Interpretation proposals for potential visitor hubs

Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 1 Contents

Introduction 3 Hub Sites 7

• Car Terrace 7 Process/Audience 4 • Creek Cloud Bar 11

Contexts/Overall Themes 5 • Sandilands Promenade 14 • Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Parlour & Tearoom 17

Overall Approach 6 • Local Businesses 20

Appendices 22

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 2 Introduction

The Coastal Country Park (LCCP) is an area the delivery of a programme of events to encourage • Huttoft Car Terrace of coastal fields and marshes lying between Sandilands, visitors and local residents to discover, explore and • Cloud Bar Huttoft and . It covers approximately find out more about the LCCP. • Sandilands Promenade 8Km of coastline and up to 35 square kilometres of coastal • Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Parlour – developed jointly hinterland. The country park is a Lincolnshire County Council An Interpretation Plan for the LCCP in 2011 recommended with LCGM Partnership project that will provide high quality facilities for visitors and developing a series of visitor hubs that would fulfil the enhanced protection for habitats and wildlife. It will also following objectives for interpretation: It also presents options for interpretation materials that can provide accessible and natural green space for local people be used by local businesses in the area. and visitors to enjoy. • Build public recognition of the LCCP • Celebrate the special qualities of the landscape, The country park is being developed by a partnership of wildlife, culture and communities of the LCCP and the organisations that include Lincolnshire County Council wider (LCC), District Council (ELDC), the Lincolnshire • Cater for a range of interests and experiences Wildlife Trust (LWT) and the Environment Agency (EA). The • Develop, as far as possible, by or with local people partnership is aiming to create a mixture of habitats in the park, including open water, damp grassland and reed beds, The contract should also recognise that the LCGM Partnership together with refurbished car parks and circular walks. It also is developing its own visitor interpretive hubs which overlap works closely with a related project, the Lincolnshire Coastal at Anderby. Grazing Marshes Partnership (LCGM). Over the past two years infrastructure improvements to the Country Park area have This report was commissioned to identify proposals for included: interpretation at these hubs, to introduce visitors to the LCCP. The proposals should reflect the themes developed in the • Refurbishment of three of the five LCC owned coastal Interpretation Plan and also involve developing new themes car parks at each location where appropriate. The report presents the • Purchase of strategically significant areas of land results of this commission. It includes interpretive themes • Installation of welcome panels at five car parks, and content, design and media, and costs for installation, publication of a visitor guide and website along with at four hubs:

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 3 Process Audiences

The LCCP Interpretation Plan is the formative document for We had previously prepared a development plan for the this contract. The plan’s themes recognise the wildness of the LCCP’s North Sea Observatory where we had considered coast, its fragility and vulnerability and the importance of the audiences for the Observatory and the Country Park. habitats for sustaining a high diversity of wildlife. The plan We believe the audiences for the interpretation hub sites are provides a critical framework for the project which could be similar to those for the Observatory. We have adapted the list applied to each site. to be more appropriate for the wider LCCP area. We consider the existing and potential audiences, therefore, to be: We visited each of the four sites to assess their physical resources, habitats, visitor use, existing interpretation, • Local residents who come to enjoy the Country Park and potential for application as a visitor hub. We were and the beach accompanied by officers from LCC and at Farmer Brown’s • Local residents who walk on the beach, often with we met representatives from the farm and from the LCGM their dogs Partnership. At each site we considered the key resources • Local residents who park in the car terrace to enjoy that could be interpreted and the range of stories that could the view be told. We then discussed opportunities for delivery of • Holiday-makers, particularly families, visiting the area, interpretation through panels, sculptures and other means. spending time on the beach and the Country Park and enjoying informal recreation Following these site visits the project team considered the • Fishermen who fish from the beach options and we present our recommendations below. • Birdwatchers, attracted by the spring and autumn migrations.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 4 Contexts Overall themes

