VISITORS to Beechenhurst near the Forest of Dean’s Speech House will find it easier than ever to enjoy the popular site, thanks to a major project aimed at improving accessibility.

Forestry England has completed a series of upgrades over the winter, transforming the area into a more inclusive destination for people with disabilities, health conditions and other access needs.

The work includes the creation of a brand-new Glade Trail, an all-ability route designed for use by people in wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters.

The trail is flat and wide, with a hard surface and plenty of benches for rest stops along the way.

Also new is an all-terrain mobility scooter hire service, giving visitors with limited mobility the opportunity to explore more of the forest.

A revamped play area now features a sensory nature wall, drum table and rain wheel – all suitable for wheelchair users – as well as a new toddler tower with balancing logs, ropes and a slide.

One of the most significant additions is a new Changing Places toilet, complete with a hoist, shower, privacy screen and adult changing table.

Emily Fergusson, recreation manager for Forestry England in the area, said: “We are delighted to have completed this project and we look forward to seeing our visitors enjoy the new facilities, whether they have been coming for years or are perhaps discovering Beechenhurst for the first time.

“The nation's forests are for all to enjoy, and we are constantly working to improve our visitor sites and remove barriers. Our aim is to make Beechenhurst as inclusive as possible for anyone to visit, and this project marks a significant step forward for us in reaching this goal.”

The upgrades were funded through Forestry England’s ‘Access for All’ programme, supported by Defra, and are part of a nationwide push to make forests more accessible and inclusive.