps for each place, with all the information you need to help plan your day.

Breakfree packs are £2 plus p&p. Get your packs from Open Country; call 01423

507227 and we will gladly post them to you.

Only Breakfree, get healthy and £2 discover your local green space!

Walking Clubs & Contacts

General contacts

Disabled Ramblers www.disabledramblers.co.uk

The Disabled Ramblers helps mobility-challenged people get back out into the countryside. Able-bodied helpers are welcome to support members and to help with loading scooters and other jobs. About 30 rambles are run each year across England and Wales – mostly from March to October. They ramble in all weathers and over a variety of terrain. The rambles are graded according to difficulty; some are suitable for shopping buggies and power chairs whilst others need large scooters capable of travelling over rough ground. For enquiries use the form on the ‘Contact Us’ page on their website.

The Ramblers

2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TW Tel: 020 7339 8500 Email: [email protected] www.ramblers.org.uk

The Ramblers is Britain's walking charity, working to safeguard the footpaths, the countryside and other places people go walking, and to encourage more people to take up walking. They provide information and publications and promote walking for all throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The North Yorkshire and South Durham Area of The Ramblers has several local groups in the Teesside area. Each group has its own walks programme with walks ranging from easy to strenuous. These groups include:

Cleveland Group Tel: 01642 474864 Email: [email protected] http://sites.google.com/site/ramblerscg

The group operates over the Districts of Easington, Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Hambleton (east of the A19), Ryedale in the North York Moors National Park and Scarborough north of and including Fylingdales Parish.

Darlington Ramblers Contact: David Hardaker (Chairman) Tel: 01325 314442 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] https://sites.google.com/site/darlingtonramblers

Walking Clubs & Contacts

The group has spring, summer and winter walks programmes. The walks take place on Wednesdays and Sundays and are suitable for most walkers and everyone is welcome to participate. The majority of walks are around 7 miles.

Darlington Dales and Hills Email: [email protected] www.darlingtonhiking.org.uk

A group for Ramblers members in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s (though there is no upper age limit). Based in the Tees Valley area, their walks cover County Durham, The Yorkshire Dales, The North York Moors and The Cleveland Hills. Walks take place on Saturdays or Sundays, starting between 10am and 11am, depending on the time of year. The grades of walks cover most ability levels, from easy five mile walks lasting around two hours to moderate four or five hour hikes. They also organise weekend and week-long trips.

Darlington

Aycliffe Fellwalking Club

Contact: Alan Holmes (Chairman/Walk Secretary) Tel: 01325 488225 www.afwc.org.uk

Aycliffe Fellwalking Club is based in Newton Aycliffe near Darlington and is open to everyone interested in fell walking or rambling. It caters for walkers of all abilities and ages. Each outing has a variety of walks of different lengths and difficulty ratings and transport is by comfortable coach that picks up in Darlington, Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland.

Darlington CHA & HF Rambling Club

Contact: John Barnes (Club Secretary) Tel: 01325 720869 Email: [email protected] www.darlingtonchahf.com

The club walks all year round regardless of the weather and covers all age groups from 17 to 70+. Walks are arranged on Saturdays and Sundays with additional evening local walks arranged for the summer months. Saturday walks are generally 6-10 miles in length and of medium grade. Sunday walks are more often of a greater length and degree of difficulty.

Local Motion

Tel: 0800 45 89 810 Email: [email protected] www.localmotion.blumilk.info 4

Walking Clubs & Contacts

Funded by the Department for Transport though the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, Local Motion aims to provide information, advice and support to encourage more people to use sustainable transport in Darlington, such as public transport and includes non-motorised transport like walking and cycling too. Walking and cycling maps are available to help you get out and about.

Parks and Countryside Team

The Beehive, Lingfield Point, Darlington, DL1 1YN Tel: 01325 383099 (Park Rangers) or 01325 388648 (Rights of Way) Email: [email protected] www.darlington.gov.uk/Environment

Darlington Borough Council’s Parks and Countryside Team have a number of publications to help you enjoy the countryside, including a range of walks leaflets. At the time of writing these walks were being reviewed so contact the Parks and Countryside Team for further information.

Middlesbrough

Boro Becks Project c/o Stewart Park, The Grove, Marton, Middlesbrough, TS7 8AR Tel: 01642 515618 (The Boro Becks Team) Email: [email protected] www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

The Boro Becks project is a three year project which is all about getting people involved in the becks through events and activities, training, practical task days and environmental and access improvements. The Boro Becks Team also runs occasional guided walks exploring Middlesbrough’s beck valleys.

Walking Clubs & Contacts

The Fellwalking Club

Contact: Maggie Aird Tel: 01642 553454 Email: [email protected] www.thefellwalkingclub.org

Walks take place on the second Saturday of each month. The age range is from 8 to 80 and there are usually two walks available to suit differing abilities.

Middlesbrough Council

Contact: Rights of Way Officer Tel: 01642 728153 Email: [email protected] www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/walking

Middlesbrough Council has a list of suggested walking routes ranging from 1 to 8 miles. These walks can downloaded from the council’s website.

Hartlepool

Countryside Access Team

1st Floor, Church Street Offices, 1 Church Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7DS Tel: 01429 523524 Email: [email protected] www.hartlepool.gov.uk/a_to_z/service/1221/self_guided_walks

A series of 12 self-guided walks leaflets have been produced by Hartlepool Borough Council for anyone wishing to explore new routes in the countryside around Hartlepool. They can be downloaded from the council’s website or picked up from Tourist Information Centres and libraries. The Countryside Access Team lead a number of guided walk events around the borough. These are advertised in the events section of the council’s website and in the ‘Wild About Hartlepool’ leaflet which can also be download from the council’s website or copies are available from all council buildings. The leaflet is available on request in Large type, Braille or on tape; ring the Countryside Wardens Service (01429 853325) for an alternative version.

Hartlepool Rambling Club

Contact: John King (Treasurer) Tel: 01429 224927 Email: [email protected] www.hartlepoolramblingclub.yolasite.com

Walking Clubs & Contacts

Established in 1929 and affiliated to H F Holidays Ltd, Hartlepool Rambling Club organise walks of varying distances on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. There are pick ups by coach from West View to Billingham. Members should be at least 17 years old and live in Hartlepool.

Redcar and Cleveland

Cleveland Long Distance Walking Association

Email: [email protected] www.ldwa.org.uk/cleveland

Cleveland LDWA Group has been established since 1982, and run two walks a month on Saturdays; one of which is around 20 miles and the other a shorter walk of around 16 miles. They walk on the Cleveland Hills, North Yorkshire Moors, Yorkshire & Durham Dales, Lake District and the coast.

Cleveland Rambling Club

Contact: H Merigold Tel: 01287 637259

The club organise 11-17 mile walks on Sundays. They meet at 10.15am during the summer and at 9.45am during the winter.

Get Moving Redcar and Cleveland

Fairway House, Limerick Road, Dormanstown, Redcar, TS10 5JU Tel: 01642 486923 www.activetravel.me

Get Moving Redcar & Cleveland is a new and exciting project that is all about enabling people to get around by foot, cycle or public transport for more of their everyday journeys. They also run guided walks and cycle rides and can provide you with borough maps for walking and cycling.

Parks and Countryside Management

Tel: 01642 776913 Email: [email protected] www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/countryside

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have a number of leaflets which can be downloaded from their website, giving information about countryside sites and suggested walks. The borough’s two visitor centres also provide information about local walks (see pages 53 and 54).

Walking Clubs & Contacts

Walkers are Welcome www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk

Guisborough has ‘Walkers Are Welcome’ status. This is a community led scheme which helps strengthen a town's reputation as a place for visitors to come to enjoy the outdoors and helps to ensure that footpaths and facilities for walkers are maintained in good condition. They have produced a walks pack in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council which contains seven self-guided walks leaflets around Guisborough. The walks are between 3 and 13 miles and are graded as Easy Access, Leisurely or Strenuous.

Women Out Walking (WOW)

Tel: 01642 750344 Email: [email protected]

The Women Out Walking group are a voluntary ‘Ladies Only’ group that get together for moderate to long walks around Cleveland and North Yorkshire. They welcome new participants at any of their planned walks. Their intention is to make walking fun, safe and available to ladies of all ages and abilities.

Stockton-on-Tees

Stockton Rambling Club

Email: [email protected] www.stockton-rambling-club.org.uk

Stockton Rambling Club meets every Sunday throughout the year for walks in all parts of the north of England. Three levels of walk are organised to suit your ability: A (14-16 miles), B (up to 14 miles) and C (up to 10 miles). They also organise mid-week walks and weekend trips to the Lake District, Derbyshire, the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and Scotland.

Countryside and Greenspace Team

Stirling House, Tedder Avenue, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 9JP Tel: 01642 391959 Email: [email protected] www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/environment/parksandopen

Stockton Borough Council manages a number of parks, nature reserves and other outdoor areas. Contact them for details of guided walks and other events.

Walking Clubs & Contacts

Long Distance Paths

The Cleveland Way

Contact: Malcolm Hodgson Cleveland Way Project, c/o North York Moors National Park, The Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley, YO62 5BP Tel: 01439 770657 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/clevelandway

The Cleveland Way is a 109 mile (176km) route. It follows a horseshoe line starting from Helmsey, crossing the North York Moors and following the coast to Filey. The ‘Cleveland Way Access Guide - for the visually impaired’ is a free booklet giving practical advice to visually impaired walkers who wish to experience The Cleveland Way. It is available to order through the Cleveland Way website (address above).

The Teesdale Way

River Tees Ranger Service Tel: 01642 527562

The Teesdale Way is a 90 mile long route largely following the banks of the River Tees. It starts in Cow Green Reservoir in Upper Teesdale and passes through the remote high moorlands of Cumbria and Durham to the industrial landscapes of Teeside and the coast at South Gare. There are two circular walks that can be done at Aislaby and Eagglescliffe, which start and finish at Yarm Bridge. These are approximately 2¼ and 3¼ miles respectively. Contact the Rangers for details.

Walking Clubs & Contacts

Open Access

Open Access Contact Centre: 0845 100 3298 www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW), the public can walk freely on mapped areas of mountain, moor, heath, downland and registered common land without having to stick to paths. This major new right to walk freely over mapped ‘access land’ was completed across England on October 31 2005. The new right of open access includes using a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Clearly, most areas will not be very accessible, but you can view the CRoW maps for further information, or give the Contact Centre a call. Access land is shown on the new OS maps with the symbol above.

Permissive access http://cwr.naturalengland.org.uk

Increasingly, permissive rights of access are created under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) farm conservation schemes. On their website you can find details and maps of more than 1,800 walks and rides and areas of open access. Only a small proportion have access for all. Printed copies are held by some councils. These rights of access are often only for a few years, and more are being added. Currently there are 11 DEFRA sites with access in the Cleveland and Teesside area. Although there is little information on the accessibility of the walks most are of a short (less than 1 mile) distance. Look at the website for further details.

