Nature reserve raising cash for accessible play area

Stanwick Lakes nature reserve hopes to make the area as accessible as possible

A nature reserve has begun raising funds to build what it claims will be one of the county's most accessible playgrounds.

Stanwick Lakes in Northamptonshire has already installed a roundabout for wheelchair users and an accessible swing.

The attraction now wants to build a fully accessible play tower, similar to its current adventure play area.

Billie Passchier, Stanwick Lakes' trust director, said he was "over the moon to see the first phase of the project completed".

Stanwick Lakes want the new equipment to be similar to the current adventure playground

The new play equipment was funded through charity donations and grants, as well as money from North Northamptonshire Council.

It was integrated into the main play area so that all children could play together, Stanwick Lakes said.

The nature reserve was now looking to raise £53,000 through grants and crowdfunding to install the play tower.

The plans also include accessible raised sandpits and accessible pathways across the sand areas to ensure any parents or carers who use a wheelchair can access the play areas with their children.

Ms Passchier said: "We're busy making plans for the next stage, the play tower, which we would love to see installed ready for next summer's visitors."

The current adventure playground has had to be rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire in 2022.