General
YACWAG will, in order to fulfil its charitable objects, ensure that there is physical and other access to its nature reserves in order to satisfy the public benefit requirement laid down by the Charity Commission (Doc.RR9 Preservation and Conservation).
Priorities
YACWAG will encourage access to its reserves for the purposes of education, scientific research, surveying and monitoring, subject to constraints set out below. Dogs are not allowed into YACWAG Reserves on any occasion.
Wider definition of access
Where physical access by the public has to be limited in order to protect the sensitive nature of a reserve, alternative means will be used to satisfy the public benefit requirement. (Charity Commission Doc.RR9 paras A19 and A20). These will include guided walks, talks, practical work parties, interpretation boards and information provided through leaflets, booklets, YACWAG newsletters, YACWAG website, YACWAG social media and other digital means.
Physical access to reserves
The Strawberry Line is accessible by the general public at all times. YACWAG will work with other organisations including Natural England, North Somerset Council and the Strawberry Line Society to ensure that this access does not compromise the conservation interest of the nature reserve.
Access to YACWAG reserves will need to be managed in accordance with the following constraints:
- need to protect a site from disturbance at sensitive times, e.g. bird breeding/roosting
- need to satisfy health and safety conditions and protect potential visitors from hazards e.g. livestock grazing
- need to fulfil terms and conditions of our insurers under public liability requirements etc
- to meet site project funding requirements.
Access arrangements
Physical access to YACWAG Reserves for organisations, groups and individuals outside of YACWAG will be co-ordinated by the Land Management Sub-committee. Requests for visits, educational study and surveying will be considered on an individual basis in accordance with the constraints stated above. Reserve wardens, volunteers and groups carrying out YACWAG activities should be given health and safety guidance (leaflet to be provided), the YACWAG Safeguarding Policy and Lone Working Policy. Visiting groups, even when accompanied by a YACWAG guide, (e.g. schools) should be reminded of the need to carry out their own risk assessments and hold appropriate insurance cover.
Date Approved: October 2025
Next Review: October 2028