Our Visitor Sites
Foremark Water Sensory Guide
A guide for visitors with cognitive disabilities including autism spectrum disorder.
About Foremark Water
Foremark Water is a 230-acre reservoir with multiple trails that run alongside it. There is a large woodland called Carver’s Rocks, several beaches, a public bridleway, toilets, a café and a playground.
This means that I can enjoy a walk-through nature, have a bite to eat or drink, or relax on the picnic benches
Facilities at Foremark Water
Foremark Water has two main car parks that I may arrive at. These are the Dam Wall car park and the Main car park.
At the Main car park, I can find the toilets, café and the start of the trails that runs alongside the reservoir.
At the Dam Wall car park there are no toilets or shops, from here I can walk to the Main car park and café.
Arriving at Foremark Water
When I arrive at Foremark Water, I will be in one of the car parks. From here I can decide to relax, explore the trails or tuck into something from the café.
See
In the car park, I might see;
- Cars, vans and other vehicles
- Horse riders and their horses
- Dogs and their owners
- Curious birds
Hear
In the car park, I might hear:
- Cars and other vehicles
- Other people talking
- Dog's barking
- Birds chirping
- Children playing in the playground
Touch
In the car park I might touch;
- Bark on the trees
- Strong winds
- Tarmac on the floor
- Stone walls
- Leaves from plants
Smell
In the car park I might smell;
- Fumes from cars driving by
- Flowers and other plants
- The water from the reservoir
- Food being prepared inn the cafe
On the trails
If I choose to walk on the trails alongside the reservoir, I can find open-spaces, woods and beaches.
See
On the trails, I might see
- Long sandstone beaches
- Nature
- People walking
- Information signs
Hear
On the trails, I might hear
- Birds singing
- Water moving
- People talking
Touch
On the trails, I might touch
- The bark on the trees
- Wooden fencing
- Soil on the ground
- Sand on your feet
Smell
On the trails, I might smell
- Water from the reservoir
- Plants and trees
- Pollen in the air
Carver's rocks
If I explore Carver’s Rocks, I can find ancient rocks, especially protected heather and lots of nature.
See
At Carver's Rocks, I might see
- Other people walking
- Wildlife
- A small field of heather
- Old large rocks
Hear
At Carver's Rocks, I might hear
- Walkers talking
- Animals
- Leaves on the trees rustling
Touch
At Carver's Rocks, I might touch
- Wooden bridge railings
- The wind or the rain
- Hard stone
Smell
At Carver's Rocks, I might smell
- Plants
- Damp and rotting wood
- Fresh air
The Bridleway
If I chose to walk along the bridleway, I can find a mile and a half of straight path, farmers’ fields and lots of trees.
See
On the bridleway, I might see
- Horse riders
- Dog walkers
- Cyclists
- Sheep in fields
Hear
On the Bridleway, I might hear
- Sheep in farmers fields
- Horses neighing
- Dogs barking
- Bikes going by
Touch
On the Bridleway, I might touch
- Wooden fencing
- Grass in fields
- Other people brushing past me
Smell
On the bridleway, I might smell
- Manure from the farmers fields
- Flowers
Tips for a great day out at Foremark Water
- ·Before I come to Foremark Water, it is a good idea to think about the time I’m going to visit. If I come during school holidays or especially over the summer, it is more likely to be very busy.
- I should keep to the rules and read the signs around the reservoir, which are there to keep everyone safe. For example, I should not swim or paddle in the reservoir.
- I should remember the ranger team are there to help if I need them and I can contact them by calling 01332865081.
- I can find more information on accessibility at Foremark Water on the website
