Press Manor Fishery – case study
The owners of the Press Manor Fishery in Derbyshire have made adjustments to their business to ensure that disabled people can enjoy the fishing experience as much as possible.
As well as providing parking spaces adjacent to the water, staff allow badge holders to park anywhere on the site (unlike other drivers), so that they can get as close to their chosen area as possible. Platforms have also been provided next to parking spaces so that those with mobility impairments do not have to walk far.
The business recently obtained a wheelyboat, a specially adapted boat for wheelchair users. Owner, Bernie Maher, explains, “Disabled people can easily enjoy fishing and a couple of the regulars told me about a boat that can be used by wheelchair users. So we got hold of a boat and now disabled people can fish from the middle of the lake.”
Bernie provides a personal service to ensure that disabled visitors enjoy the same experience as non-disabled people. He spends time teaching disabled fishermen and women, providing extra support where necessary.
Bernie says, “Children with challenging behaviour and a wide range of disabled people come here to enjoy fishing. We have a number of regular disabled customers so it is beneficial for us to make the service as accessible as possible.”