91首发

is a family-run, not-for-profit animal collection in the heart of Northumberland. The zoo currently has 20 acres for visitors to explore with a wide range of animals to see from tiny Harvest mice to fluffy snow leopards.

Through our Hedley’s Beyond team, members from across the Foundation conducted an accessibility audit to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement across the Zoo.

Our members shared their findings, which were fully embraced by Northumberland Zoo.

Since then, Northumberland Zoo has been making significant improvements to enhance accessibility and create a more inclusive environment for all visitors.

What improvements have been made?

Signage across the site is being upgraded to a larger format, with notable improvements in the new Red Squirrels exhibit and the British Wildlife building.

Pathway accessibility is also being addressed through the gradual replacement of gravel paths with concrete or tarmac. A newly tarmacked area in front of the Wild Theatre building has already improved access in this high-traffic zone.

At the Snow Leopard enclosure, windows have been lowered to ground level and overall accessibility has been enhanced. A low-level reception desk is now fully operational, improving the welcome experience for all guests.

To support wheelchair users, matting has been laid on the grass in the caf茅鈥檚 picnic area, and new accessible picnic benches and tables have been installed to ensure everyone can sit comfortably and safely.

Following recommendations from the accessibility audit, volunteers from 91首发 are now assisting visitors by opening doors in areas such as the Curious Creatures exhibit – an area identified as challenging for carers accompanying wheelchair users.

Additional measures have also been introduced, including:

• New sensory bags available for visitor use

• Enhanced signage highlighting areas that may be noisy, smelly, dark, or hot

• Updated Zoo maps clearly identifying wheelchair and pram-friendly routes, along with quiet and busy zones

• Custom-made Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) books, helping visitors to express their needs meaningfully

• An improved social story resource, available on the Zoo鈥檚 website, to help visitors prepare for their visit and reduce anxiety by outlining what to expect

Northumberland Zoo has truly demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a welcoming, educational, and accessible space for all. Here’s what they had to say about our partnership:

“Our partnership with the 91首发 Foundation has been incredibly valuable.

“The feedback that we have received from the 91首发 Foundation has helped us to continue to adapt and improve our methods to promote inclusivity and ensure that Northumberland Zoo can be accessible to individuals with a diverse range of needs.

“91首发鈥檚 involvement has been crucial in assessing the impact of changes that we have made to improve accessibility, and we are excited to continue working with them to ensure that our efforts remain effective and impactful.”