The main contexts within which this report is based include: It is worth transcribing the themes from the LCCP Interpretation Plan as guidance for the development of themes at each of The LCCP Interpretation Plan (2011) provides the the four hub sites. These themes are: interpretive background to the LCCP and presents overall themes for the area. Theme 1. These communities have traditionally looked to the sea The Lincolnshire County Council Strategic Business and the marshes for their livelihoods and survival Plan for the LCCP (2009-2012) proposed the approach for developing the Country Park and interpretation through an Theme 2. environmental visitor or heritage centre and a number of Communities along the coast live with vulnerability, smaller, associated satellite centres. The plan expresses the especially at times of war and of natural stress desire to develop visitor facilities as part of a broader strategy to support economic development in rural communities. Theme 3. The power and wildness and changing moods of the sea The North Sea Observatory Interpretation Report (2012) fascinates and inspires us provided a framework for interpretation in the proposed North Sea Observatory, which would become the main visitor Theme 4. facility for the Country Park. The hub sites would have a close This is ‘Big Sky’ country where wind and sky link land interpretive connection with this central facility. and sea. Birds are an important part of this landscape, particularly in winter

Theme 5. This is a wild coast where wildlife thrives. The sea, the dunes and the restored coastal marshes give people a chance to enjoy this wildlife

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 5 Overall approach

The brief asks for an overall design style which can be applied to each location incorporating LCCP branding. This overall approach would be expressed in the interpretive materials at each site and in waymarkers and signposts between each site. The use of materials colours and typefaces will be in character with LCCP design guidelines.

Delivery of the overall approach

ITEMS DELIVERY COST PER HUB 1. Overall Design Overall design concept for the LCCP hubs. Branding style for the hubs, and for the interpretive items provided at each hub – sample design provided. 2. Welcome A welcome to each hub as a ‘hub’ for the LCCP rather LCCP logo or symbol to be incorporated into a panel or other interpretive object at than just one of the many sites you can experience in each hub site. the LCCP.

3. Orientation Better orientation around the LCCP. 1. A series of waymarkers and signposts from each hub and at critical points around the LCCP, for walkers, drivers and cyclists.

2. A design and approach to maps of the LCCP to be displayed at each hub for orientation.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 6 Hub sites

Huttoft Car Terrace To the right of the approach road to the terrace, just beneath Themes the flood bank, there is a disused boat shed with a toilet block The car terrace is an important visitor site on the Lincolnshire behind. The County Council owns the land on which both Themes were developed for the North Sea Observatory coast. It is one of the few places on the coast where cars can buildings stand, currently leasing the boat shed to Huttoft (NSO), which was originally planned for this site. These were be parked on the beach side of the flood bank. Many people Boat Club. East Lindsey District Council maintains the toilets. wide ranging for the breadth of interests at the NSO. Themes use the terrace for sitting in their cars and watching the sea. It The boat shed provides an opportunity for re-use as a visitor, for the car terrace should be more focused to include: is also very easy to walk dogs, carry fishing gear to the sea and interpretation, education of volunteer centre. Alternatively if walk along the beach from the car park. It is therefore an ideal the whole building is not to be used, the walls / fencing could 1. Nature place to find out more about the coast and the Country Park be used for interpretation, particularly if a viewing area over There is a surprising diversity of life at the boundary between and to understand more about their features and interests. Huttoft Marsh is created. sea and land including marine, sand dunes and freshwater marsh, although some of the wildlife is seasonal and may not The terrace is a flat car park with a brick-built entrance hut There is a proposal by Lincolnshire County Council’s Economic be seen at all times. formerly used to take entrance charges, but now boarded up. Regeneration Service to install a sculpture – called ‘Salt Licks’ The car park has the capacity for 100 vehicles and can be full – at the southern end of the car park. Any interpretation 2. Migration at peak times. Although no overnight camping is allowed, developed as a result of this plan should take account of This is the first sight of land for birds heading south and east, campers frequently stay in the car park overnight. Byelaws this development, though it should still be grounded in the and the last for those heading north. The coast and marshes are being developed to enforce no camping. Concessions for wider interpretation of the LCCP. The sculpture will need are crucial feeding stations for many species of geese, wading catering also need to be renewed. some interpretation to explain its concept and to link it with birds and warblers. the other ‘Structures on the Edge’ along the coast. There is an The surface of the car park can often be covered in blown opportunity to develop a ‘Structures Trail’, which could include 3. Nourishing the beach sand, which is regularly cleared by the County Council. There these and any other temporary structures or installations such The beach needs looking after to keep the sand here and to is a new welcome panel near the entrance hut welcoming as agricultural crop mazes and straw bale constructions. stop it being washed away by the tides. visitors to the terrace and providing interpretation of the Terrace and the wider LCCP. The panel carries a map of the 4. Find out more Country Park that includes places of interest and walking/ Go and see the Anderby Creek Cloud Bar where you can find cycling routes. out more about clouds and Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Parlour.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 7 Delivering the storylines

