Gini Mitchell, with the support of TGA Mobility Limited, has founded ‘Wild with Wheels‘ to allow those with disabilities the chance to get out and connect with the natural world. The tour group’s goal is provide guided accessible nature walks that anyone can enjoy.
Mitchell has been a lifelong lover of the outdoors, but a neuromuscular condition makes walking more than a short distance difficult. But that never stopped her. Instead she has used mobility scooters for years to explore the countryside.
As a Kent Accessibility Ambassador, Mitchell has worked with and helped fellow people with disabilities for over 25 years. She has supported people of all ages, with a range of conditions and disabilities. She understands the importance of accessibility, and of making experiences available to everyone. Consequently she offers up tailor-made walks with ‘Wild with Wheels’. It’s not just about giving someone the tools to participate in an experience. Mitchell ensures the walks allow participants to also enjoy the experience.
Said Gini Mitchell of the importance of her new tour group:
“As a person with difficulties getting around, I totally understand the frustrations people can feel if they can’t access the countryside. This is why ‘Wild with Wheels’ is so important for so many people. It is a leveller – it lets everyone get out and get surrounded by nature. We have a range of routes which are barrier-free and all scooter friendly so together we can discover and learn in detail about the natural world here in picturesque Kent.”
Katy Hill joined Mitchell on the inaugural walk. She was able to experience the beauty of Leas Coastal Park for the first time, without struggling on crutches. She said the following of the experience:
“I have been looking for something like this for a very long time. There are so many benefits – companionship, using all my senses … it makes me feel normal. A magpie landed next to me in a flowering bush full of bees on the Coastal Park – I was in paradise.”
The guided accessible nature walks are free of charge, with a range of activities, dates, and locations to choose from. Anyone can sign up for the experience by heading to the website.