Centre for Outdoor Accessibility Training
Unlocking nature for all
The Centre for Outdoor Accessibility Training (COAT) is the only facility of its kind in the country. Located at Natural England’s Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve near Stokenchurch, it provides practical training and expert guidance to help organisations create more inclusive countryside access. Combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, delegates can explore accessible infrastructure, use all-terrain mobility equipment and gain a deeper understanding of the barriers some people may face in outdoor spaces.
Who is COAT for?
COAT is designed for anyone who manages, maintains or advises on public access to the countryside. This includes:
- Landowners
- Farmers
- Rights of way teams
- Local authorities
- Countryside managers and practitioners
- Organisations responsible for parks, nature reserves and other outdoor sites
Why is COAT important?
COAT helps organisations create more inclusive outdoor spaces by demonstrating infrastructure that meets the British Standard for countryside access, BS 5709: Gaps, Gates and Stiles.
Using a range of all-terrain mobility equipment, delegates can experience first-hand the barriers that some people face when accessing the outdoors and gain practical insight into how these can be reduced or removed.
Training also explores wider factors that influence access, including signage, communications, language and the availability of visitor information.
What to expect from COAT training
COAT offers full and half-day training sessions and can create bespoke packages for specific requirements.
Standard training includes:
- Classroom session and practical field-based training
- Learn about the Equality Act and Duty of Care
- Explore the needs of people with a range of disabilities
- Introduction to accessibility auditing
- Understand how to improve site access
- Guidance on inclusive visitor communications
Video: COAT introduction to gaps, gates and stiles
Interested in COAT training? Get in Touch!
For more information on training and costs, please email COAT@naturalengland.org.uk or call 07901 309002