Getting outdoors, enjoying nature, and spending time together as a family is something everyone should be able to experience without worry. Yet, for families of children and young people with additional needs or disabilities, planning an outing often hinges on one crucial detail: accessible toilet facilities.
Without the right facilities—including full Changing Places toilets with hoists, adult-sized changing benches, and ample space—a fun family afternoon can quickly become difficult, stressful, or cut short entirely.
That is why we are thrilled to share an important opportunity for our community to make their voices heard.
A 6-Week Consultation at RSPB St Aidan’s
The team at RSPB St Aidan’s Nature Park is currently exploring options to update and significantly improve their accessible toilet facilities on-site, including looking into the potential installation of a Changing Places toilet.
To make sure these plans genuinely reflect what families need, they are running a 6-week public consultation. They want to hear directly from current visitors as well as potential future visitors about your experiences, requirements, and views.
The feedback gathered during this consultation will directly shape their decision-making and provide essential evidence when applying for funding.
If improved accessible facilities would make a difference to your visits—or would mean you could finally visit for the first time—this is your chance to let them know.
A Special Spot for Little Hiccups
RSPB St Aidan’s is already a much-loved location for Little Hiccups. If you have visited recently, you might already know that it is one of the permanent homes along our Mosaic Trail!
You can find our handcrafted mosaic proudly installed on-site, celebrating community, creativity, and the joy of exploring the great outdoors together.
Find out more about our mosaic installation and how to spot it here:
👉 View our St Aidan’s Mosaic Trail Stop
Having enhanced, fully accessible facilities at St Aidan’s would mean even more of our families could enjoy walking the trails, spotting wildlife, hunting down the mosaic, and staying for a full day out with total peace of mind.
How You Can Help
Your lived experience is invaluable. Taking just 5 to 10 minutes to complete the consultation questionnaire will help show why these facilities are so vital in community and nature spaces across Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Please complete the consultation survey here:
👉 RSPB St Aidan’s Changing Places Consultation Form
Feel free to share the link with any friends, family, carers, or networks who understand just how essential proper accessible toilets are. Together, we can help make our local green spaces welcoming and accessible for everyone!
