WAKEHURST PLACE PRESENTED WITH WE CARE AWARD

Wakehurst Place, Kew 's country garden at Ardingly, West Sussex, has been presented with the We Care Award by the Mid Sussex South Access Group, in recognition of its provision of excellent access and service to customers who have mobility difficulties or disabilities.

The criteria for the We Care Award include: ease of access into premises, good colour contrast between floors and counters, clear signage and signposting, clutter free aisles and helpfulness of staff.

The award was presented to Wakehurst Place representatives Jo Anscombe, Visitor Admissions Manager, and Veronica Withall, Ranger, by Frances Gaudencio, Chairperson and Janet Slaughter, Vice Chairperson of the Mid Sussex South Access Group. Frances Gaudencio commented: “The aim of the award scheme is to raise awareness amongst the business community of simple yet effective practices which can make goods and services accessible to disabled customers. The most effective practice is that of proactive customer service. We were very impressed with the facilities and services at Wakehurst Place that make visits pleasurable for people with disabilities. This fact is evident from the number of such customers who visit the gardens and return time and again.”

Jo Anscombe and her team are the first point of contact for visitors to Wakehurst Place. “It is our priority to ensure that all our visitors enjoy their time at Wakehurst. There are plenty of parking spaces for disabled drivers, wheelchairs and electric buggies are available, the gardens have well-signposted trails suitable for wheelchairs and our gift shop, restaurant, and other facilities, are all accessible.”

Managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the 500 acre estate at Wakehurst Place is home to extensive formal gardens, temperate woodlands, two nature reserves and a sixteenth century Mansion; plus Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed collection in world. It is located on the B2028 between Ardingly and Turners Hill (Junction 10 off the M23), West Sussex, and open daily, from 10.00am, except December 24 and 25. For more information, telephone 01444 894066 or log on to www.kew.org

-ENDS-

Information and Images:

Sharon Buckley

PR & Marketing Manager

Royal Botanic Gardens , Kew at Wakehurst Place

01444 894018 s.buckley@kew.org

Frances Gaudencio

Chairperson

Mid Sussex South Access Group

0798 1278645 frances@gaudencio.freeserve.co.uk