A GROUP of students with sensory impairments have helped to test a new pilot scheme to help provide people with disabilities with better access to the Yorkshire Dales.

Two students from Henshaws College, in Harrogate, who are sight-impaired, and their teachers spent the day at Malham National Park Centre where they worked with national park staff members to help them understand what they and others like them need to enjoy and explore the area more easily.

The group had a chance to try out a range of interpretation equipment being developed by the national park authority as part of a new project called Sense the Dales, including Braille labels and Pen Friends – audio tools that allow people with a visual impairment to independently listen to the interpretation around them in the National Park Centre.

Meghann Hull, the YDNPA’s access development officer, said: “The authority has made a lot of progress over the years improving the Rights of Way network in the national park for people with limited mobility.

“The one thing we haven’t done much of is reaching out to people with sensory impairments and providing them with opportunities to enjoy and experience the special qualities of the National Park.

Malcolm Petyt, the YDNPA’s member champion for recreation management, said: “National parks are for everyone to experience and appreciate, so it is important that we are helping other groups of people to gain better understanding and enjoyment of the Dales.”

Student Michael Carter, who is visually impaired, said: “I had a fabulous day. I think it was great that I could listen to all the interesting facts to do with the exhibitions in the National Park Centre.”