Easy Going Walks

Please note that paths are subject to natural erosion and their quality may vary over time. Maintenance of the paths should be on-going. Please ring your local Access Officer or Open Country if you would like to report or comment on any accessible paths.

There are many local parks and recreation grounds in and around Teesside’s towns that are accessible or have accessible areas. Some are mentioned here but please also contact your local borough council, Tourist Information Centre (page 70), or Visitor Centre (pages 53 and 54) for more information.

Guisborough Forest and Walkway

Map: OS Explorer OL26 P Tel: 01287 631132

A gentle 3 mile walk from countryside to town along the dismantled railway track, starting from Guisborough Forest & Walkway Visitor Centre in Pinchinthorpe, TS14 8HD. A leaflet is available from the visitor centre.

Hart to Haswell Walkway

Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ484363 Tel: 01429 853325 (Countryside Wardens) www.hartlepool.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?fileID=1249

Access is from Ocean Road and Hartville Road, Hart Station, Hartlepool. This former railway line has been converted to a traffic free walkway through peaceful countryside for pedestrians and cyclists. The one mile section of the Hart to Haswell Walkway which lies within Hartlepool is a surfaced track, with only one moderate incline towards the boundary with Easington. The entrance has a wheelchair friendly ‘A’ frame gate. There is also a bench a short distance from the boundary. 11

Easy Going Walks

Hemlington Lake

Map: OS Explorer 306 Tel: 01642 728153 Email: [email protected] www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/walking

A 1.25 mile nature walk around Hemlington Lake in Middlesbrough. The walk starts and finishes at the Hemlington Recreation Centre car park, off Cass House Road. A walk leaflet is available to download from Middlesbrough Council’s website.

Rockwell Local Nature Reserve

Map: OS Explorer 304 Grid ref: NZ305158 Tel: 01325 388648 or 01325 388637

An easy to navigate circular route 1.3 miles long. The site is accessible to disabled users and has informal stone seats at 8 regular intervals along the route. Start at the Hutton Avenue Footbridge off Riverside Way, Darlington. Contact Darlington Council’s Parks and Countryside Team for a leaflet.

Riverside Walk at Portrack

Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ462193 www.wildflowerark.org.uk/walks.htm

A 2.5 mile linear walk following the riverside path from the Tees Barrage to the Newport Bridge. Start at the car park off White Water Way. More information on the walk including information on wildflowers can be found on the Wildflower Ark website.

Spion Kop to Croft Gardens Circular

Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ518346 Tel: 01429 523524 Email: [email protected]

This 3 mile walk is on tarmac paths and includes some of the Promenade. There are no steep descents or ascents or stiles. The walk begins at the end of Marine Drive, although you could start it from Spion Kop Cemetery on Old Cemetery Road. There is an accessible toilet at the Headland, next to the lighthouse. A walk leaflet is available to download from Hartlepool Borough Council’s website.

Easy Going Walks

North York Moors National Park

The Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley, YO62 5BP Tel: 01439 772700 Email: [email protected] www.northyorkmoors.org.uk

The North York Moors National Park Authority has developed seven Easy Access routes suitable for robust pushchairs and wheelchairs. These are short, fairly level walks through woodland, along riversides, by lakes, overlooking the Heritage Coast, through the heart of the moorland and around an important archaeological site. The routes can be downloaded from their website.

The Cleveland Way

Contact: Malcolm Hodgson Cleveland Way Project, c/o North York Moors National Park, The Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley, York YO62 5BP Tel: 01439 770657 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/clevelandway

There are a series of eight Easy Access walks along the Cleveland Way available to download from their website. The walks vary in their level of difficulty. Most of the walks are short ones that may be suitable for people with impaired mobility, with a pushchair, wheelchair or mobility scooter. None of the detailed walks have steps or stiles and comprehensive information is provided on the gradients and type of surfaces to expect.

The Stray

Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ462193 P Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council Tel: 01642 776913

This 1.25 mile linear walk links Marske to Redcar along the coastal path known as The Stray. Parking is available along Windy Lane in Marske and in the car parks along The Stray. Along the walk you will see Winkies Castle and wading birds such as turnstones, sanderlings and oystercatchers. Skylarks and partridges are also known to nest in and around the sand dunes.

Health Walks

Health walks are organised short walks over easy terrain. They offer the chance to get outdoors and explore your local greenspace and meet new people, as well as improve your health.

Walking for Health

Walking for Health National Centre, The Ramblers, 2nd Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TW Tel: 020 7339 8541 Email: [email protected] www.walkingforhealth.org.uk

Walking for Health encourages more people to become physically active in their local communities. They support the largest network of health walk schemes across England, offering regular, short, easy group walks with trained walk leaders that are free and accessible to all. Their website lists all health walks in your local area or see below for further contact information:

Darlington Doorstep Walks

Contact: Adam Walker (Physical Activity Officer) Sports Development, Eastbourne Sports Complex, Bourne Avenue, Darlington, DL1 1LJ Tel: 01325 254370 Email: [email protected] www.darlington.gov.uk/Leisure/sportsdevelopment

Darlington Doorstep Walks is an accredited scheme offering a variety of short health walks for all abilities. The walks are based in Darlington and the surrounding area.

Feet First Community Walking

Contact: Ray Godwin (Coordinator) Tel: 01642 838065 Email: [email protected]

An accredited walking scheme offering several local interest half-day walks each week within the Tees Valley. Open to all patients residing in Roseberry Park hospital in Middlesbrough.

Healthy Stepping Walks

Contact: Don Burluraux (Health Walks Coordinator) Health Improvement Service, South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, Langbaurgh House, Bow Street, Guisborough, TS14 7AA Tel: 01287 284424 14

Health Walks

Email: [email protected]

The Healthy Stepping Walks are free and vary in levels from 30 minutes to 2+ hours. They are organised by South Tees NHS Foundation Trust and take place throughout Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. Most of the walks are led by community volunteer walk leaders. A regular Healthy Stepping newsletter and programme is produced which gives information on the health walks available.

Stepping Out in Stockton

The Hub, 17 Bridge Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3AA Tel: 01642 803441 Email: [email protected] www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/leisureandents/sportsdevelopment/h ealthylifestyles/healthwalks

The Council runs a monthly ‘Stepping Out’ programme which can be seen on their website or obtained from the above address. A pack of 10 self- guided health walks has been produced and is available from Tourist Information Centres or can be downloaded from their website.

Walk About in Hartlepool

Contact: Rachael Pringle (Scheme Coordinator) Tel: 01429 284052 Email: [email protected] www.hartlepool.gov.uk

Hartlepool Borough Council's Sport Development team run a health walk scheme Walk About in Hartlepool, which includes walks of varying lengths. They run parent and child walks, Nordic walking, nature walks and accessible walks for people with disabilities.

Markets

Markets are a fun countryside outing and provide a chance to see a new place and buy local fare. You could also join up the visit with a nice walk in the area.

Darlington

Covered market Monday to Saturday Town Centre 8am-5pm Open market Mondays and Saturdays Town Centre 9am-5pm

Craft fair 3rd Friday of the month Northgate 9am-4pm Farmers market 3rd Friday of the month Northgate 9am-4pm Sunday People’s market 1st Sunday of the month Blackwellgate 11am-4pm Summer Spectacular August Town Centre

Hartlepool

Traditional market Thursdays West Side car park 8.30am-4pm Farmers market 2nd Saturday of the month Maritime Experience car park 8.30am-3pm Middlesbrough

Traditional market Tuesdays and Saturdays Market Place, North Ormesby Farmers and craft market Last Sunday of the month Nature’s World Aklam 10am-2pm Food and craft market Quarterly Corporation Rd 9am-5pm Christmas market Early December each year Corporation Rd

Redcar and Cleveland

Traditional market Wednesdays High Street, Redcar Traditional market Thursdays and Saturdays High Street, Guisborough 9am-5pm

Markets

Farmers market 2nd Saturday of the month High Street, Guisborough Farmers market 2nd Saturday of the month Near the March to December train station, (not August) Saltburn 9am-3pm

Stockton-on-Tees

Covered indoor market All day, every day High Street, Stockton Open-air market Wednesdays and Saturdays High Street, (smaller one on Fridays) Stockton Farmers market 4th Saturday of the month Wellington Sq, March to December Stockton (not July and August) 9am-4pm Open-air market Mondays Billingham Open-air market Thursdays Thornaby

Farmers Market 2nd Sunday of each month High Street, Yarm

Outings

Contacts

Avalon Freedom

The Avalon Group, 6 Grove Park Court, Harrogate, HG1 4DP Tel: 01423 856589 Email: [email protected] www.avalongroup.org

Avalon Freedom provide supported holidays for people with a physical disability, learning difficulty, sensory impairment, or perhaps someone of more mature years just wanting a little help or companionship. They endeavour to match Holiday Supporters with holidays according to Holidaymakers’ needs, interests and ages. All holidays are led by fully trained and experienced leaders. They can meet you at the venue, arrange pick-ups on route or organise holiday starts in your area if there is a small group.

Disabled Holiday Information www.disabledholidayinfo.org.uk

The website is designed to give travellers with disabilities (whether they are wheelchair users or have other mobility issues) appropriate information on accessible holiday accommodation, attractions and activities to enable them to choose suitable accessible holidays bearing in mind their disability and special needs.

Phab

Summit House, 50 Wandle Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1DF Tel: 020 8667 9443 Email: [email protected] www.phab.org.uk

There are nearly 200 Phab clubs throughout England and Wales for all age ranges, offering activities and holidays which members can share and enjoy together. For your nearest club, contact Rebecca Hargreaves at the regional office for the north:

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01254 824784

Outings

Butterfly World P

Preston Park, Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3RH Tel: 01642 791414 Email: [email protected] www.butterflyworldltd.com

An indoor tropical garden situated in Preston Park, with free flying butterflies, as well as meerkats and reptiles.

Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

Stewart Park, Marton, Middlesbrough, TS7 8AT P Tel: 01642 311211 Email: [email protected] www.captcook-ne.co.uk/ccbm/index.htm

The museum tells the story of one of the world’s greatest navigators and mariners through themed display galleries, temporary exhibitions, associated activities and events and a lively education programme. There is full disabled access throughout.

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum P

Deepdale, Skinningrove, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS13 4AP Tel: 01287 642877 Email: [email protected] www.ironstonemuseum.co.uk

The museum offers visitors the opportunity to experience the underground world of a real ironstone mine and to explore the skills, customs and life of the Cleveland miner. Visitors with disabilities have level access into the museum from the car park. All ground floor sections of the museum; visitor reception, shop, toilets & all sections of the guided tour including the North Drift and Underground Workplace Experience are fully accessible and a stair lift has been installed for the benefit of visitors with disabilities wishing to access the Tom Leonard Gallery. A portable induction loop, wheelchairs & other mobility aids are also available on request.

