The National Trust recently celebrated the launch of a new electric, wheelchair-accessible shuttle, that will enhance access for visitors with limited mobility to one of the most iconic locations within the Dedham Vale National Landscape. The conservation charity is now calling for volunteers to help make the new service available to even more people.

The historic hamlet of Flatford lies at the heart of the Dedham Vale National Landscape and is the inspiration behind some of Britain’s most loved paintings, including John Constable’s ‘The Hay Wain’. Each year, more than 200,000 people come to enjoy the outstanding beauty, natural landscape, wildlife, heritage and history of this tourist hotspot in Constable Country.

Thanks to more than £50,000 in funding from the National Landscapes Access Fund to purchase the vehicle and charge point via the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the new electric, accessible shuttle will make it easier for more people to enjoy access to this iconic beauty spot. The new vehicle will provide transport to those who find the walk between the main car park, and the world-renowned ‘Hay Wain’ view challenging.

Simon Peachey, National Trust Operations Manager at Flatford, said: “For many, Flatford is the gateway to enjoy Constable Country. We’re incredibly grateful to the Dedham Vale National Landscape for funding this new accessible shuttle, we know that services like this can make a big difference to someone’s visit.”

Cllr James Finch, Chair of the Dedham Vale National Landscape Partnership, said: “This is an important and welcome improvement to accessibility at Flatford. As one of the most visited parts of the Dedham Vale, it’s essential that we continue to break down barriers for all who want to enjoy this extraordinary landscape. Making this kind of practical difference is exactly what the National Landscapes Access Fund is about.”

The shuttle will be driven by trained volunteers and is currently available for those arriving in coach parties, but the National Trust is keen to recruit more volunteers to enable this important service to be available for more visitors who need it.

Simon continues: “Our volunteers play a key role in helping us to look after Flatford, as well as providing a great experience for our visitors. Currently, the shuttle is available on selected days to welcome coach parties, but more volunteers will enable us to operate the shuttle on a more regular basis, year-round. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience – we would ask anyone interested to get in touch.”

The new shuttle is the latest improvement to accessibility at the site. Last year, the National Trust opened a Changing Places toilet for visitors with complex needs. There is also an electric mobility vehicle available to book, which for some visitors is the only way they can explore the wider landscape. Small improvements are being made elsewhere too, with the introduction of accessible cutlery and crockery in the tea room.

For more information about accessibility at Flatford or to find out how to get involved as a volunteer, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford.