Camping pods are good news for the disabled

Peak District planners have given the go ahead for an accessible camping pod to be installed at North Lees campsite, near Hathersage.

The camping pod will make it possible for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues or health problems to experience the tranquil setting of the campsite below Stanage Edge.

The accessible pod plus two additional pods will bring the total of camping pods on the site to seven. The site is well-screened by trees and hedging.

Rebekah Newman, Stanage and North Lees property manager, said: “Since we installed camping pods in July last year we have found that the campsite has become more accessible to ethnic minority groups, foreign visitors, the elderly and very young, as well as people walking out from Sheffield, so the new pods will extend the North Lees camping experience including to those less physically able.

“National parks and the great outdoors are for everyone – the new accessible camping pod will make a real difference by giving more disabled people the opportunity to get closer to nature and enjoy the Peak District National Park.”

Accessible Derbyshire, the charity which campaigns to improve facilities for disabled people, has been involved in advising on how to make the camping pod easy to use. The charity is co-run by Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver who both have children with severe disabilities.

Gillian Scotford said: “As a child I went camping every year and so when both my boys were born with disabilities it broke my heart that I couldn’t do what others took for granted. Our aim at Accessible Derbyshire is to look at the barriers and create the solutions. North Lees may be on a hilly site but if you have an accessible parking bay, an accessible camping pod with a bed and mobile hoist, and access to a wetroom, you can enjoy the great outdoors. Sitting out under the stars in the tranquility of the Peak District – life doesn’t get much better!”

For more information about Accessible Derbyshire visit www.accessiblederbyshire.org.

For more information about North Lees visit www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/stanage-northlees.