Gisborough Priory

Church Street, Guisborough, TS14 6HG P Tel: 01287 633801 www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/gisborough-priory

Outings

The ruins of a priory founded by Robert de Brus in 1119 for Augustinian canons. One of the greatest monasteries in the North East, it was the 4th richest house in the county at its suppression in 1540. There are compacted gravel paths to the ticket office and around most of the site and some smooth grassed areas, although assistance is recommended for wheelchair users in winter and wet weather. The gardens next to the Priory have wood chip paths. There is a small car park 10m from the gate and accessible toilets in the nearby town of Guisborough.

Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum

Station Road, Darlington, DL3 6ST P Tel: 01325 460532 Email: [email protected] www.darlington.gov.uk/Leisure/headofsteam

The museum is located on the 1825 route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the world's first steam-worked public railway and is devoted to the area formerly served by the North Eastern Railway, with particular reference to the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and the railway industry of Darlington. The museum covers an approximate eight acre area, and is also the setting for a collection of 41 established semi-mature deciduous trees. There are hearing loops available at the reception.

Outings

Kirkleatham Museum

Kirkleatham, Redcar, TS10 5NW P Tel: 01642 479500 Email: [email protected] www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/museums

Kirkleatham Museum is the local history museum for the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland. The museum has three floors, and is completely accessible for wheelchair users. Admission is free of charge.

Kirkleatham Owl Centre

Kirkleatham, Redcar, TS10 5NW P Tel: 01642 480512 Email: [email protected] www.kirkleathamowlcentre.co.uk

The Owl Centre is situated within the grounds of Kirkleatham Museum and is home to a remarkable collection of owls, hawks, vultures, meerkats and mongooses.

Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience

Jackson Dock, Maritime Avenue, P Hartlepool, TS24 0XZ Tel: 01429 860077 Email: [email protected] www.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport and home to HMS Trincomalee. The oldest warship afloat in the UK. It brings to life the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. Around the quayside there are buildings in authentic architectural styles and for added authenticity there are quayside guides, who are always in full period costume. Displays of musketry, cannon firing and sword fighting are regular events. There is good access for wheelchairs around the quayside, but restricted access to the top deck of the PSS Wingfield Castle and the lower deck of HMS Trincomalee.

Outings

Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge

Ferry Road, Middlesbrough, TS2 1PL Tel: 01642 247563 www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge is fully operational and provides a regular quarter-hourly service between Middlesbrough and Port Clarence. It remains the largest of the Transporter Bridges operating worldwide, and provides a valuable public transport service, crossing the river in two minutes. This service is interrupted from time to time for routine maintenance works, or severe weather conditions. The visitor centre promotes the history of the bridge and the surrounding area and runs tours, presentations, abseiling and zip lines. You may have a chance of spotting seals in the river too.

Newham Grange Country Farm

Wykeham Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, TS8 0TG Tel: 01642 515729 Email: [email protected] www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

There are many things at the farm to see and do, from the wide range of animal breeds of cattle, pigs and sheep along with the usual farm animals including rabbits, goats, ponies, donkeys, poultry and waterfowl to the play and picnic area, willow maze, petting area. The farm provides access for disabled people in most areas.

Ormesby Hall P

Ladgate Lane, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 0SR Tel: 01642 324188 Email: [email protected] www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ormesby-hall

A classic Georgian mansion, home of the Pennyman family for nearly 400 years. It has a Victorian kitchen and laundry, as well as attractive gardens and estate walks. There is wheelchair access to the ground floors, tea room, shop and gardens only. Ormesby Hall has wheelchair ramps available and has two manual wheelchairs available for loan.

Preston Park Museuem and Grounds

Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3RH P Tel: 01642 527375 Email: [email protected] www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk

Outings

Nestled alongside the River Tees, Preston Hall, a former Georgian gentleman’s residence and former home of industrial magnate Robert Ropner, houses a varied collection of Teesside’s treasures. There is also a recreation of a Victorian street, a walled kitchen garden and orchard, as well as the Teesside Small Gauge Railway.

Saltburn Cliff Lift

Marine Parade, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1DP P Tel: 01287 622528 www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

Opened in 1884, this is the oldest remaining water balancing cliff lift in Britain. It links Saltburn pier, one of the few left in the country, with the town. The lift is accessible for wheelchairs. Parking and accessible toilets are available in Saltburn and around the Pier.

The Dorman Museum

Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 6LA P Tel: 01642 813781 Email: [email protected] www.dormanmuseum.co.uk

The Dorman Museum houses a large collection of items, celebrating Middlesbrough's heritage through natural history and geology to social history and Victorian arts and craft. The museum has eight permanent themed display galleries. It has full disabled access throughout. Induction loops are fitted at the reception desk and most of the computer interactives. Large text copies of labels and information are available for some exhibitions by prior request.

Sports & Outdoor Pursuits

2. Sports & Outdoor Pursuits

Clubs & Contacts 25-26 Outdoor Pursuits 27-33 Archery 27 Camping and Caravanning 27 Climbing 27-28 Flying 28-29 Horse Riding 29 Orienteering 29-30 Outdoor Centres 30 River Cruises 31 Watersports 31-33 Fishing 34-37 Cycling 38-43

Clubs & Contacts

British Blind Sport

Tel: 01926 424247 Email: [email protected] www.britishblindsport.org.uk

A national registered charity which enables visually impaired people to have the same opportunities as sighted people to access and enjoy sport and recreational activities in the UK.

English Federation of Disability Sports

Tel: 01509 227750 (head office), 0161 200 5449 (Manchester office) www.efds.co.uk

The national body for disabled people in sport and physical activity throughout England. The charity aims to increase opportunities at all levels of participation.

Hartlepool Sportability Club

Contact: Glynis Hansen 169 Grange Road, Grange Road, Hartlepool, TS26 8LX Tel: 07702 453322 Email: [email protected] www.hvda.co.uk

The club provides sport, fitness and leisure for disabled people and people with learning disabilities.

Mencap Sport

Tel: 020 7454 0454 Email: [email protected] www.mencap.org.uk

Mencap Sport works with the governing bodies of sport and other sports providers to promote opportunities for people with a learning disability at all levels.

Parasport

Tel: 020 7842 5789 Email: [email protected] www.parasport.org.uk

Parasport aims to make it easier for members of the public to take up disability sport by providing information about sporting opportunities and clubs in your local area.

Clubs & Contacts

Tees Valley Sport

Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA Tel: 01642 342287 www.teesvalleysport.co.uk

Tees Valley Sport is a partnership of agencies committed to providing a high quality system for people to benefit from sport and physical activity. The partnership creates and supports sustainable sports sessions and clubs to deliver high quality activities to those with disabilities.

UK Deaf Sport www.ukdeafsport.org.uk

UK Deaf Sport is a registered charity covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which aims to encourage deaf people to participate, to enjoy and to excel at sport. Use the enquiry form on their website to contact them.

WheelPower

Tel: 01296 395995 Email: [email protected] www.wheelpower.org.uk

A national organisation for wheelchair sport in the UK. Based at the national wheelchair sports centre in Stoke Mandeville, the Foundation provides, promotes and develops opportunities for men, women and children with disabilities to participate in recreational and competitive wheelchair sport.

Outdoor Pursuits

Archery

Aycliffe Archers

Contact: John Purvis (Coach) c/o The Sports and Social Club, Moore Lane, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 5AG Tel: 0191 377 9051

The club has had disabled members in the past. Contact the coach to discuss your requirements.

Gentlemen and Lady Archers of Darlington

Email: [email protected] www.glarchers.co.uk

The club is committed to equality in sport and encourages people of all abilities to enjoy archery.

Norton Archers

Norton Sports & Social Club, Station Road, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1PE Tel: 01642 554031 Email: [email protected] www.nortonarchers.co.uk

Norton Archers is a friendly, award winning club on Teesside with members who shoot for both pleasure and competition. Archery is very inclusive and the standard shooting style can be easily adapted, so if you would like to take a beginners' course and feel that you may have to adjust the way you shoot due to a disability or health concern, you can discuss this with the coaches at any time.

Camping & Caravanning

Caravanning for the Disabled www.caravan-sitefinder.co.uk/features/disabled

Check out this site for information, tips and lists of accessible caravan sites across the country.

Climbing

Rock Antics P www.rockantics.co.uk

There are two climbing walls run by Rock Antics in Newton Aycliffe and Middlesbrough, which cater for people of all ages and abilities, though at 27

Outdoor Pursuits

the time of writing they didn’t have a hoist for lifting wheelchair users. Contact them for further details:

 Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, Beveridge Arcade, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, DL5 4EH (There is an accessible toilet and parking at the centre) Tel: 01325 320683  Unit K, Warelands Way, Longlands Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 2JY Tel: 01642 232236

Flying

Aerobility

Blackbush Airport, Camberley, Surrey, GU17 9LQ Tel: 0303 303 1230 Email: [email protected] www.aerobility.com

Aerobility (formally the British Disabled Flying Association) is a registered charity founded in 1993 offering disabled people the opportunity to fly an aeroplane.

Durham Tees Flight Training

Business Aviation Centre, Durham Tees Valley Airport, Darlington, DL2 1LU Tel: 01325 337248 Email: [email protected] www.dtft.co.uk

St. George Flight Training

Durham Tees Valley Airport, Darlington, DL2 1NL Tel: 01325 333431 or 01325 335806 www.stgeorgeflighttraining.co.uk

The Frank Morgan School of Flying

13a Hall Way, Humberside International Airport, Kirmington, P Ulceby, Lincolnshire, DN39 6YH Tel: 01652 688859 www.flyatfranks.org Email: [email protected]

Lessons and one-off flights available for disabled people depending on the type of disability. Contact them to discuss. The toilets and club are fully accessible.

Outdoor Pursuits

York Gliding Centre

Rufforth Airfield, Rufforth, York, YO23 3NA Tel: 01904 738694 Email: [email protected]

They organise flights for disabled people. Group booking is required, though individuals may join an organised group with agreement of the group leader.

Horse Riding

Riding for the Disabled Association

RDA National Office, Norfolk House, 1A Tournament Court, Edgehill Drive, Warwick, CV34 6LG Tel: 0845 658 1082 Email: [email protected] www.rda.org.uk

The national charity that provides therapy, achievement and enjoyment on horseback to people with disabilities all over the UK. There are roughly 500 RDA groups and centres offering activities throughout the UK. Their website lists contact details for all the local groups. Those in Teesside are listed below:

Teesside Group

Tel: 0845 450 6913 Email: [email protected]

The Unicorn Centre

Stainton Way, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, TS8 9LX Tel: 0845 450 6920 Email: [email protected] www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk

The Unicorn Centre provides riding lessons and therapy for children and adults from 5 years old, both disabled and able-bodied. The Centre has 20 horses and ponies, carefully chosen for their temperament, size and ability to work with disabled riders, and a hoist facility for mounting onto ponies is available for wheelchair users.

Orienteering

The following parks and countryside sites have permanent orienteering courses accessible to wheelchairs. See pages 53 & 54 for contact details.

