Westonbirt Arboretum, Natural Inclusion and Sensing Nature are working together on a project to involve blind and partially sighted people as sensory guides in the magical Westonbirt Arboretum.
The project are looking for people with lived experience of visual impairment, in particular practical use of their non-visual senses for mobility and day-to-day activities to become a Visually Impaired Sensory Guide, or VI Sensory Guide.
The guides will take visitors on a sensory journey, assisted by sighted helpers.
Originally planted by the wealthy Holford family almost 200 years ago, Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the most important plant collections in the world. Now managed by Forestry England, Westonbirt plays a vital part in research and conservation, as well as being the perfect place to experience rare and interesting plants from the furthest corners of the globe.
Susanna Bayliss, Westonbirt’s Interpretation Officer, explained “We are truly excited to work with new volunteers who can guide participants on the tours on a fully immersive journey through the arboretum, offering them new ways of connecting with the environment around them through a multi-sensory approach, which they may not have previously explored.”
Andy Shipley of Natural Inclusion added “As a nature connection practitioner with a visual impairment, I am interested in how greater use of our non-visual senses can affect the way that people experience the natural world. With this project, we aim to shift perceptions about the experiences of visually impaired people, and demonstrate that there is much to be gained from exploring another perspective.”
Sensory guides will be invited onsite from March/April 2021 (Covid-19 permitting) to shape and participate in a collaborative training process, as we look to adapt our current guide training process to become fully inclusive.
If you, or someone you know, would be interested in becoming a Sensory Guide as part of this project, please contact the team at volunteer.westonbirt@forestryengland.uk for an initial chat about the role and what it will involve.