Episode #8
19: Biodiversity renewal through people-in-nature
Biodiversity and the challenge to improve it is high on most agendas, including for rights of way and how management of ROW can help. Here we talk to Bryony Aitchison and Catherine Stott from ExCASES Community Researchers Group and consider barriers to accessibility and how increasing inclusion will ultimately aid biodiversity renewal, as well as multiple benefits for people and society. Links: ExCASES (Exeter Centre for Analysis & Synthesis of Environmental Solutions) is part of RENEW , which is about renewing biodiversity through a people-in-nature approach. The Outdoor Accessibility Guidance , commissioned by Paths for All and written by Sensory Trust, can be downloaded free. The guidance sets a UK benchmark for making outdoor spaces, routes, and facilities more accessible so they can be enjoyed by everyone and is guided by two principles/tools: Sensory Trust access chain Least restrictive access: By All Reasonable Means guidance Sensory Trust Fruther to getting more Disabled people involved in volunteering and green jobs, is the work being done by the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership. Their 2026 Green jobs for Disabled people report discusses advances in this area, and quick wins to make roles and workplaces more accessible to Disabled people. The idea of QR codes on trails and nature spaces was floated in a workshop regarding the importance of including sign language. Signs naturally are symbols and text, so adding Braille should be standard, and a QR code to a video in sign language to enable a Deaf person to be included is easy. And, importantly, contribute to the ‘signals’ of belonging discussed in the episode. Input from anyone already using QR or NaviLens technology for this or equivalent purpose would be welcome. The views of speakers and the presenter are not necessarily those of IPROW. Nothing in any IPROW podcast should be taken as legal advice or used beyond the context of the podcast. The podcast is aimed at IPROW's members, a knowledgeable audience, though not expressly limited to them. Find out more about membership of IPROW IPROW is the Institute of Public Rights of Way and Access Management, which was established in 1986 as the membership organisation representing professionals involved in the management of public rights of way and access in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, principally as local government officers (and then called the Institute of Public Rights of Way Officers). It has grown into an active and dynamic network providing advice, training, advocacy and networking to its members. Mission Statement To represent and promote the views and interests of members, raise professional standards, encourage the exchange of ideas and information in public rights of way and access management, and foster communication and co-operation between related bodies.