Outdoor Pursuits

 Billingham Beck Valley Country Park, Stockton-on-Tees  Guisborough Forest and Walkway  Flatts Lane Country Park, Middlesbrough  Summerhill Country Park, Hartlepool  Wynyard Woodland Park, Stockton-on-Tees

Cleveland Orienteering Klub

Contact: Maureen Web (Membership Secretary) Tel: 01287 280918 Email: [email protected] www.clok.org.uk

CLOK is the local orienteering club for Cleveland, South Durham and the northern part of North Yorkshire. This is an active orienteering club that has worked with people with mobility and learning difficulties, autism and hearing impairments.

Outdoor centres

Carlton Outdoor Education Centre

Carlton-in-Cleveland, Middlesbrough, TS9 7BD P Tel: 01642 712229 Email: [email protected] www.carltonoutdoors.org

The centre offers a range of activities including caving, archery, indoor climbing, orienteering, hill walking, canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling. It caters to many parties including societies, schools and people with disabilities.

Summerhill Local Nature Reserve P

Summerhill Visitor Centre, Summerhill Lane, Hartlepool, TS25 4LL Tel: 01429 284584 Email: [email protected] www.sunnysummerhill.com

The 100 acre park has a Boulder Park, and a BMX course and runs activities in orienteering, map reading, high level ropes course, rock climbing, archery, nature study and arts and crafts.

Teesside Adventure

Contact: Mark Howehill Tel: 07940 537222 Email: [email protected] www.teessideaventure.co.uk

Outdoor Pursuits

Teesside Adventure is based in Newby, near Stokesley, and offers a wide variety of activities for people of any age or ability, such as caving, rock climbing, abseiling, archery, kayaking and canoeing.

River Cruises

Durham River Trips

The Boat House, Elvet Bridge, Durham, DH1 3AF P Tel: 0191 386 9525 Email: [email protected] www.princebishoprc.co.uk/contactus

There is wheelchair access to the open air upper deck and saloons on the Prince Bishop River Cruiser which has regular summer sailings from Durham City Centre. The commentary includes history, natural history and geography. Disabled visitors can be driven to and collected from boat. The on board toilet is not accessible. The nearest accessible toilet is at the adjacent Prince Bishops Shopping Centre.

Princess River Cruises

Endeavour Northern Limited, Castlegate Quay, Riverside, Stockton-on- Tees, TS18 1BZ Tel: 01642 608038 Email: [email protected] www.princessrivercruises.co.uk

The boats have disabled access from certain boarding points; contact them for more information. The on board toilet has limited disabled access.

Watersports

Canoe England (North East)

Contact: Allan Fitch (Disability Coordinator) Tel: 0191 2372093 Email: [email protected]

Get Wet Hartlepool

Hartlepool Marina, Lock Office, Slake Terrace, Hartlepool, TS24 0RU Tel: 01429 865 744 www.hartlepoolwatersports.com

Part of the Hartlepool Marina team, they offer a variety of water activities including paddle boarding and adventure sailing. Activities are tailored for all ages and abilities. 31

Outdoor Pursuits

River Tees Watersports Centre

The Slipway, Dugdale Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 2NL P Tel: 01642 628940 Email: [email protected] www.rtwc.co.uk

The River Tees Watersports Centre offers sporting and social facilities for watersports clubs including the Tees Rowing Club and the Tees Wheelyboats Club:

 Tees Rowing Club

Tel: 01740 630745 Email: [email protected] www.teesrowingclub.co.uk

The club is one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world and caters for anyone who wishes to row from the recreational rower to the serious competitor. They are a community rowing club with an open membership policy aiming to make rowing an accessible sport for all. The club has up-to date adaptive rowing facilities.

 Tees Wheelyboats Club

Tel: 07748 908646 Email: [email protected] www.tees-wheelyboats.org.uk

The Wheelyboat has been specially designed with a bow door that is hinged and lowers to form a ramp enabling ‘roll-on, roll-off’ access, to accommodate disabled people and wheelchair users in particular, easily and safely. The Wheelyboat is suitable for all people with disabilities and may be accompanied by a carer, family or friends to ensure their individual enjoyment can be shared.

Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Sailability

Tel: 0844 556 9550 Email: [email protected] www.rya.org.uk/sailability

The RYA Sailability brings boating to people with any disability. They can provide financial support to groups, as well as training and advice.

 Scaling Dam Sailability Centre

Scaling Dam Sailing Club, Whitby Moor Road, Easington, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, TS13 4TP Tel: 01642 700492 (John) or 01642 722048 (Simon) Email: [email protected] www.scalingdam.org/layouts/sailability.html

Outdoor Pursuits

Tees & Hartlepool Yacht Club (Sailability Centre)

The Club House, West Harbour, Hartlepool, TS24 0SP Tel: 01429 2233423 Email: [email protected] www.thyc.org.uk

Tees Barrage International White Water Centre

Tees Barrage Way, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 2QW P Tel: 01642 678000 Email: [email protected] www.tbiwwc.com

A purpose built whitewater course situated on the north bank of the River Tees. It offers a range of watersports suited to all abilities, including white water rafting, white water kayaking, sailing, canoeing and bellboating.

Fishing

Open Country does not profess to be an authority on fishing, so most entries here are taken from the Environment Agency publication, ‘Where To Go Fishing (North East)’, available to download from www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Inclusion in this guide may indicate easy access, and wheelchair accessible platforms and toilets. We would always advise you to contact the site management before visiting.

You can also search the Canal & River Trust’s online directory, which lists over 6,000 fishing venues nationwide: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/see-and-do/fishing

Do remember that all fresh water fishing in England requires both a permit from the owner or manager of the water in question and an Environment Agency National Rod Licence. Licenses are available to buy online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence, at Post Offices and tackle shops, or by ringing 0844 800 5386. You may be eligible for a concessionary licence.

British Disabled Angling Association

Tel: 01922 860912 Email: [email protected] www.bdaa.co.uk

The BDAA was founded in 1996 to develop opportunities for disabled people of all ages and abilities to access the activity of fishing in the UK.

Environment Agency Rivercall Service

Tel: 0906 6197722 (North East Region)

For information on levels in your local rivers you can call the number above. This is a premium rate number.

Tees Wheelyboats Club

Tel: 07748 908646 Email: [email protected] www.tees-wheelyboats.org.uk

Fishing

The following free guides contain some useful information on fishing in Teesside and beyond:

‘Get into Fishing’ www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing

A guide available to download containing information about the fun of fishing, what to do, where to go and how to find out more.

‘Go Fishing with Northumbrian Water – Angling for Everyone’

Tel: 0845 155 0236 www.nwl.co.uk/gofishing

This guide can be downloaded from Northumbrian Water’s website and contains full details of fishing at their reservoirs including Hury, Grassholme and Scaling Dam.

‘North East Fisheries Guide’

Tel: 03708 506506 www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing

You can download your guide to course and game fisheries in your local area or request a printed copy free of charge.

Key:

C Coarse fishing

F Fly fishing

W Some fisheries now own ‘wheelyboats’, designed to enable disabled anglers to fish on equal terms. For more details contact the Wheelyboat Trust on 01798 342222 or email [email protected]

Aldin Grange Lakes C/F

Bearpark, Durham Tel: 0191 3846090 www.aldingrangelakes.co.uk

Permits from the Tackle shop or Butcher’s shop

Fishing

Charlton Pond C

Billingham Angling Club Tel: 01642 532034 www.billingham-angling-club.co.uk

Day tickets on site, permits on the bank

Dromonby Farm Fishery C

On the A172, near Kirkby Contact: Tom Seymour Tel: 07778 022619 Email: [email protected]

Eden Meadows Fishery – Three Lakes C

Off the B1280 near Trimdon Colliery, Station Town Tel: 01429 835836 or 07999 955099 www.edenmeadows.co.uk

Day tickets on site

Grassholme Reservoir C/F

Off the B6277 at Mickleton Contact: Northumbrian Water Tel: 01833 641121 www.nwl.co.uk/gofishing

Day tickets and permits from the visitor centre and shop

Hemlington Lake C

Contact: Middlesbrough Borough Council Tel: 01642 596546 Email: [email protected]

Hilton Fishing Lakes C

Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees Contact: Alan Marsay Tel: 01642 596606 Email: [email protected] www.hiltonfishinglakes.com

Hury Reservoir F

Off the B6276, near Barnard Castle Contact: Northumbrian Water Tel: 01833 641121 36

Fishing

www.nwl.co.uk/gofishing

Day tickets from machine at Hury Fishing Lodge at the north end of Hury Dam.

Jubilee Trout Fishery F

Off the A68, near Redworth, Darlington Tel: 01388 772611 or 01388 772708 Email: [email protected] www.jubileelakes.co.uk

Permits from reception

Lockwood Beck Trout Fishery F/W

Off the A171, near Guisborough Contact: Gordon Byers Tel: 01287 660501 www.lockwoodfishery.co.uk

Scaling Dam Reservoir C/F

Off the A171 between Guisborough and Whitby Contact: Northumbrian Water Tel: 01287 644032 www.nwl.co.uk/gofishing

Shafto’s Lake C

Near Spennymoor, Durham Contact: Mr Alan Dyke, Ferryhill and District Angling Club Tel: 01740 652360 or 07919 588719

Permits available from Shafto’s Inn 01388 819737

West Farm Lake C

Between Bishopton and Stillington, Stockton-on-Tees Contact: Mr and Mrs S Bowes Tel: 01740 631045

Witton Castle Trout Lakes F

Near Witton-le-Wear, Durham Contact: Bishop Auckland and District Angling Club Tel: 01388 488691 Email: [email protected]

Permit available on site at the fishery lodge

Cycling

Cycling Contacts

Bikeability

Email: [email protected] www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability

Bikeability is ‘cycling proficiency’ for the 21st century, designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads. All five Tees Valley local authorities are registered to deliver Bikeability Cycle Training.

Bikeabout

Prior Pursglove College, Church Walk, Guisborough, TS14 6BU Tel: 01287 280800 www.pursglove.ac.uk

Situated in the grounds of the college, Bikeabout offers many facilities for cyclists to help you enjoy your ride. There is free car parking, a bike jet wash, shower and changing facilities, secure bike storage units, route guides & maps and refreshments.

Do It By Cycle

Tel: 01642 803441 Email: [email protected] www.doitbycycle.com

A Tees Valley cycling website offering information on local cycle routes, cycling events and training.

Get Moving Redcar and Cleveland

(See page 7 for details)

Go Sky Ride www.goskyride.com/middlesbrough

British Cycling and Sky have come together to get a million people riding their bikes more regularly. They have created a range of ways for you to get involved from big traffic-free events in towns and cities, to local neighbourhood rides; from women-only bike rides and support, to routes and workshops. Look at their website for details of local bike rides and events.

