Longleat's 'strong smell' signs praised for SEN kids

Animal park signs highlighting areas that may have a "strong smell", be noisy, or hot, have been praised by families of children with special education needs (SEN).

Longleat Safari Park has installed sensory signage around the park to help prepare visitors for what they might encounter.

Signs included warnings and alerts of "low lighting", crowded areas, "free flying bats" and "lorikeets may land on you".

A Longleat spokeswoman, said they have had "lots of positive feedback" with one visitor saying it has been "so helpful to avoid possible meltdowns".

The signage, indicating to visitors were places could get crowded, hot or noisy were introduced at various attractions around the park last summer.

Scott Ashman, from Longleat, said since then they have "increased the type of signs available".

"We know from experiences, that guests have shared with us, that public spaces can be overwhelming for those with neurodiversity when trying to deal with too much information," he said.

"It's not always possible to change temperatures, particularly in animal areas, but with the new signage and sensory map we can inform guests of what they may encounter."

A spokeswoman for the park, said they have received some "great feedback" from guests.

One visitor, said the signs were "so helpful" as it meant her autistic daughter was "prepared" for any potential noise, heat or busyness and really enjoyed her day.

Another, who said they "struggle with days out and don't go on many because of sensory issues with crowds and noise", said they had never seen signs like it before and it made the park a "safe place".

Visitors had also taken to social media, saying the signage had been "so helpful to avoid possible meltdowns".

One mother, posted that it made their trip to the park "much more inclusive and successful".

While another, wrote that visiting "high sensory places" like Longleat can be a struggle with her son but the signs not only made a "world of difference" but made her "cry with happiness".

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