Tramper mobility scooter provides access to estuary walk
Countryside lovers with restricted mobility are now able to enjoy one of Devon’s most picturesque locations, thanks to a partnership arrangement that gives them access to a special self-drive all-terrain vehicle.
The Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust is offering the hire of a Tramper off-road scooter to visitors to the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, which is managed by the charity on Clinton Devon Estates’ land in East Devon – and already people with mobility problems have been delighted by the freedom to explore that it provides.
Fiona Shaw, a long-standing resident of Budleigh Salterton, who has had three replacement operations on her left knee and also suffers pain in her right knee, was one of the first to make use of the service for a leisurely tour around the footpaths alongside the estuary.
“It was fantastic,” she said. “I used to love walking everywhere and now I can’t, so to be able to go along the Otter Estuary again, pain free, and enjoy all the sights and sounds is so lovely.” Fiona said operating the Tramper was straightforward – and full instructions were given before she set off.
She said she was so pleased with the service she had already booked it out again, later in the summer. “I went for my tour around the estuary with a friend who walked the route. She said she also really enjoyed it – and enjoyed seeing me so happy!”
Volunteers with the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust support users of the Tramper. One of them, Nicky McKechnie, said she believed the service would prove very popular.
She has tried out the Tramper herself. “It’s really easy to use, electrically powered, with a twist grip on the handlebars and no pedals, so people who have limited use of their legs can use it,” she said. “A lot of people love to get out to enjoy the fresh air, the view and the wildlife. This means they can do that – even if they have restricted mobility. It helps reduce social isolation.”
Starting from the Otter Estuary car park on South Farm Road, Tramper users can complete a 2.5-mile loop taking in both sides of the estuary and its rich wildlife. A route map is provided. Anyone aged 14 and over with limited mobility is eligible to hire the Tramper subject to certain requirements.
The Trampers are available through a partnership with Countryside Mobility, a charity initiative to make countryside sites more accessible to all. They are provided on the Otter Estuary through funding from East Devon National Landscapes’ Access for All Fund.
The staff and volunteer time needed to run the service is supported through Pebblebeds for All, the Pebblebed Heath Conservation Trust’s wider access and engagement project. Pebblebeds for All is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
In collaboration with the Donkey Sanctuary, where they are usually based, the Trampers are offered on select pop-up dates at the Pebblebed Heaths and Otter Estuary.
Claire Jones, Fundraising Manager for the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, said: “This is really good news for all involved. The Tramper project presents a great example of partnership working and the positive impact of funding by East Devon National Landscapes Access for All Fund, along with our Pebblebeds for All project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“We’re grateful to our volunteers for helping to make it happen. Thank you to East Devon National Landscapes and National Lottery players for making this project possible.”
To book the Tramper, click here: Otter Estuary Nature Reserve Tramper Hire