Cycling

Gateway Wheelers

Bullion Hall, Bullion Lane, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, DH2 2ES www.gatewaywheelers.org.uk

They enable people with disabilities to enjoy cycling and create opportunities for personal development by providing suitable cycles, equipment and support. There are regular rides organised at Eastbourne Sports Complex, for further details contact:

Ted & Katy Sunley Tel: 07986 237926 Email: [email protected]

Get Active Get Cycling in Darlington

Tel: 01325 254370 Email: [email protected] www.darlington.gov.uk

A Darlington Council and NHS scheme, offering participants the free loan of a bike and helmet to take part in the free guided weekly rides. The rides take place at 10am on Thursdays (from South Park clock tower) and 10am on Sundays (from West Park). Anyone with their own bike can also take part.

Local Motion

(See page 4 for details)

Middlesbrough Council

Tel: 01642 728196 Email: [email protected] www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1982

The Council has a series of recommended recreational cycle routes from 1¼ to 9 miles, which can be downloaded from their website.

Middlesbrough Cycle Centre

Unit 4, Middlesbrough Bus Station, Newport Road, TS1 5AE Tel: 01642 219620 Email: [email protected] www.visitmiddlesbrough.com/venues/middlesbrough-cycle-centre

The centre promotes cycling in Middlesbrough by providing free, secure, indoor cycle parking along with showers, changing facilities, lockers and an information centre with touring maps and cycle guides. The centre also delivers guided rides, cycle maintenance sessions and accredited road safety training.

Cycling

Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit

Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS7 8AR Tel: 07876 137592 Email: [email protected] www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1585

A 1 kilometre enclosed circuit which has a 6 metre wide tarmac surface. It is fenced and lit. The design incorporates shorter loop options too. The circuit is available for recreational use or hire by groups and clubs.

Sustrans

National Cycle Network Centre, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5DD Tel: 0845 113 0065 Email: [email protected] www.sustrans.org.uk

Sustrans works on practical projects to encourage more people to walk and cycle. They also produce information on the National Cycle Network.

 North East Regional Office: Cross House, Westgate Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4XX Tel: 0191 261 6160

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Tel: 01642 526735 Email: [email protected] www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/transport/cyclingincleveland

The council run guided cycle rides throughout the year to help support people either new to the saddle, or returning riders wanting to get some more exercise, reduce their car use, or cycle for recreation.

Stockton Wheelers

Email: [email protected] www.stocktonwheelers.org.uk

Established in 1916, the club aims to bring enjoyment and achievement to cyclists in the Stockton-on-Tees area. They currently have over 100 members, and with weekly time trials, club runs for all abilities, including ‘Ladies only’ rides and coaching sessions with British Cycling-qualified coaches, there is something for everybody who is interested in cycling.

Tees Valley Riders

Email: [email protected] www.teesvalleyriders.org.uk

Cycling

A recreational, all-inclusive club for cyclists of any age, level or ability, based at Middlesbrough's Cycle Circuit on Marton Road. Anyone with an interest in cycling is welcome to join.

The Hub – Active Travel Centre

17 Bridge Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3AA Tel: 01642 803441 Email: [email protected] www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/transport/thehub

The Hub runs a variety of walking and cycling activities throughout the Stockton area including bike maintenance training, guided walks and bike rides, as well as free advice and information.

Events

National Bike Week

Tel: 0845 680 5005 Email: [email protected] www.bikeweek.org.uk

The biggest national cycling event in the UK. Bike Week is an annual opportunity to promote cycling, and show how cycling can easily be part of everyday life. Contact them to find out about events in your area.

Stockton Cycle Festival

Riverside Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1BZ www.stockton.gov.uk/events/cyclingfestival

An annual event of cycling activities for all abilities, run by Velo29 in conjunction with Stockton Borough Council.

Maps

Tees Valley Cycle Maps

These can be downloaded from the ‘Do it By Cycle’ website, or you can pick up free copies from the Stockton Active Travel Centre or Middlesbrough Cycle Centre (see above). There are six maps available covering Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton North, Stockton South and Tees Valley Overview.

Cycling

Three Rivers Cycle Route Map

The unique Three Rivers Cycle Route (NCN 14) from Middlesbrough to South Shields travels through contrasting landscapes and past some of the most iconic sights and attractions in the North East. The map is available from Sustrans (www.sustrans.org.uk, Tel: 0845 113 0065) for £6.99 + p&p.

Cycle Routes

8 Bridges Way P www.stockton.gov.uk/resources/techsvcs/tstransport/2402636/2402640. pdf

A 14 mile mostly traffic-free walking and cycling route following the banks of the River Tees between Stockton and Middlesbrough and passing eight of the bridges over this section of the Tees. The route passes the Tees Barrage white water course and a number of important nature reserves along the banks of the river. Look out for seals along the way! Click on the link above to download a map.

Guisborough Forest and Branch Walkway

Pinchinthorpe, Guisborough, TS14 8HD P Tel: 01287 631132

The forest has a range of cycle tracks catering for all abilities from families to experienced mountain bikers.

Hart to Haswell Walkway

Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ484363 Tel: 01429 853325 (Countryside Wardens) www.hartlepool.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?fileID=1249

Redcar to Saltburn

Map: OS Explorer 306 P

An easy 5 mile route (one way), following the NCN route 1. See the Redcar & Cleveland Cycle Map for more details.

Cycling

RSPB Saltholme Wildlife Reserve

Seaton Carew Road, Port Clarence, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS2 1TU Tel: 01642 546625 Email: [email protected]

There is a cycle track across the reserve to the visitor centre that is accessed through Holly Terrace in Port Clarence and is open during reserve opening hours. This track is a nice extension to the 8 Bridges Way which ends at the Transporter Bridge. Cycle storage is available at the visitor centre.

The Stray

Map: OS Explorer 306. Grid ref: NZ462193 P Tel: 01642 776913 (Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council)

This 1.25 mile linear route links Marske to Redcar along the coastal path known as The Stray. Parking is available along Windy Lane in Marske and in the car parks along The Stray. Along the walk you will see Winkies Castle, wading birds such as turnstones, sanderlings and oystercatchers. Skylarks and partridges are also known to nest in and around the sand dunes.

Wynyard Woodland Park P Station House, Thorpe Thewles, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 3JG Tel: 01740 630011 Email: [email protected] www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/environment/parksandopen

The park (formally known as Castle Eden Walkway) has surfaced paths for cyclists and walkers. There is a cycle park at the Station House visitor centre.

Wildlife & Conservation

3. Wildlife and Conservation

Clubs and Organisations 45-48 Accessible Wildlife Sites 49-52

Visitor Centres 53-54

Clubs & Organisations

British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU Tel: 01842 750050 Email: [email protected] www.bto.org

The BTO have a broad range of surveys for volunteers to participate in, including the Garden BirdWatch and Garden Nesting Survey. The surveys are fun and a great way to help wildlife from your home.

Cleveland Naturalists' Field Club

Email: [email protected] www.clevelandnats.org.uk

The club promotes an interest in all branches of natural history and assists members in finding out about the living things that they see in the countryside around them.

Cleveland RSPB Local Group www.rspb.org.uk/groups/cleveland

This group aims to foster and support an interest in birds, natural history, the environment and conservation. They organise a varied and interesting annual programme of events for both members and visitors alike.

Durham Bat Group

Noel Jackson 3, East Law, Ebchester, Co. Durham, DH8 0QH Email: [email protected] www.durhambats.org.uk

Durham Bat Group is the umbrella body for the licensed bat workers in County Durham and promotes the conservation and study of bats in the area. They cover South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland, Co. Durham, Hartlepool, Stockton and Darlington. Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland are managed by North Yorks Bat Group (see next page). Durham Bat Group holds regular meetings in the last week of each month.

Froglife

Tel: 01733 558844 www.froglife.org

Froglife is a national wildlife charity committed to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles - frogs, toads, newts, snakes and lizards - and saving the habitats they depend on. Contact them if you would like to get involved in a ‘Toads on Roads’ project near you.

Clubs & Organisations

Hartlepool Natural History Society

Contact: Russell McAndrew (Club Secretary) Tel: 01429 277291

The Hartlepool naturalists meet up once a month for talks and activities in Hartlepool’s Art Gallery, Church Square. Indoor meetings are held from January until April and from September through to December (inclusive) and are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm to 9pm. Outdoor field trips are held over the summer to places both within Hartlepool and further afield. Anyone with an interest in nature is welcome to attend any of the indoor meetings.

Northumbria Mammal Group www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk/sections-mammals.php

The group covers a wide geographical area from the Scottish Borders, to the southern boundary of the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, and from the North Sea coast to the Cumbrian border. They work in close association with the Natural History Society of Northumbria and the three NE Wildlife Trusts, raising awareness among local people of Northumbria’s native mammal species and their habitats, and doing what they can to protect them. If you would like to help to build up a picture of your region’s mammal populations and distribution, you can send your mammal sightings to the Tees Valley/Cleveland mammal recorder:

Jonathan Pounder, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Tel: 01429 865788 Email: [email protected]

Clubs & Organisations

North Yorkshire Bat Group

No Man's Common, Arrathorne, Bedale, DL8 1NA Email: [email protected] www.nybats.org.uk

North Yorkshire Bat Group is concerned with the conservation of bats and furthering public understanding of bats in the county. The group holds a range of events, publishes a monthly newsletter, gives talks about bats to other organisations, monitors planning applications for their impact on bats, surveys and studies bats and provides advice about bats. They cover North Yorkshire, the City of York, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. In Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland they work in conjunction with Durham Bat Group and Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

Newcastle Office: 1 Sirius House, Amethyst Road, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 7YL Tel: 0300 7772 676 www.rspb.org.uk

The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and all wildlife. You can help out the wildlife in your garden by tking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch; the world’s largest wildlife survey.

Teesmouth Bird Club

Tel: 01429 865163 (Chris Sharp) www.teesmouthbc.com

The Teesmouth Bird Club is a very active ornithological club open to new members. Both beginners and experienced bird watchers are welcome.

Tees River Trust

Sedbury Stables, Gilling West, North Yorkshire, DL10 5LQ Tel: 07900 650371 www.teesriverstrust.org.uk

The Tees Rivers Trust has been established to protect and enhance the environment of the River Tees and its catchment, and to encourage public understanding and community involvement.

Tees Valley Local Access Forum

Tel: 01429 523472 Email: [email protected] www.teesvalleylocalaccessforum.co.uk

Clubs & Organisations

The Tees Valley Local Access Forum advises on how to make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable for recreation whilst at the same time taking into account environmental, social and economic interests. Their website has details of all the nature reserves in the area.

Tees Valley Nature Partnership www.teesvalleynaturepartnership.org.uk

A new partnership in the Tees Valley which is working strategically to conserve wildlife and improve the range of socio-economic benefits and services provided by a healthy natural environment. Their website has details about the Tees Valley’s priority species and habitats.

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, Margrove Heritage Centre, Margrove Park, Boosbeck, Saltburn-by-the Sea TS12 3BZb Tel: 01287 636382 Email: [email protected] www.wildlifetrusts.org

Part of the Wildlife Trusts movement, the UK's leading conservation charity dedicated to all wildlife. Their website details all of the Tees Valley nature reserves, including details on accessibility and wildlife interest.

The Wildflower Ark

Tel: 01642 576611 Email: [email protected] www.wildflowerark.org.uk

The Wildflower Arc is an organisation working to help conserve plant diversity in the Lower Tees Valley and increase public awareness of local plants and their habitats. They work by providing education and consultancy on the issues around plant diversity and by conducting research and conservation projects in the Tees Valley area.

Accessible Wildlife Sites

Wildlife watching is an enjoyable and peaceful past time where you can develop your skills in your own time. Below are some of the best accessible sites in which you can enjoy, watch and study wildlife and nature.

This picture denotes an accessible bird hide is on site:

Coatham Marsh

Accessed by the car park off Tod Point Road, in Warrenby, Redcar. Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ 585247 www.teeswildlife.org/new/coatham

A Tees Valley Wildlife Trust wetland nature reserve with two large lakes, low-lying marsh areas and wildflower meadows. It is important not only locally as a large expanse of coastal wetland, but also nationally as a resting stop on a coastal bird migration route. During the summer you can also see a range of wildflowers including fragrant and northern marsh orchids. The paths are mostly surfaced. The section along the Fleet towards Kirkleatham Lane is prone to flooding in the winter. The path between the car park & the footbridge is suitable for wheelchair access. The nearest accessible toilets are on the sea front at Redcar.

Greatham Creek

Parking is in the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve car P park off Seaton Carew Road (A178) Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ 508250

Greatham Creek is a tidal channel and a great place to see common and grey seals. There is an accessible footpath (200m long) from the car park, which takes you to a covered viewing area via a boardwalk. The best time to see seals from the viewing point is one hour before high tide. For tide times see: www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast_and_sea/tide_tables

Hartlepool Headland

Moor Terrace, Hartlepool, TS24 0PS www.rspb.org.uk/groups/cleveland/places

It’s location on a promontory almost surrounded by the sea makes Hartlepool Headland a first landfall for many migrants and a good spot from which to observe movement of seabirds along the east coast. A good vantage point is by the lighthouse. From here you can see the broad arc of the Tees estuary. The gardens and mature trees nearby afford shelter for many birds and it is only a short walk to the Fish Quay, another good spot for bird watching. There are accessible toilets next to the lighthouse.

Accessible Wildlife Sites

Locke Park

Corporation Road, Redcar, TS10 1HA www.rspb.org.uk/groups/cleveland/places

Locke Park is a small, well-kept public park just across the road from Coatham Marsh, because of its close proximity to the sea, it has attracted many rarities over the years. The wide variety of trees and bushes are much-liked by migrants such as warblers in spring and autumn. Firecrests, bluethroats and cuckoos have also been seen.

Maze Park Nature Reserve

From the A66, follow signs for the Tees Barrage, the right at P the first roundabout leads to the entrance on Maze Lane. Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ 467191 www.teeswildlife.org/new/mazepark

A Tees Valley Wildlife Trust site on the south of the River Tees. Each of the mounds at Maze Park has developed its own unique vegetation community, reflecting the soil under the mounds. The site is good for the regionally important grayling butterfly. Major footpaths are surfaced and suitable for wheelchair and pushchair access. Damp areas have boardwalks. Parking is available at the Tees Barrage on Navigation Way.

Portrack Marsh

From the A66 follow signs for the Tees Barrage. Head straight over P the first roundabout. Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ 465194 www.teeswildlife.org/new/portrack

Owned and managed by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Northumbrian Water. It is the last remaining wetland area on the lower River Tees and its large bodies of water are a magnet for both local and migrating birds. The ditches are home to water vole and kingfisher. The main footpaths are suitable for wheelchair and pushchair access and the boardwalk through wetter areas has a ramp. However, the reserve can become muddy during winter and the pathway on the north edge is not surfaced and has some steps. There is a car park on Tees Barrage Way.

RSPB Saltholme Wildlife Reserve

Seaton Carew Road, Port Clarence, P Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS2 1TU Tel: 01642 546625 Email: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/saltholme

There are various hides on the reserve all of which are accessible, although the RSPB advise going with a helper to the hides further afield. There are four signposted trails surfaced in bound gravel, mostly on level 50

Accessible Wildlife Sites

ground with seating provided. The reserve centre has an accessible (indoor) bird viewing area.

Scaling Dam Reservoir

Next to the A171, on the main Guisborough to Whitby road Map: OS Explorer OL27 Grid ref: 739126 Email: [email protected] www.nwl.co.uk

A section of the circular walk is accessible for wheelchairs, providing wonderful views across the water. The reservoir is important for wintering wildfowl and the bird hide is accessed from the Sailing Club car park. There are accessible toilets in the visitor centre.

Seal Sands

Natural England, c/o Hartlepool Power Station, Tees Road, Hartlepool, TS25 2BZ Tel: 01429 853325/0300 060 1729 Email: [email protected] www.naturalengland.org.uk

Parking is in the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve car park off Seaton Carew Road (A178 - see Greatham Creek above). Part of the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve, Seal Sands is one of the largest areas of intertidal mudflats on England’s north east coast. Over 20,000 water birds visit each year, making it an internationally important site for birdlife. The reserve is also notable for its breeding colony of common seals, and grey seals are frequent visitors to the area. An easy access footpath connects the car park with two wheelchair accessible observation hides which overlook Seal Sands. Cross the road and turn left out of the car park, following the path to Greatham Creek Bridge.

Accessible Wildlife Sites

South Gare

Map: OS Explorer 306 Grid ref: NZ557281 http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/cleveland/places/163554/

This is a man-made breakwater at the mouth of the River Tees. The mixture of rough ground, sand dunes, tidal mud flats and both freshwater and saltwater pools make this a good spot for watching birds, if somewhat exposed in poor weather (though the access road allows for viewing on both sides from the comfort of your car).

WWT Washington Wetland Centre P

Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE38 8LE Tel: 0191 416 5454 www.wwt.org

A Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve situated on the banks of the River Wear. The centre is famous for its wildfowl collections, featuring hundreds of rare and endangered ducks, geese and swans, plus a breeding colony of Chilean flamingos and grey herons. The site has hard-surfaced paths with tarmac on its main routes although the paths from the amphibian ponds to Spring Gill Wood are uneven and steep in places. Some bird hides are accessible for wheelchairs. Guide dogs are permitted. The River Wear Trail passes the centre, as does the C2C Cycle Route. Cycle racks are provided.

Visitor Centres

Many country parks and nature reserves have visitor centres. They are a great place to obtain information about the site you are visiting and the surrounding countryside, as well as the wildlife you are likely to see. You can also enquire about future events and activities, and staff may also be able to advise you of local countryside sites that are wheelchair accessible. Opening times may vary; ring ahead for details.

Albert Park

Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3LB P Tel: 01642 819808

Open 9am – 4pm (winter), and until 5pm (spring) and 7pm (summer).

Accessible parking is available on Park Road South.

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park

Ecology Park, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, TS23 1PB (Situated off the A1027, close to the Billingham exit of the A19) Tel: 01642 360376 Email: [email protected]

Open Sundays 10am - 4.30pm (also Mondays and Fridays during school holidays).

Cowpen Bewley Activity Centre P

Seal Sands Link Road, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, TS23 3NF Tel: 01642 371633 Email: [email protected]

Open Monday, Friday and Sunday: 10am – 4pm during school summer holidays and Sundays 10am – 4pm for the rest of the year.

Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park

Flatts lane, Normanby, Middlesbrough, TS6 ONN P Tel: 01642 459629

Open Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4pm, alternate weekends 10am – 4pm.

Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre

Pinchinthorpe, Guisborough, TS14 8HD P Tel: 01287 631132

Open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm, Sunday 10am-4pm (alternate weekends).

There is a café next to the visitor centre.

Visitor Centres

North York Moors National Park Centres www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visiting/visitor-centres P

 Danby - The Moors National Park Centre, Lodge Lane, YO21 2NB Tel: 01439 772737 Opening times vary throughout the year, contact the centre for more information.  Sutton Bank – National Park Centre, Sutton Bank, Thirsk, YO7 2EH Tel: 01845 597426 Opening times vary throughout the year, contact the centre for more information.

Saltburn Woodland Centre

Valley Gardens, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1GG P Tel: 01287 622408

Open Sunday to Friday 9am – 4pm (closed Saturdays)

There is limited disabled parking available near to the Woodland Centre, please ring prior to using this parking facility. There is a tea room in Valley Gardens.

Station House Visitor Centre P

Wynyard Woodland Park, Thorpe Thewles, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 3JG Tel: 01740 630011 Email: [email protected]

Open daily 10am – 3pm.

There are tea rooms next to the visitor centre.

Summerhill Visitor Centre

Summerhill Lane, Hartlepool, TS25 4LL P Tel: 01429 284584

Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm.

There is a café on site.

Teesmouth Field Centre

Hartlepool Power Station, Tees Road, Hartlepool, TS25 2BZ Tel: 01429 264912 Email: [email protected]

The field centre runs a varied programme of field studies for school children, students, groups and the general public, including seal and bird watching. Booking is essential.

Volunteering & Countryside Employment

4. Volunteering & Countryside Employment

Volunteer Centres 56-57 Volunteer Websites 57 Volunteering in the Countryside 58-61 Countryside Employment 62

Volunteer Centres

East Durham Trust Volunteer Centre

Community House, Yoden Road, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 5DP Tel: 0191 569 3511 Email: [email protected] www.eastdurhamtrust.org.uk

East Durham Community Development Trust runs a Volunteer Bureau (VB) service. It helps people find out more about how they can get involved in the community by volunteering their time. It offers a range of voluntary opportunities, helping potential volunteers match their skills, interests and motivations to the voluntary vacancies on offer. eVOLution

Church Row, Darlington, DL1 5QD Tel: 01325 266888 Email: [email protected] www.evolutiondarlington.com eVOLution aims to promote, support and develop the voluntary and community sector in Darlington to bring about positive change in the lives of people and their communities. The volunteer centre can advise on local volunteer opportunities.

Hartlepool Voluntary Development Agency

Rockhaven, 36 Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS26 8DD Tel: 01429 262641 www.hvda.co.uk

HVDA recruits and places volunteers and develops projects with a focus on new opportunities to volunteer. This service is offered by the Volunteer Centre and is available to Hartlepool residents and open to people of all ages. The staff will support and advise you and, where possible, try to tailor your needs to your volunteering experience.

Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency

St. Mary’s Centre, 82-90 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RW Tel: 01642 249300 Email: [email protected] www.mvda.info

The Volunteer Centre provides a service matching potential volunteers with appropriate opportunities in the local community and works to stimulate and encourage local interest in volunteering and voluntary community activity.

Volunteer Centres

Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency

Tel: 01642 440571 Email: [email protected] www.rcvda.org.uk

The Centre supports, promotes and develops volunteering and the voluntary sector in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland.

Stokesley Volunteer Centre

First Floor, Town Close, North Road, Stokesley, North Yorkshire, TS9 5DH Tel: 01642 710085 Email: [email protected] www.stokesleycca.org.uk/volunteer-centre

The centre supports people interested in volunteering and organisations using volunteers by providing information, advice and support on good practice.