STORIES DELIVERY COST THEME IN IP 1. Nature The place where two habitats are 1. Open viewing platform located on the top of the bank overlooking the Theme 2 meeting – sea and land. There is marsh. The platform, which should be circular, hexagonal or octagonal, and Theme 4 more diversity than you might raised on stilts driven into the bank, would have a clear view over the marsh and Theme 5 expect. Sea, sand, soil, marsh, also to the sea. The platform could be without a roof, but should include railings farmland. Transition between sea or low walls to prevent anyone jumping or falling off the structure. It could be and farmland through beach, constructed from large section timber, galvanised/stainless steel or even steel that sand dune and marsh. would rust gradually over time.

The platform should contain graphics and panels providing interpretation about the coast and include a cross-section profile of the transition through sea, sand dune and marsh. Some interpretation could be incorporated into the seating. The platform could also include interpretation of the Environment Agency’s beach nourishment programme as it offers a good overview of the beach. The structure should be designed with a ramp to allow wheelchair access.

2. Graphics and simple messages located on the railings by the slipway and the hut, with simple images and messages. The graphics would be constructed as an integral part of a new set of railings, maintaining an open appearance but with a clear set of images and messages about the coast. These new railings should include a section around the vehicle and pedestrian areas near the hut to separate people from cars.

3. Interpretation of the coast and country park using a portrait bench. Portrait benches are being used by Sustrans at key locations as part of its Connect 2 project. They consist of a bench beside three life-size silhouettes cut in metal. The silhouettes are local heroes who have been voted by the local community as making a significant difference to their area. Examples of portraits include Michael Eavis, the creator of the Glastonbury Festival, JM Barrie, the author of Peter Pan and volunteers. An interpretive panel explains the local heroes’ achievements. Here at Huttoft the portraits could be of local people, Environment Agency engineers connected to beach nourishment, or a local wildlife expert.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 8 4. Sculptural fingerposts as direction markers, for walking and for the cycleway. The fingerposts could be developed with a range of images reflecting local wildlife and landscape.

5. The disused boat shed has great potential for use as an information or activity centre. If the interior of the building is not available there is scope for interpretation to be sited on the outside walls of the building. This would be a good location for interpretation of the marsh as it is adjacent to the hut.

6. The toilet block next to the boat shed also has potential for carrying interpretation materials. The railings leading from the boat shed to the toilet block overlook the marsh and could carry panels or interpretive artwork with introductory interpretation of the marsh and its wildlife, to complement interpretation in the viewing platform above.

