wild_with_wheels

We found this insightful chart on where companies are with being Inclusive…

We have some idea of where certain organisations are on this progressive chart.

But where do you think your organisation truly belongs and is there room for growth, learning and greater advocacy.

Is there just one department focusing on inclusion or is it a company wide strategy, including the senior leadership team?

Does your organisation or business start every project with diversity or is an afterthought or token tick box exercise?

Does your leadership team include people with lived experience of disability? And are they listened to and their ideas valued?

Are disabilities a central part of the diversity and inclusion roadmap and planning strategy?

We would love you to share your honest conclusions of where your company sits on the ratings from 1 to 5. And what steps can be taken to progress up to a 5? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Please comment with your thoughts below… ♿️🙏🏼

Today we visited Western Heights with Historian of the Western Heights Preservation Society. And here is his account of the day from our knowledgeable Tour Guide Andy Rayner.

“Earlier on this morning, I had the pleasure of taking a special tour around Citadel Road, the “Knights Templar” chapel, and St Martins Battery.

The participants were all from a group called “Wild With Wheels”, who regularly like to take on what can sometimes be challenging trips around historic sites, and countryside areas.

This was a big learning experience for both me and Sarah, our DDC project officer. When we met with the group leader a few weeks ago, she was keen that the group could travel down Centre Road, and cross over, to see the Drop Redoubt, and go all the way down through the barracks site, to the top of the Grand Shaft.

It soon became apparent that the vegetation and soil that has accumulated on the junction of Citadel Road and Centre Road made the pavement impassable for them.
Similarly, while there is a drop kerb to enable them to cross the road to St Martins Battery, there is no drop kerb at the other end of the pavement! Luckily, Sarah had invested in a small, portable ramp, that enabled them to cross the road safely.

The newly laid accessible route around the front of St Martins was met with great delight, but the earth slopes down to the rear of it had too much camber, and couldn’t be negotiated.

Despite these issues, the group were very enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn more about the site, and we will be following up on improving those other areas, so that they can return again soon, and visit those other parts.”




📸 image credit: Sarah at DDC Gini Mitchell 🌻♿🌱 WalkWild Wellbeing Christine Anne Morgan

So at wild_with_wheels we are very disappointed in the blatant exclusion of people with disabilities or ‘health concerns’ in this post. It shows ignorance regarding inclusive activities. And comes across as ableist. Our group have varying health conditions, disabilities and impairments and recently we did this very same route with no issues. Scroll to the second image of our group at Singleton Lake. ♿️

As a powered wheelchair user who is quite capable of joining this advertised ‘green walk’ I wouldn’t feel at all welcome and I expect many other suitably capable people with disabilities (who use mobility aids) would feel the same.

We have asked the organisers to reconsider who this walk is aimed at as they are openly excluding and discriminating against people with disabilities and impairments. We have asked if they can please educate themselves (with the Equality Act) and take time to look paralympians, and wheelchair marathon athletes as an example of capabilities.

Getting outside on a nature based walk like this is so beneficial to those with ‘health concerns’ and remember… ANYONE can become disabled at any time of their life due to illness, congenital conditions or by accident.

At Wild with wheels our ethos is to break down the barriers aimed at disabilities accessing our green and blue spaces. And this post epitomises the Social Barriers… whether intended or not.

The best practice is to offer a freedom of choice.. give the details of distance, pace, terrain, elevation and gradients whilst allowing the participant to decide for themselves if this walk is suitable for their capabilities or equipment.

I hope this post helps with opening up to a wider range of participants on these Green Walks in future.

♿️



WalkWild Wellbeing
Ashford Borough Council
Victoria Park
Kent County Council

We’re thrilled to share that Gini Mitchell, founder of wild_with_wheels and a valued partner on our Putting Down Routes project, has been appointed as a Disability and Access Ambassador for the Countryside on behalf of the Government’s Disability Unit, which is part of the Cabinet Office.

Gini’s incredible work has made a significant difference to making the Downs National Landscape and North Downs Way more inclusive and accessible for all—breaking down barriers and opening up nature to more people.

A truly well-deserved recognition of her passion, lived experience, and impact.

Read more about Gini's appointment here: www.kentdowns.org.uk/blog/2026/06/gini-mitchell-appointed-as-disability-and-access-ambassador-for-the-countryside/