Viva Volunteers

Tees Valley Community Foundation, Wallace House, Falcon Court, Preston Farm, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3TX Tel: 01642 260860 Email: [email protected] www.teesvalleyfoundation.org

Viva Volunteers is a volunteering hub supporting individuals wanting to volunteer, businesses wanting to become socially responsible and local charitable organisations wanting to benefit from volunteers.

Volunteer Websites

Do-it www.do-it.org.uk

Do-it is a website which acts as a link between potential volunteers and the organisations that require them. The website provides a useful resource for those seeking volunteering opportunities in their local area. It also has a section on disabled volunteers and contacts.

Volunteering England www.volunteering.org.uk

A great resource for seeking volunteer opportunities. Volunteering England is an independent charity and membership organisation, committed to supporting, enabling and celebrating volunteering.

Volunteering in the Countryside

Boro Becks Project c/o Stewart Park, The Grove, Marton, Middlesbrough, TS7 8AR Tel: 01642 515618 Email: [email protected] www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

The Boro Becks Project is all about getting people involved in the becks through events and activities, training, practical task days and environmental and access improvements. Contact the Boro Becks Team if you would like to become a volunteer ranger and help out on conservation tasks or at community events.

Groundwork North East www.northeast.groundwork.org.uk

Groundwork works in partnership with communities and organisations, delivering positive sustainable change in places of need across the North East. The Tees Valley team operates from three offices across the county. If you would like to find out more about how to get involved in local projects and activities you can email the Tees Valley Volunteer Coordinator: [email protected] or contact your local office:

 Darlington Office 123 Victoria Road, Darlington, DL1 5JH Tel: 01325 353791  Middlesbrough Office Linthorpe Cemetery Lodge, Burlam Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 5AP  Saltburn Office 26 Station Street, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1AE

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Countryside Wardens c/o The Gatehouse, Power Station, Tees Road, Hartlepool, TS25 2BZ Tel: 01429 853325 Email: [email protected] www.hartlepool.gov.uk

The Countryside Team are assisted by a dedicated team of volunteers who help to look after Hartlepool’s nature reserves and rights of way. The volunteers carry out practical conservation tasks, events and guided walks, site maintenance tasks as well as rights of way monitoring and maintenance. Volunteer ‘Taster Days’ are held throughout the year.

Middlesbrough Environment City

1 North Road, Middlesbrough, TS2 1DE Tel: 01642 243183 E-mail: [email protected] www.menvcity.org.uk

Volunteering in the Countryside

A locally based charity whose aim is to encourage local people to live healthy and sustainable lives and to encourage partnerships to improve the local environment. There are many volunteering opportunities available through MEC’s projects including work on community allotments.

National Trust

Email: [email protected] www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/local-to-you/north-east

Volunteering with the National Trust in Yorkshire and the North East is a great way to get out and about and meet like-minded people or gain new skills and experiences. As a volunteer, you can choose from a variety of different roles including: stewards, garden guides, retail support, countryside help, car park stewarding and admin support. Contact the regional offices for details of volunteering opportunities:

 Yorkshire: York Consultancy Hub, Goddards, 27 Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1GG Tel: 01904 702021  North East: Scots Gap, nr Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 4EG Tel: 01670 774691

Natural England

Tel: 01429 853325 or 0300 060 2219 Email: [email protected] www.naturalengland.org.uk

There are lots of opportunities for volunteering at Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. Contact either Natural England (details above) or the Countryside Wardens (Tel: 01429 853325) for conservation management, wildlife monitoring and helping with events, or Teesmouth Field Centre (Tel: 01429 264912) for environmental education opportunities.

North York Moors National Park

The Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley, York, YO62 5BP Tel: 01439 772700 Email: [email protected] www.northyorkmoors.org.uk

The North York Moors National Park Authority provides a wide range of opportunities for volunteers to explore and experience the North York Moors throughout the seasons including becoming a Volunteer Ranger or getting involved with practical conservation work. Their website lists their current volunteer vacancies.

Volunteering in the Countryside

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council

Tel: 01642 496428 Email: [email protected] www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

The Countryside Service manages three country parks as well as many smaller areas of woodland within the borough. Volunteers give valuable assistance in all aspects of the management of these sites and woodlands including practical conservation work, visitor centre assistance and site patrols. You can give as much or as little time as you are able.

RSPB Saltholme Wildlife Reserve

Seaton Carew Road, Port Clarence, Middlesbrough, TS2 1TU Tel: 01642 546625 Email: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/saltholme

There are a number of ways to help out at Saltholme reserve, from working in their wildlife garden to assisting at events or in the visitor centre. Contact the reserve to find out what current opportunities are available.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Stirling House, Tedder Avenue, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 9JP Tel: 01642 526871 Email: [email protected] www.stockton.gov.uk/resources/leisure/14776/vol_leaflet/countryvolunte ers.pdf

Countryside Volunteers provide regular assistance to the site-based Countryside Rangers in all areas of work, including running countryside events and guided walks, carrying out practical conservation tasks and providing information to visitors. You can download the ‘Countryside Volunteering in Stockton’ leaflet from the web address above.

The Conservation Volunteers (formerly known as BTCV)

Sedum House, Mallard Way, Doncaster, DN4 8DB Tel: 01302 388883 Email: [email protected] www.tcv.org.uk

Britain's largest environmental organisation involving the public in practical nature conservation work. Transport, training and refreshments are often provided free. Most activities need able bodied volunteers. The nearest centres are in Newcastle and York:

Volunteering in the Countryside

TCV York 3 Leake Street, Off Lawrence Street, York, YO10 3BR Tel: 01904 644300, Email: [email protected] TCV Northumberland, Tyne and Wear MGM House, Newburn Bridge Road, Newburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 8NR Tel: 07980 761034, Email: [email protected]

The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust

Margrove Heritage Centre, Margrove Park, Boosbeck, Saltburn-by-the Sea, TS12 3BZ Tel: 01287 636382 Email: [email protected] www.teeswildlife.org

There are many voluntary opportunities across the reserves including practical conservation tasks, environmental education, admin and biodiversity surveying.

WWT Washington Wetland Centre

Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE38 8LE Tel: 0191 416 5454 Email: [email protected] www.wwt.org

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is a national organisation which works to conserve wetlands for both wildlife and visitors. Volunteers are encouraged to help create and maintain habitats on the wildlife reserve, work at the waterfowl nursery, recruit WWT members, help out with general maintenance jobs or deliver children's events. Contact the centre for details of current opportunities. 61

Countryside Employment

For details of work in or related to the countryside and wildlife we recommend the following:

Countryside Jobs Service (CJS)

Countryside Jobs Service, The Moorlands, Goathland, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5LZ Tel: 01947 896007 Email: [email protected] www.countryside-jobs.com

The CJS brings together available countryside jobs, both paid and voluntary, from a wide range of sources and organisations.

Environment Post

Tel: 01268 468000 Email: [email protected] www.environmentpost.co.uk

The Environment Post includes job and voluntary vacancies from environmental journals and papers worldwide as well as details of student placements.

Environment Job

Working Planet Limited, The Innovation Centre, University of Exeter Campus, Exeter, EX4 4RN Tel: 01392 491578 Email: [email protected] www.environmentjob.co.uk

Web based information about both paid and voluntary job opportunities as well as courses and events.

The Guardian newspaper www.guardian.co.uk/jobs/environment

Find details of environmental and conservation jobs online or in the printed newspaper on Wednesdays.

Useful Information

5. Useful Information

Community Transport 64-65 Public Transport 66-67 RADAR, Parking & Wheelchair Hire 68 Shopmobility 69 Tourist Information Centres 70 Publications 71-72 Websites Worth A Surf... 73-74

Community Transport

British Red Cross

Croft House, Western Avenue, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE4 8SR Tel: 0191 273 7961 www.redcross.org.uk

The Red Cross can provide door-to-door transport for people who cannot get about easily, restoring their freedom and independence. For transport services based in Stockton-on-Tees ring: 01642 702730

Community Transport for All

Tel: 01642 296002 Email: [email protected] www.ctforall.org.uk

A charity based in Middlesbrough providing low-cost high-quality transport to voluntary and community groups and local residents.

Darlington & District Youth & Community Association c/o eVolution, Church Row, Darlington, DL1 5QD Tel: 01325 734993 Email: [email protected]

DDYCA can offer local community groups vehicles for hire, saving the individual groups the expense of buying and running a vehicle of their own. The vehicles are all wheelchair accessible and can carry up to 16 seated passengers or 5 passengers travelling in their wheelchairs or a combination of wheelchair users and seated passengers

Darlington Community Support Service

WRVS, Unit 1q, Enterprise House, Valley Street, Darlington, DL1 1GY Tel: 0845 600 5885 Email: [email protected] www.wrvs.org.uk

The aim of the service is to promote and maintain physical activity, healthy living, education, accessible transport and shopping facilities in order to ensure that older and housebound people are able to live active lives.

Dial-a-Ride

Some local authorities run Dial-a-Ride, accessible transport schemes:

 Hartlepool Borough Council - Transport Services Team Tel: 01429 523855 Email: [email protected]  Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council - Community Transport Team Tel: 01642 527117 64

Community Transport

East Cleveland Minibus Brokerage Project c/o The Riverside Building, New Company Row, Skinningrove, Saltburn- by-the-Sea, TS13 4BE Tel: 01287 643470 Email: [email protected] www.teesvalleyrcc.org.uk

The Minibus Brokerage brings together individuals and groups who need safe, affordable transport with locally owned minibuses. The brokerage service provides residents with greater travel opportunities whilst earning increased revenue for minibus owner/operators by maximising usage of their vehicles.

Tees Valley Rural Community Council

Tel: 01642 213852 (Transport Advisor) Email: [email protected] www.teesvalleyrcc.org.uk

TVRCC supports innovative and enterprising transport activity within the Tees Valley rural area, to improve accessibility and develop sustainability through a partnership approach. You can contact them for advice, help or support regarding transport matters.

Wheels For Freedom

Contact: Ken Fox Tel: 07854 147296 Email: [email protected]

Wheels for Freedom offers a Dial-a-Ride service for people in the Hartlepool area.

Public Transport

Connect Tees Valley www.connectteesvalley.com

Your one stop shop for travel information in the Tees Valley. The website has details on planning your journey including bus and train timetables and maps, as well as contacts and ticket information.

Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee

Tel: 020 7944 8011 dptac.independent.gov.uk

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) is an independent body established by the Transport Act 1985 to advise government on the transport needs of disabled people. They produce publications for less mobile people on personal transport and use of public transport. You can download the useful publication ‘Accessible Travel – information for disabled and less mobile people’ from their website.

National Express

National Express Customer Support, Disabled Persons Travel Helpline, PO Box 9854, Birmingham, B16 8XN Tel: 08717 818 Textphone/minicom service: 0121 455 0086 Email: [email protected] www.nationalexpress.com

You can contact the Disabled Persons Travel helpline if you require any information prior to planning your coach journey.

