Members of Runnymede Access Liaison Group joined Parklands Manor Care Home on the disability accessible walk in Gogmore Park, where, over tea and cake in the Bourne Cafe, fund raising for tactile signs was agreed as imperative, donations welcome.
A group, Runnymede Access Liaison, who represent and support residents who have a disability, in conjunction with Suzanne Strong from the Runnymede Borough Council, have collaborated over several months to create a Wheelchair Trail at Gogmore Park in Chertsey. A local care home, Parklands Manor were invited to come along with residents to film the occasion where the Trail was tried out for the first time by residents in wheelchairs together with others with a wide range of disabilities. Councillor Dolsie Clarke said ‘it was so good to see after many months of planning so many people come along and enjoy the park. The aim going forward is to have signs at each of the trees at wheelchair height giving the name of the trees, so that everyone can feel inclusive and know about the different trees’
The trees in Gogmore Park have some specimen and world important trees with interesting stories of their discovery and naming. Some of the trees have links to the world of medicine and the health benefit of tress have been scientifically proven. Research shows that when you are among trees your heart rate slows down and your blood pressure and stress levels come down. That is why ‘Forest Bathing’ is becoming popular in Britain.
Gogmore Park is close to the centre of Chertsey, 500 metres from the Railway Station. The pretty River Bourne runs through the centre of the park. Three fishing platforms are also provided along the river which are suitable for disabled anglers, where you can find roach, barbel, chub, pike and carp.
Despite being in the heart of the town, Gogmore remained very rural until the 18th and 19th centuries. From the 12th and 13th centuries the site of the park was occupied by a large mansion and its grounds, known in more recent times as Gogmore House. The house was one of the more substantial residencies in the town and stood until the late 1970s.
Some of the trees you will see on the Trail are Oriental Plane, Wellingtonia, Walnut, Swamp Cypress, Aspens, Italian Alders, Weeping Willows, Siebold Maples, Dawn Redwood as well as a few more. It is such a delight to see so many types of trees in a park that is accessible to all. Resident of Parklands Manor said ‘ I love walking and enjoy nature and to know that this park is so close to Parklands Manor is great’. Another resident said ‘it was such a pleasure to walk through a park with so many different trees, it was truly an education, even at my age’.
Dolsie Clarke said ‘she is passionate in providing facilities for all in Gogmore Park and is currently putting together a proposal for a lottery fund for signs at each of the trees for all to see, whether you are in a wheelchair, a child or adult’.
If you are interested in contributing to this amazing park which is a hidden gem in Chertsey, please contact RALG website at