2. Migration The first sight of land for birds 1. The car park entrance hut on the Terrace has potential for conversion to an Theme 4 coming over the north sea, and interpretation facility. The options include: Theme 5 the last for those going back to Scandinavia. A crucial feeding a) Cladding in timber similar to the Anderby Cloud Bar. The hut should have station and place to rest awhile. interpretation materials applied to the outside.

b) Conversion into a two-story viewing tower clad in timber, similar to the Anderby Creek Cloud Bar. The tower would have stairs going up from the side, or rear, and have a view from the top over the beach, dunes and the marsh.

c) Conversion to a mock ‘beach hut’. The existing building could be made more open at the front by removing the front wall and then cladding the whole building in timber to resemble a beach hut. The hut should be fitted out with simple interpretive images and graphics explaining the migration theme. If the front wall could not be removed, another option would be to add wooden doors to the front wall. When closed, the whole of the front wall would show the exterior of a beach hut. When the doors were open, the wall behind would reveal a painting of the interior of a beach hut, and the doors could be used for interpretation.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 9 The clad hut, tower and the beach hut should have graphics, silhouettes, models, and pictures of birds for identification. Interpretation should include habitats for marine mammals, birds and invertebrates and marsh species such as pink-footed and graylag geese, marsh harriers and bitterns. The exterior of the options should carry strong graphic images such as silhouettes of birds, fish and other wildlife. These will enhance the appearance of the building and will attract visitors as they arrive at the site either by car, or by bike or foot. Interpretive installations, such as those at Chambers Farm Wood, would be appropriate here.

3. Find out more Go and see the Anderby Creek 1. Map of the LCCP. There is a geographical map of the LCCP on the entrance panel. Cloud Bar and Farmer Brown’s Ice There is also an opportunity to have an illustrated map of the LCCP with key features Cream Parlour and Tea Room. explained, such as Farmer Brown’s and Anderby Creek, and the places to see wildlife and enjoy the tranquillity of the area. This should be an ‘interpretive map’ rather than a geographical map, with explanations about the features. This map should be used at the other hub sites and produced as a poster for shops and visitor service facilities (see other sites below and ‘Interpretation for local businesses’). Examples of other ‘interpretive maps’ and illustrated maps are attached.

2. Rationalisation of signage. The site currently has signs and panels for the LCCP, the to Sutton-on-Sea Promenade Cycleway, ‘No overnight camping or caravanning’, and safety information. The cycleway panel was installed in 2000 and the orientation of sea and land is reversed (the panel should be located on the seaward side of the viewer). The panels should be rationalised and updated where necessary.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 10 Anderby Creek Cloud Bar Themes

The Cloud Bar is a converted shelter clad in timber with The existing theme of the Cloud Bar is the formation and interpretation on the roof that explains the differences characteristics of clouds. This is a strong theme which is between various clouds. It claims to be the only interpretation reinforced in the title for the building – Anderby Creek Cloud centre in Europe to feature clouds as the key theme. There are Bar – on its front wall. We believe more could be made of the two sitting areas on the ground floor with plain timber walls interpretation of clouds and weather patterns and also the and other wall space between these areas and the stairs to effect of weather on wildlife and the landscape, explaining the roof. The roof terrace is somewhat cluttered with ‘concrete the impact of weather, climate and seasons on birds and other clouds’ and adjustable mirrors on poles. There is one existing wildlife. There is opportunity also for explaining that the Cloud text-rich panel explaining different cloud structures and Bar is a great place to view the sky at night as the sky will have three further panels with very faded photographs of typical low light pollution here on the coast. Bird migration is explained clouds. The panels are due to be replaced by LCC Economic at Huttoft and there is opportunity to explain more about the Regeneration Department. connection between migration, weather and climate.

The Anderby Creek car park has a new welcome panel with 1. Head in the clouds interpretation of the beach habitats. There is also a plethora ‘Get your head around these magnificent cloud formations!’ of signs and panels at the entrance to the beach, which need Clouds are all different shapes and sizes and can be near the to be rationalised. surface of the land right up to many kilometres above ground.

Further south on the coast, at Chapel Six, there is a proposal for a 2. Keep an eye on the weather ‘Sound Tower’ sculpture that would emit sounds with the wind. The weather changes continuously and affects wildlife and the landscape, as much as it affects us. Birds are much more directly affected by weather and climate than we are. Look up – see what’s flying today!

