Interpreting the Lagan Valley Regional Park The Lagan Navigation: The unfolding story of a proud heritage Dr Andy Bridge
A bit about us Designated an AONB under the Amenity Lands Act (NI) 1965 The Regional Park was established in 1967. Abhainn ná Lagáin
Our Vision Key Focus areas: Biodiversity Community Health and recreation Heritage Landscape Visitors
Landscape Partnership Scheme Volunteer & Community Participation Interpretation Development Urban Improvements Species surveys and Conservation Habitat Management & Enhancement Built Heritage Restoration 2007 5 Year Project 6 Schemes 2.2 Million Award Winning Conservation Volunteers Education resource pack Student Placements Village Projects Getting involved initiative Wildlife reporting Volunteer Rangers Heritage Guides Newsletter Photo competition Art Campaign Signage Leaflets LKC Heritage Trail Eco-trail Sensory information Model of lock Website Improved access Millbrook Huguenot Entrance features Play area Habitat improvements Fishing stands Red Squirrel conservation Group Otter holt development Badger conservation Bird conservation selected species Nest boxes Information Fen Habitat Giant bird tables Grassland conservation & management Wetland enhancement Ancient Oak project Restoration of Lock Keepers Cottage Restoration of Lock No 3
Counters replaced The Towpath Towpath User Data Total user counts 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 54% 62% 46% 100% 100% 100% 100% 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
User Survey 2009 Identifying the needs of users Ranger Service Aug, Sept, Oct 2009 Sample size 83
User Survey 2009 Importance of engaging with built heritage? 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Importance of engaging with natural environment? Very Important Quite Important Fairly Important Slightly Important Not important 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Very Important Quite Important Fairly Important Slightly Important Not important
User Survey 2009 Suggested improvements? No 30% Yes 70% Antisocial behaviour Dog owners clear up Bike walker problems More seats Canal restoration More accessible paths Better signage Lagan Meadows paths and hedges Toilet facilities Improved parking More bins 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
What to Interpret & why? Key Focus areas: Biodiversity Landscape Heritage Community Health and recreation Visitors
What to Interpret & why? Key Focus areas: Biodiversity Landscape Heritage Community Health and recreation Visitors The wildlife and area History Access
The towpath The Towpath WalkNI High Quality Medium distance Quality section of Ulster Way National Cycle Network Northern Irelands Premier Visitor Destination
Rich Local Heritage Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB
Approach Printed materials Interpretation panels Website Sensory information or interactive features Eco-trail Guided walks - Heritage trail - Ranger Service Printed materials Interpretation panels Website Companion website Heritage guides Heritage trail
Heritage Guides A personal interaction that can be tailored to a range of visitors Volunteer led Community involvement at its heart Experience the living heritage of the cottage the lock keeper and family Direct connection with past
Audio Trail A heritage trail that is self sustainable Minimal staff time Flexible use Can adapt to future developments Integrated into signage
Design Consultation Involve Community Involve Committee s Integrate
Visitor Hub Panels Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB
Finger Posts Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB
Any Key Lessons? Integrate as much as possible using good design Consultation and involvement in development process Minimise signage clutter Can your community get involved? Sustainable can it adapt to changes?
Interpretation Toolkit CRT & IWA have produced an Interpretation Toolkit. Lagan Valley is one of the case studies (QR codes). The toolkit is online now: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/restoration/interpretation-toolkit
Thank you Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB