At North Wales Rivers Trust (NWRT), we've been looking for ways to make our events and initiatives more inclusive. That’s why we were thrilled to attend Sighted Guide and Awareness Training with the North Wales Society of the Blind (NWSB).

NWSB does incredible work supporting visually impaired individuals across North Wales, providing practical help, advice, and resources to empower their members. From rehabilitation support to assistive technology and Welsh audiobooks. One of their standout initiatives is a walking group that opens up new routes for members, promoting exercise, socialising, and wellbeing.

During our training, we gained hands-on experience navigating streets while guiding one another and learned about different eye conditions and practical ways to improve accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.

What’s Next?

We’re taking what we learned and exploring adaptations to ensure that everyone can connect with rivers and wildlife. Here are some ideas we’re exploring incorporating into our events:

• Describing river habitats through sound: Using the natural noises of flowing water to illustrate features like riffles and pools.

• Sensory walks: Helping participants identify plants by their textures and smells.

• Bird call identification: Turning nature's soundtrack into an accessible learning experience.

This collaboration has sparked a new perspective on how we engage with our communities and create events that are inclusive and meaningful to everyone.