A new virtual tour is giving more people the chance to explore the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths from home, helping people discover this special landscape, particularly those who may face mobility, sensory or confidence barriers.
Funded by East Devon National Landscape, the free online tour has been created by the RSPB, South East Devon Wildlife, Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust and Devon Wildlife Trust, with support from The Virtual Tour Experts.
People can use the tour to look around key locations across the heaths, learn about wildlife and heritage, and find practical information to help them plan a visit with more confidence.
The tour has been designed to be easier to use for a wide range of people. It includes British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, keyboard navigation, audio support, high-contrast viewing options and guided navigation tools.
It also gives schools, colleges and community groups a new way to learn about the heaths’ rare habitats, wildlife, cultural heritage and conservation work.
The accessible virtual tour can be found on South East Devon Wildlife website: vt.southeastdevonwildlife.org.uk
Toby Taylor, Site Manager for RSPB Aylesbeare, said:
“We hope this virtual tour will help more people experience, appreciate and care for the natural environment.”
Steph Aburrow, East Devon National Landscape Project Officer, said:
“The Pebblebed Heaths are an incredibly special place in East Devon. Giving people the tools to experience them responsibly is at the heart of what we do. By expanding virtual tour experiences across the East Devon National Landscape, it’s becoming easier for people to connect with this incredible environment, its wildlife, and its history.”
Sama Euridge, South East Devon Wildlife, said:
“The Pebblebed Heaths are an extraordinary place, rich in wildlife, heritage and natural beauty. The virtual tour helps people explore the heaths before visiting and includes accessibility information for each suggested walk, recognising that everyone’s needs are different.
“Access to nature is important for everyone’s health and wellbeing. By working together, we can make it easier for more people to enjoy and understand these places.”
Lindsey Henderson, The Virtual Tour Experts, said:
“Virtual tours can be a powerful accessibility tool when they are designed well. Our aim is to help people understand, navigate and enjoy places before they arrive, reducing uncertainty and building confidence. We are pleased to work with the project partners to make the remarkable landscapes of the Pebblebed Heaths easier for more people to explore.”
The virtual tour supports South East Devon Wildlife’s work to improve access for visitors while helping to protect sensitive habitats and the rare species that live there.