PHIL DONEGAN finds a warm welcome at Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park for those who make arrangements in advance.

THERE can be nothing more pleasant than getting out into woodland for a wander through awakening wildlife on a beautiful early spring day. I found such a woodland on the outskirts of Middlesbrough at Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park. My choice was part of my quest to build up a selection of disabled-friendly countryside venues in the North-East for publication later in the year.

I was told that on arrival, it was most important that I should meet Bruno. Bruno is the motorised buggy available for hire by people with restricted mobility. The warden offered to accompany me and Bruno to offer assistance and fill me in on the details of the area. He also pointed out that it is usual practice for a member of staff to be made available for anyone who books ahead.

The key to all this is to plan in advance: the wardens are busy and arriving unannounced could result in disappointment. I found this out to my cost earlier in March when I called on a cool, showery day on a whim to find that the disabled parking was not available, the centre was shut and, therefore, facilities such as toilets, shop, maps and hot drinks were not available. I was glad I hadn't tried to get there by bus.

Usually, I can cover for most eventualities by taking a packed lunch, flask, wheelchair and pump (for flat wheelchair tyres) and mobile phone but it is only when I am towing our family caravan that I have a chemical toilet on board and this was not such an occasion. So I was stumped and returned home very disappointed and angry that the information on the leaflet says quite clearly: "Visitor Centre and toilets open: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sun 10am-4pm, Closed Saturday. The devil, though, is in the detail and it was only later I noticed on the leaflet the additional note: "NB Opening times may vary." Later, too, I read on the website: "The centre is usually open during these times. However, when the wardens are out on site, the visitor centre is closed."

This was a lesson learnt. If you have a disability, it is important to assume nothing is going to go to plan and that it is vital to ring, write and put people on the spot about exactly what services are on offer. You have got to be your own private Tourist Information Officer because, although they may try, no-one can fully anticipate your own personal needs.

Two phone calls, one letter and a visit to the website later I had very positive responses from the wardens who were keen that I should revisit and take Bruno for a spin. This was the level of planning that I should obviously have done in the first place.

We had a truly glorious day for late March; the contrast in the weather from my earlier visit matched the contrast in the welcome. Sunny day, friendly supportive staff along with a fully charged-up Bruno ready for the off. We followed two routes; the old railway track and the sensory trail around the Visitor Centre. The whole tour took us 90 minutes and the distance travelled was approximately one mile. There was time to take in the views, the sounds (we heard a tawny owl and woodpecker), the history of the brickworks that once occupied this site and to revel in the simple beauty of being out of doors.

While these two routes are accessible and are promoted on the website, there are others although these may be limited due to steeper gradients and uneven surfaces. Bruno comes with a helpful map showing the easy routes outlined in green, the more challenging as yellow, and the downright difficult in red. However, as surfaces dry out through spring and summer, others could probably become passable with care, particularly on some short grassy stretches.

Having enjoyed my visit after doing the job of preparation properly, I am still left with this modest wish-list:

* Bruno could be advertised and promoted more.

* Information could be clearer about times of inaccessibility and the offer of help from wardens and countryside volunteers.

* Toilets for disabled could be available at all times yet still remain secure through employment of the NKS (RADAR) key scheme.

It would be unfair, however, not to balance my whinge with some genuinely felt feedback. There was a definite feeling at the park of willingness to make things better for folk with disabilities and that is so much appreciated. I cannot thank the staff enough for their welcome and it seems so right that my return was on such a warm and sunny day.

FACT FILE

Contact: Countryside Wardens, Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park, Flatts Lane, Normanby, MIDDLESBROUGH, TS6 0NN

Tel: 01642 459629

Website: www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk. Click on Leisure, then Countryside and, finally, Flatts Lane Country Park.

Opening times: Always verify these by letter or phone call. Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 4pm, closed Saturday.

Buggy hire: Try to give as much notice as possible. £20 returnable deposit. Present identification.

Published: 08/04/2003