Access

Access Statement

This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors.

 

Updated: 31st January 2024

Download a copy of this Access Statement

 

Introduction

Situated out in lovely countryside with views of the South Downs, only accessed by car, as public transport is three miles away. Open for a few weeks each year whilst the white wood anemones and bluebells are flowering in our 24-acre ancient oak wood. Bates Green Garden is open every Wednesday unless otherwise stated from February to October. Please read the visitor information or telephone 01323 485151 for the dates we are open and state of the bluebells.

 

Beatons Wood is where one can see the profusion of bluebells and two ponds. This has a wide circular gravelled path 800 metres long, levelled and lightly gravelled to avoid it being slippery, making it suitable for those with mobility issues, and seats every 150 metres to rest and admire natures beauty. Slight incline in places but more seats available in those areas. Bates Green Garden has ramps to allow wheelchair access and benches situated throughout.

 

The Farm Trail paths are not suitable either for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or those who have difficulties with walking, as in places paths can be narrow and hazardous.

 

The Bluebell Walk started in 1972 raising money for local charities and this concept continues today, with over £1,000,000 raised to date by local charities.

 

We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance, please phone 01323 485151 or email.

 

Pre-Arrival

We erect many large brown and white direction signs supported by the local authority within a 3-mile radius of Arlington Bluebell Walk, as we are very much ‘off the beaten track’.

 

The nearest railway station with a taxi service 01323 484444 is Polegate which is 5 miles away, or Berwick 3 miles away. Both these stations are on the mainline from Victoria to Eastbourne.

 

The nearest bus stop with taxis available on 01323 844464 is Hailsham which is 3 miles away, with buses from Hastings, Heathfield and Eastbourne.

 

Car Parking and Arrival

There are 12 designated accessible parking spaces with free parking on the hardened road verge of Tye Hill Road, adjacent to Bates Green

 

Farm entrance

There is a 40 metre walk on concrete to the Bluebell Barn that has a level entrance and wide door, leading to a very large barn with level concrete floor plus ample seats and tables.

 

A good range of refreshments much homemade, are served here by one of the local charities who run the Bluebell Walk for 1, 2, or 3 days each.

 

The Bluebell Barn has a plant stall run by Arlington Church, secondhand books to browse and purchase in aid of Carriage Driving for the Disabled and a stall run by the Hailsham Old Pavilion Society (HOPS) selling ice creams, cards, pictures and other mementos.

 

At weekends and Bank Holidays Sussex Wildlife Trust has a stall to recruit and meet members, with many items for sale.

 

Opposite the Bluebell Barn the Meeter and Greeters in high visibility jackets are there to answer any questions or queries. They are the persons who can offer anyone who have mobility issues one of the 18 mobility scooters or 3 wheelchairs which are offered free of charge. For insurance purposes we ask that the user signs when they use a mobility scooter to say it is used entirely at their own risk, they use it only in Beatons Wood and keep away from the two ponds as they have sloping sides.

 

Main Entrance, Reception and Ticketing Area

The Gate House where you pay the entrance fee to the Bluebell Walk is adjacent to the Millennium Walk, and 45 metres from the Bluebell Barn accessible by a concrete path with a slight incline.

 

There are two payment points in which the person supplying tickets can leave their seat to assist anyone in a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Payment can be either in cash or by credit or debit card.

 

Disabled persons who arrive with their paid carer are admitted free, but the person whom they accompany pays the full entrance charge. 

 

Dogs are welcomed but please they must remain on leads, so preventing any disturbance to the wildlife. Dogs are not permitted in the garden (but please contact us regarding assistance dogs).

 

Attraction (displays, exhibits, etc.)

Every visitor is offered a detailed map of the Walks when they pay their entrance fee.

 

We do supply enlarged laminated maps for those who would like one, but ask that it is please given back to The Gate House when you have finished your walk.

 

Around Beatons Wood we have many display panels describing the flora and fauna one might see.

 

Seasonal planting plans are available for the garden.

 

There is a Children’s Quiz available at The Gate House, the answers can be found on these display panels.

 

Each year we run a Photographic Competition, with a Class for photographers below 16 years old, with no restriction on the subject of images entered, and up to 3 images per entrant. The Adult Class has four categories with up to 2 entries in each: Close Up of a plant, tree or shrub; Views from one of the Walks; Portrait of a person/people; Animals/Insects; Garden (for visitors to Bates Green Garden). Any visitor can enter free of charge. Prizes are as shown on our website. Last year’s prize winners are displayed along the entrance approach and all winning images can be seen in the online gallery.

 

There is a Memorial Glade in a secluded area by the Lower Pond with 4 seats in which one can sit and reflect on those who are sadly not now here.

 

There is an animal barn with lambs with their mothers and some pygmy goats, which can be petted but please remember to wash your hands in the adjacent washing area.

 

In the main car parking field in a shady corner, there are picnic tables with spaces to accommodate wheelchairs.

Public Toilets

We have one accessible toilet about 35 metres from the Bluebell Barn, with a slight incline and handrail to a wide entrance door. It is large and designed for wheelchair users. It has all the necessary rails, low level washing basin and an emergency alarm cord.

 

Contact Information

Address: Bates Green Farm, Tye Hill Road, Arlington, Nr Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 6SH

Telephone: 01323 485151

Email: info@bluebellwalk.co.uk

Website: www.bluebellwalk.co.uk and www.batesgreengarden.co.uk 

 

 

Hours Of Operation: 10.00am to 05.00pm on the days we are open

 

Local Equipment Hire: AB Mobility (Sussex) Ltd 7a St Marys Walk Hailsham BN27 1AF Tel: 01323 849736

 

Local Accessible Taxi: Polegate Taxis  01323 484444

 

Local Public Transport: None

 

The Blue Walk

This is the shortest Walk in the Bluebell Wood and is lightly gravelled to allow access for wheel chair users, but there is a slight incline on the way back. Wooden benches are situated approximately every 150 yards on this walk.

 

Picnics

The picnic tables in the shady corner of the large car park field are wheelchair accessible.

 

Group visits

See the booking form for more information.

 

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