Tyntesfield, located just outside of Bristol, has launched an accessible guided tour of the grounds, specifically tailored to the need and perspective of blind and partially sighted people.
As part of their continued commitment to accessibility, the National Trust team at Tyntesfield has introduced an intimate and interactive walk that invites blind and partially sighted visitors to experience Tyntesfield in a new way. Volunteers take visitors on a gentle walk through the estate, explaining its interesting history, and inviting them to use senses other than sight to engage with nature.
Nick Deering, who leads the walks, said “As a volunteer I have really enjoyed taking people with varying degrees of sight around Tyntesfield and witnessing their reactions at being able to enjoy different elements of the estate for the first time.
“In addition, we have learned to appreciate Tyntesfield from a different perspective – the smell of freshly mown grass, the touch of leaves and buds, the songs of the birds and the rustling of the trees. It’s a pleasure taking visitors on this journey with us.”
The creation of the walks isn’t something that happened overnight. With the aim of improving accessibility for blind and partially sighted visitors, the Tyntesfield team collaborated with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), as well as independent consultants Judy Pride and Mark Austen, to develop a bespoke walk which covers all senses and personally considers each visitor that attends.
Paula James, the Visitor Operations and Experience Manager at Tyntesfield, said “‘working in partnership with other organisations allows us to tap into their expertise to ensure the experience we are providing is appropriate and caters for the participant’s needs. As a team of staff and volunteers, we have enjoyed learning from these partners and honing our skills to welcome everyone.”
Richard Shuker, RNIB Community Connections Manager for the South West region, said: “RNIB’s latest research shows that more than seven in ten (71%) of blind and partially sighted people say spending time in nature and getting outdoors supports their mental wellbeing.
“There can be many barriers to getting out and enjoying the countryside for blind and partially sighted people, so it has been amazing to be able to work closely with the staff and volunteers at the National Trust on developing these guided tours which offer a new way to experience Tyntesfield’s delightful lawns and gardens.”
Prior to their work with the RNIB, Tyntesfield also formed an exciting partnership with The Guide Dogs Association, delivering free sighted guiding training sessions to their staff and volunteers throughout 2023.
The training sessions outlined the factors involved when moving around Tyntesfield for those who are blind or partially sighted, and the impact that proper support has on the confidence of visitors, assisting them as they travel through the natural environments and heritage buildings under the National Trust’s care. This was demonstrated with staff with the aim of placing participants in the mind of these individuals, to ensure they are equipped to provide the best support possible.
The Guide Dogs Association state that “Our sighted guide training teaches you how to guide a person with sight loss with confidence, skill and empathy. Much like learning how to perform first aid, sighted guiding is a useful life skill, giving people confidence to know how to act when meeting someone who is blind or partially sighted.
“We were proud to partner with Tyntesfield to provide training for their staff and volunteers on sight loss awareness and sighted guiding. In taking part, they are leading the way in helping to make a National Trust property more accessible and inclusive to visitors with sight loss.”
Tyntesfield’s commitment to accessibility continues, with the development of an Audio Descriptive tour of Tyntesfield House, and sensory walks around the estate, in the pipeline.
‘Sensory walks: tailored tours for blind and partially sighted visitors’ take place on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 11am. Visit the National Trust Tyntesfield website for more information and to book; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield