Fen Management Handbook - Scottish Natural Heritage

uilt around the meadow on mineral soil, from which visitors will be encouraged
to venture onto the meadow to look for insects and plants, which will help spread
visitor pressure and provide a less regimented experience for visitors.
Across the river, at Wheat Fen, the Ted Ellis Trust provides a route through tall fen
habitat to the river. A path is mown with a pedestrian steered mower every June, but
always in a new place so as to avoid long term effects on the vegetation and soil.
The RSPB follow the BT disabled access classification (The Fieldfare Trust 2009).
Ramps and gates are used wherever possible on the paths rather than steps and
stiles to allow ambulant disabled people to enjoy use of the paths, but at present
wheelchair access is limited beyond the visitor centre. In the future, RSPB aim to
upgrade the outer loop path to allow wheelchair and child buggy use.
Flooding of the River Yare has caused problems with seats and hides floating away.
All infrastructure is now securely anchored!
Health and safety
The RSPB has a well established approach to health and safety, focusing on
unexpected hazards, particularly at the waterside, for example frequent checks for
crumbling banks. Other normal countryside risks, such as tripping over tree roots,
are emphasised less. Visitors get to the reserve by crossing a railway line where
standard safety measures are applied by Network Rail.
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