Category: Design for Outdoor Recreation

Exhibition areas

A more developed stage than leaflets or on­site panels is an outdoor exhibition area. A number of panels—which might include text, illustrations, photographs, interactive devices and ‘touchy-feely’ exhibits (tree – cones, fur, antlers, stone etc.)—are arranged in a sequence, perhaps near where trails start. The design of the panels can be an extension in structure […]

On-site panels

In many areas, trails can have small signs or interpretation panels carrying short messages and pictures relating to features on the site. There are many types of structure, as follows. – Simple wooden posts of substantial dimensions can be angled off at a convenient height to provide a surface on which to glue or screw […]

Interpretative media

The media available for conveying interpretation are: – people telling the story; – leaflets; – portable tape recorders; – on-site panels (including listening posts); – exhibition areas; – visitor centres. questions, discuss issues and perhaps be more convinced of the need to protect areas. People telling the story For many sites, especially those with complex […]

Interpretative strategies

Before developing interpretative plans for individual sites it is important to consider the overall strategy for the whole area under management. Such a strategy can ensure that interpretation at one site complements rather than duplicates that at another, iind that opportunities for good stories are not missed. Such strategies can be developed by individual owners […]

What to interpret

As a broad guideline, it is likely to be appropriate to develop interpretation programmes at sites if three basic conditions can be fulfilled: – The site or location has something special, which is outside the general experience of most people. – There are substantial numbers of potential or actual visitors who wish to learn something […]