Unattended countryside sites often present conundrums for interpretation and learning provision.

So what can be provided?

Where visitors can't physically access an indoor visitor centre we have to think more creatively about learning and interpretation for everyday use out on site.  We need to make sure that what we provide builds upon the natural environment and heritage and doesn't detract from it. All too often yet another interpretation panel is slapped up.

We have been working with Paul, the Woodland Officer at Hackfall Woods, a Woodland Trust property in North Yorkshire. Hackfall is a priority property for public engagement for the Trust so it is key to build a coherent programme that really involves the local community and visitors from further afield.  But of course, there's no visitor centre or undercover area.

We have developed activities and interpretation that are free to download from the internet plus printed copies are available from the local tourist information centre.

They aim to provide a 'springboard' from which visitors can explore Hackfall. Hackfall has long been associated with creativity, so encouraging visitors to be creative was a key way of working.  Natural play was also an important concept to keep in mind during the development process.

We've created a Nature Detectives trail and an Adventure trail (see below to download); both tailored for families visiting the site.  These have only been available for a couple of months but have been so popular, another large print-run has been ordered.  To run alongside these is a short story called 'The Beast of Hackfall'.

Another great example is at Westonbirt National Arboretum run by the Forestry Commission.  Here they have a play map (see below to download) to encourage natural play.  This is supported by a few resources out on site, such as strategically placed logs and branches but nothing that would detract from a normal visit.

The National Trust High Peak Estate have created  several audio tours that can be downloaded to your own MP3 player or phone before setting off and followed whilst out on route.  Of course, your visitors have got to be prepared before hand!

Check out our brand new mini woodland adventure packs for families to buy online or in a shop in advance of their visit to a woodland. 

Let us know about your examples of interpretation at unmanned sites.

A few resources that might be of interest are: