College's zip-wire thrill bid for disabled

Taking a ride through the trees on a zipline is not always something available for people with disabilities.

But it could soon be a possibility as Portland College puts forward plans for a “thrilling” 90-metre zipwire and adventure playground on its campus.

The “Woodland Activity Trail” will be fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with disabilities – and the college is now appealing for the public’s help to fund it.

Set in seven acres of Harlow Wood behind the college on Nottingham Road, on the edge of Mansfield, the trail will feature a climbing wall, zipline and bike trail.

The activities will be set into the pine trees which are part of Sherwood Forest.

And bosses at the college hope the development can offer people with disabilities, groups and primary school children access to the forest – with the public invited to use it at weekend for a “small” fee.

Edward Johnstone, college assistant principal, who is leading the project, said: “We are a charity. We want to help as many people as we can and we have an opportunity to do that. It will be inclusive, so no one will be left out.

“We are offering free access to local disability groups and primary schools.

“We are hoping to raise enough money for the trail to have a dipping pond and a downhill bike trail. We are hoping we will get support from the public and they will get behind the project.

“We are pushing to make the area a visitors’ destination.”

Mr Johnstone said it can be expensive to take students out to activity centres, which is why Portland’s site will be free for schools.

There will also be an external classroom on the site – with the college hoping to be able to provide transport to the site through its minibuses.

Shannan McDowell, aged 21, a student at the college, has been on an accessible zipline before and said it will be an different experience for students.

She said: “It will be good for people who are really hyperactive, I would use it.”

Fellow student Sophie Harrison, 22, is due to leave this year – but said she would come back to use it.

The college hopes to submit a planning application, seeking permission for the development, to Ashfield District Council in the coming weeks.

Mr Johnstone said: “We’d love work to start in the summer.”

The work is estimated to cost £300,000 and the college is challenging the public to raise £5,000 to go toward the build.

To donate, visit: www.just giving.com/campaigns/charity/portlandcollege/woodland-activity-trail