National Rail Enquiries

Tel: 08457 484950 (lines open 24 hours) www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/disabled_passengers

National rail enquiries provide information on rail travel including routes, departure times and costs, as well as information for disabled passengers on travel assistance, discounts, accessible stations and train facilities.

Northern Rail

Access/Disabled Information and Cycle Assistance Tel: 08081 561606 (freephone) Textphone: 08456 045 608 Email: [email protected] www.northernrail.org

Their guide ‘Making Rail Accessible: Helping Older and Disabled Passengers’, can be downloaded from their website and includes information on accessible stations. 66

Public Transport

Traveline

Traveline North East and Cumbria, c/o Sustainable Transport, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UQ Tel: 0871 200 2233 Email: [email protected] www.travelinenortheast.info

Many bus services in North East England are operated by modern, fully accessible low floor buses. It is now possible to plan your journey using only accessible services.

Stagecoach Teesside

Disability Helpdesk Tel: 0191 567 5251 (Typetalk-enabled) Email: [email protected]

Need help making your journey? Contact your local bus company for information.

RADAR, Blue Badge Parking & Wheelchair Hire

Disability Rights UK (Formerly RADAR)

Tel: 020 7250 3222 Textphone: 020 7250 4119 Email: [email protected] www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Disability Rights UK works to create a society where everyone with lived experience of disability or health conditions can participate equally as full citizens. Disability Rights UK is led, run and controlled by disabled people, with disabled people making up at least three- quarters of its board members.

The RADAR National Key Scheme (NKS) ensures that one key will open wheelchair accessible toilets throughout the country. RADAR padlocks are also increasingly used on many nature reserves and cycle paths. Keys are available directly from RADAR. The NKS guide is a directory of 9000 NKS toilets in the UK and is also available directly from RADAR: www.radar- shop.org.uk

Blue Badge Scheme www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

The Blue Badge scheme is for people with severe mobility problems. It allows Blue Badge holders to park close to where they need to go. The scheme operates throughout the UK and is managed by local authorities, who deal with applications and issue Blue Badges. Blue badge holders may:

 Park as long as they wish in a disc parking zone provided that the blue badge is displayed.  Park on a single or double yellow line for up to three hours provided that the blue badge and disc is displayed and the vehicle causes no obstruction.  Always check individual car parks to see if you are required to pay or not as practice differs widely.

NB: remember your blue badge, blue badge disc and identity card at all times.

Wheelchair Hire

Many of the places in this Directory have wheelchairs and scooters available for loan either free or relatively cheaply. For other outlets ring your local Tourist Information Centre – see page 70, or contact your local Shopmobility unit. See details on the next page…

Shopmobility

Shopmobility schemes allow access to manual or powered wheelchairs and scooters for anyone who has difficulty walking. The Shopmobility units can also provide you with useful information about accessible areas within the city or town centre.

For more information see: www.shopmobilityuk.org

Darlington Shopmobility

23 Horse Market, Darlington, DL1 5PT Tel: 01325 489999 www.darlingtondisability.org

Open: Monday to Saturday 9.45am – 4.30pm

Hartlepool Shopmobility

Unit 120, Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool, TS24 7RJ Tel: 01429 861777 or 01429 891881 www.hartlepoolshopmobility.co.uk

Open: Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 4.00pm

Middlesbrough Shopmobility

1st floor car park, Hill Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 1TE Tel: 01642 254545 www.middlesbroughshopmobility.co.uk

Open: Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10.30 – 4pm

Redcar Shopmobility

The Esplanade, 3-4 Pybus Place, Redcar, TS10 3AE Tel: 01642 498894 Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm

Stockton Shopmobility

3-5 Bridge Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1BH Tel: 01642 605676 www.stocktonshopmobility.com

Open: Monday to Saturday 9am – 4pm

Tourist Information Centres

Darlington

13 Horsemarket, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 5PW Tel: 01325 388666 Email: [email protected]

Guisborough

Priory Grounds, Church Street, Guisborough, TS14 6HG Tel: 01287 633801 Email: [email protected]

Hartlepool

Art Gallery and Information Centre, Church Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ Tel: 01429 869706 Email: [email protected]

Middlesbrough

The Town Hall, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, PO Box 69, TS1 2QQ Tel: 01642 729900 Email: [email protected]

Redcar

24 High Street, Redcar, TS10 3DR Tel: (01642) 471921 Email: [email protected]

Saltburn

Saltburn Library, Windsor Road, Saltburn-by-the Sea, TS12 1AT Tel: 01287 623584 Email: [email protected]

Stockton-On-Tees

The Shambles, Stockton High Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1AU Tel: 01642 528130 or 01642 528131 Email: [email protected]

Publications

Countryside Directories

Open Country, Community House, 46 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5LT Tel: 01423 507227 www.opencountry.org.uk

At Open Country we know just how difficult it is for people with disabilities and their carers to obtain information. Whether its places to go, things to do, or clubs to join, countryside directories such as this one can help. Online directories are published for most regions in and around Yorkshire and are available to download from our website:

 North Yorkshire  East Yorkshire  South Yorkshire  West Yorkshire  County Durham  Teesside

Doing Life Differently guides www.radar-shop.co.uk

A series of publications written by and for people living with a disability or health condition. Packed with practical advice about how to do everyday things differently, including careers, sports, money, IT and transport. The guides are available from the RADAR online shop for £3.99 (including delivery). Most of the guides are also available to download for free.

English Heritage Access Guide

Tel: 0870 333 1181 Textphone: 0800 015 0516 Email: [email protected] www.english-heritage.org.uk

You can download the Access Guide which has information about the facilities and support that are available at the main sites for disabled people, older people and families of different ages. If you require an alternative accessible version of this document (for instance in audio, Braille or large print) contact the Customer Services Department (details above).

Holidays in the British Isles: A Guide for Disabled People

Tel: 020 7250 3222 Textphone: 020 7250 4119 Email: [email protected] www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Publications

An annually updated guide to accessible holidays in the British Isles. It is available to purchase for £13.99 (including P &P) or you can download it from: www.disabilityrightsuk.org/holidayguide2012.pdf

Making Connections: A Guide to Accessible Greenspace

Sensory Trust, Watering Lane Nursery, Pentewan, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6BE Tel: 01726 222900 Email: [email protected] www.sensorytrust.org.uk ISBN: 0 9526745 3 X

Making Connections is about the connections between people and the natural world, and how we can make the benefits of this contact available to everyone, regardless of disability, age or background. It is aimed at practitioners involved in the planning, design and management of public open space and anyone interested in making outdoor spaces inviting and usable for the widest range of people. The price is £15.00 (Students, charities and voluntary organisations £12.00 GBP) including UK p&p.

National Trust: Information for Visitors with Disabilities

Tel: 01793 817634 Email: [email protected] www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The National Trust publishes these regularly updated booklets containing useful information about access and amenities at the National Trust properties in each region. The series of booklets covers all of England and Wales and can be downloaded from the National Trust website or ordered as a hard copy by phone or email.

Rough Guide to Accessible Britain www.accessibleguide.co.uk

The award-winning Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is produced in association with Motability and contains information and tips on days out for disabled people. The fourth addition is available to download free from their website.

Websites Worth A Surf…

Ability Online www.abilityonline.org.uk

Accessible Countryside for Everyone (ACE) www.accessiblecountryside.org.uk

Age UK www.ageuk.org.uk

Carers Together in Redcar & Cleveland www.carerstogether-rc.org.uk

Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) www.darlingtondisability.org

Darlington Tourist Information www.thisisdarlington.com

Direct Enquiries (The Nationwide Access Register) www.directenquiries.com

Disability Action www.disabilityaction.org.uk

Disability North www.disabilitynorth.org.uk

English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk

Fieldfare Trust www.fieldfare.org.uk

Forestry Commission www.forestry.gov.uk

Hartlepool Tourist Information www.thisishartlepool.co.uk

Industry Nature Conservation Association (INCA) www.inca.uk.com 73

Websites Worth A Surf…

Mencap www.mencap.org.uk

Middlesbrough Tourist Information Centre www.visitmiddlesbrough.com

Mind www.mind.org.uk

National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Natural England www.naturalengland.org.uk

North East Biodiversity Forum www.nebiodiversity.org.uk

Northumbrian Water www.nwl.co.uk

Open Country www.opencountry.org.uk

Redcar & Cleveland Tourist Information www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/Tourism

Remap www.remap.org.uk

Sensory Trust www.sensorytrust.org.uk

Stockton-on-Tees Tourist Information www.thisisstockton.co.uk

Woodland Trust www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

The Countryside Code

For anyone visiting the countryside it is well worth remembering the Countryside Code:

Respect other People  Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors  Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available

Protect the natural environment  Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home  Keep dogs under effective control

Enjoy the outdoors  Plan ahead and be prepared  Follow advice and local signs

By following these basic guidelines, the countryside stays open to everyone whilst helping the people, animals and wildlife who live there. For more information visit www.naturalengland.org.uk

Cycling and Horse Riding Cyclists and horse riders should be familiar with the Highway Code if they intend to use public roads:

 Always give way to walkers  Cyclists should give way to horse riders on bridleways  Give adequate warning of your approach  Always ride in control and wear a helmet  Be extra careful when approaching bends and path junctions  Ensure that your bike is safe to ride

For more information visit www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82

Funders And Authors

Thanks

This project was researched with help from individuals working with the ESF Community Grants, as well as Tom Frost who spent time with us as part of his Community Work Placement. We thank them for their assistance with our project and for helping us to share this information with others so that many more people may be able to enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do.

The Authors

Open Country, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was set up in 1990 to enable anyone with any type of disability to access and enjoy the countryside.

We run a fun activities programme all year long suitable for all ages and abilities, ranging from walking and cycling groups to outings, wildlife study, an adventure club and conservation group. In addition, we provide an advice service about access issues and creating paths accessible for everyone.

The staff come from a strong background of countryside work in the UK, as well as being passionate about wildlife, conservation and outdoor pursuits. This directory is just one of the ways that we try to let people know what is available to them and how they can get involved in the countryside.

Can you help us?

As a small charitable organisation, we are heavily dependent on the generosity of our supporters. Any donation, no matter how small, will help us to continue our valuable work. You can donate online via Virgin Giving www.virginmoneygiving.com, or send a cheque to the address over the page. Additionally, if you give us your name and address and indicate that you are a UK taxpayer and are happy to ‘Gift Aid’ your donation, we can claim 25% more money on your donation from the government.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer The authors of this Directory have made every effort to ensure that the information included was right at the time of going to print. However, we cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions, or any loss or damage arising from the use of this information. We advise Directory users to ensure the suitability of all services described for their individual needs.

We hope to be able to up-date this Directory in the future. If you have any comments, additions, up-dates or suggestions as to how we may improve this directory please contact us at:

Open Country Community House, 46 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5LT Tel: 01423 507227 Email: [email protected]

www.opencountry.co.uk

You can find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Open Country is a Company Limited by Guarantee No: 05155859 (Registered in England and Wales) and a Registered Charity No:1107331