Accessibility

We want every visitor to enjoy FarmWise. Below you’ll find detailed information about access, facilities and support available on the day. If you need anything not listed here, please contact us in advance and we’ll do our best to help.

As each event and location is different we have included details of each separately, please use the below links to jump to the relevant event

If you feel that any of your pupils may find any of our environments challenging, we recommend bringing an additional adult to support them. This ensures the rest of the group can continue enjoying the event without disruption.

Autumn Schools event | The Outreach Van – School Visits and Show events | Devon County Show

Getting Here

• Parking is on hardstanding with step free access to the arena.
• A drop-off area is available for minibuses and coaches carrying visitors with mobility needs.
• Clear signage will guide you from the car park to the event entrance.

Physical & Mobility Access

• Step Free Access – Westpoint and all it’s main event areas—including animal areas, activity tents and demonstration space have step-free access.
• The majority of the event is held in the Westpoint Arena which has a concrete flat floor with step free access throughout. The Woodland activity Zone is located outside and is accessed firstly by a tarmacked slope but then on to a relatively level grass area a moving distance of approximately 150m from the main hall.
• Accessible toilets are available within the Westpoint building. Please note there is not a changing places toilet available.
• Seating and rest areas are available in throughout the site.
• Please note there are disinfection mats at the entrances to all zones containing livestock which need to be crossed by all participants. The mats are constructed of a soft low profile material.
• If you require wheelchair help or a rest point, please speak to any event steward.

Visual Accessibility

• We have high-contrast signage around the event.
• Demonstration leaders will give clear verbal explanations of all activities.
• You are welcome to touch certain animals with supervision; staff will explain how to interact safely. There are hand washing facilities throughout the Arena.

Hearing Accessibility

• Written versions of key information and demonstration summaries are available on request.
• Staff will support communication by facing visitors and writing notes if needed.
• Please note the hall can become very loud with background noise during the event.

Neurodiverse & Autism-Friendly Support

• The hall can become very loud an overwhelming for some visitors. We strongly recommend those who struggle with loud noises wear headphones or similar inside the Arena so not to cause overwhelm.
• A dedicated Quiet Area is available for anyone needing a break from noise or crowds.
• The Arena is generally very busy, but the conference room and outside zones are quieter and calmer areas.
• There can be Strong-smells in some areas of the Arena especially in proximity to the animals

Cognitive & Learning Accessibility

• We use clear and simple signage around the event
• Displays and activities use simple language and clear icons.
• Easy-read information sheets are available for key activities on request.
• Activity leaders take time to explain each step and use hands-on demonstrations.

Medical & Allergy Information

• First aiders are available on site. If you need assistance at any time please speak to an event steward.
• If you need to store medication (e.g., insulin), please speak to our staff on arrival.
• Please be aware that the event includes:
  • Animals and hay/straw, which may trigger allergies
  • Farm machinery, which may produce loud noises
  • Drinking water and shaded areas are provided across the site.

Service Animals

• Registered service animals are welcome but for safety will be restricted from being in close proximity to farm animals, which may restrict participation in a small number of activities .
• We provide access to water, and can direct you to quieter areas for breaks.
• Please note there are disinfection mats at the entrances to all zones containing livestock which need to be crossed by all participants including any service animals.

Emergency & Safety Information

• Event staff are trained in inclusive evacuation procedures.
• In an emergency, stewards will guide visitors along accessible routes to safe areas.

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We do ask that schools discuss any Accessibility issues with the FarmWise team prior to a School visit 

For one day shows please refer to the show organiser’s website for site accessibility.

Visual Accessibility

• Demonstration leaders will give clear verbal explanations of all activities.
• Most activities are “hands-on” with a sensory element suitable for those with visual accessibility needs.

Hearing Accessibility

• Written versions of key information and demonstration summaries are available on request.
• Staff will support communication by facing visitors and writing notes if needed.

Neurodiverse & Autism-Friendly Support

• the FarmWise team will work with the School to provide a suitable session, but please discuss this prior to the visit. 

Cognitive & Learning Accessibility

• Displays and activities use simple language and clear icons.
• Easy-read information sheets are available for key activities on request.
• Activity leaders take time to explain each step and use hands-on demonstrations.

Medical & Allergy Information

• Please be aware that activities can include elements that may trigger allergies, for example hay/straw or food ingredients, which may trigger allergies.
• If any of the children who are participating, or if there is any person who may be affected by external elements being brought into the school, please advise us in advance so that suitable activities can be planned to minimise any medical risks.

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Please refer to the Devon County Show Accessibility page for more details regarding general site accessibility. For FarmWise specific elements please see below;

Physical & Mobility Access

• Step Free Access – The FarmWise area is step-free. The initial area is either tarmac or solid path areas. Following on around the building there is a generally level grass area which generally drains well but can become muddy when wet.
• Access to the FarmWise area is via a sloped tarmac road on Road 9 close to the juntion with Avenue K. The slope up from Avenue K is steeper (but shorter) than that from Avenue L.
• Accessible toilets are available across the site including in the Westpoint building. An accessible toilet with a hoist is available outside the Westpoint Conference room, which is just a short distance from the FarmWise area.
• If you require wheelchair help or a rest point, please speak to any event steward.

Visual Accessibility

• We have high-contrast signage around the area.
• Demonstration leaders will give clear verbal explanations of all activities.
• You are welcome to touch certain animals with supervision; staff will explain how to interact safely.

Hearing Accessibility

• Written versions of key information and demonstration summaries are available on request.
• Staff will support communication by facing visitors and writing notes if needed.

Neurodiverse & Autism-Friendly Support

• A dedicated Quiet Area is available for anyone needing a break from noise or crowds located in the Westpoint Arena Foyer.
• The FarmWise Children’s area is quieter on the Thursday and Friday of the show, and busier on the Saturday. The Children’s Farm is open from 9.00am and the first couple of hours are quieter than later in the day. 
• There can be Strong-smells in some areas especially in proximity to the animals.

Cognitive & Learning Accessibility

• We use clear and simple signage around the event
• Displays and activities use simple language and clear icons.
• Activity leaders take time to explain each step and use hands-on demonstrations.

Medical & Allergy Information

• First aiders are available on site. If you need assistance at any time please speak to an event steward. The medical centre is located at the front of the Westpoint Arena building.
• Please be aware that the event includes:
  • Animals and hay/straw, which may trigger allergies
  • Farm machinery, which may produce loud noises
  • Drinking water and shaded areas are provided across the Devon County Show site.
• Please be aware that activities can include elements that may trigger allergies, for example hay/straw or food ingredients, which may trigger allergies.

Service Animals

• Registered service animals are welcome but for safety will be restricted from being in close proximity to farm animals, which may restrict participation in a small number of activities .

Emergency & Safety Information

• Event stewards are trained in inclusive evacuation procedures.
• In an emergency, stewards will guide visitors along accessible routes to safe areas.

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Need Extra Support?

If you have questions, want to request adjustments, or would like help planning your visit, please contact us:

Email: farmwisedevon@norsegroup.co.uk

We want to ensure the event is enjoyable, safe and accessible for everyone.