3. Find out more Go and see Huttoft Car Terrace, Sandilands Promenade and Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Parlour.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 11 Delivering the storylines

STORIES DELIVERY COST THEME IN IP 1. Head in the clouds We see clouds every day but 1. Install graphic shapes, silhouettes and minimal text on the walls around the Theme 3 do you realise there are lots of sitting alcove nearest to the stairs as an introduction to the clouds interpretation Theme 4 different types. Introduction to on the roof. Theme 5 clouds and their characteristics. Go up the stairs and find out 2. Flags, banners around the cloud bar with graphics and images about the more. coast, its wildlife and weather. These should be designed as mobile temporary units to be used for organised events and activities. The banners can also be used at other sites to attract visitors to events and activities.

3. Replace tarnished ‘Anderby Creek Cloud Bar’ heading on building with a new heading more in character with its rustic appearance.

2. Keep an eye on the weather You can see the weather and Install an introductory panel on weather and its impact on wildlife in the sitting Theme 4 how it changes for miles here. alcove facing the sea. The panel would relate to interpretation at Huttoft that Theme 5 The weather affects wildlife as explains migration, and explain the impacts of weather and climate on wildlife much as it affects us. and the landscape.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 12 STORIES DELIVERY COST THEME IN IP 3. Find out more Go and see Huttoft Car Terrace 1. Map of the LCCP. As with Huttoft Car Terrace there is a map of the LCCP on and Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream the entrance panel but there is opportunity to have an illustrated map of the Parlour. Go to ‘Round & Round’ LCCP with key features explained, such as Farmer Brown’s and the Car Terrace, and tower. the places to see wildlife and enjoy the tranquillity of the area. This should be an ‘interpretive map’ rather than a geographical map, with explanations about the features. The map should clearly show the walking and cycling routes available here at Anderby and include the ‘structures at the edge’ series of installations.

Location of this panel is important. It should not add to the clutter of panels and signs. It should either relate closely to the Welcome panel or be located at the Cloud Bar, perhaps on the wall to the right of the doorway to the stairs in the seating recess facing the path. We are suggesting this location so that the exterior of the Cloud Bar retains its simple, stark appearance.

2. Sculptural fingerposts as direction markers for walkers on the beach and also for the Round and Round House along the beach to the south. As noted above the fingerposts could be developed with a range of images reflecting local wildlife and landscape.

3. Rationalisation of signage at the entrance to the beach from the car park. There is an abundance of signage in the car park, particularly around the entrance route to the beach. This should be rationalised and simplified, amalgamating signs and messages into fewer units.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 13 Sandilands Promenade Themes

The promenade is the seafront for Sandilands and a village The beach huts are a real characteristic of the promenade and in itself with the long line of beach huts extending along the of traditional seaside holidays. They are a striking visual feature front. Many of these huts have been here for decades and of the promenade and tell a strong story of generations of often display the characteristic style from their period of origin. holidaymakers seeking tranquillity on the beachfront. The The older wooden huts have a cabin-like charm, while the significant difference in height between the beach and the land brick or concrete-built structures from the 1960s can look behind the promenade tells a different story of the challenges incongruous in the beach-front setting. of maintaining a defence against inundation and flooding.

From the top of the promenade the view east includes the 1. Beach huts beach extending from the height of the promenade gently The traditional image of the beachfront. Seaside leisure since down to the sea. The view west includes a dramatic drop from the 19th Century. the top of the promenade down to the land behind, the coast road and Sandilands village. There is a stark difference in height 2. Challenge for sea defences between the beach on one side and the land on the other, On stormy days and at high tide this promenade is the front line which clearly emphasises the difficulties of protecting the land against inundation by the sea. Protecting the land is a challenge! from inundation. The sea wall has been breached in the past in 1953.

There is a new welcome panel at the northern end of the 3. Find out more promenade that interprets the 1953 flood which broke the Go and see the Anderby Creek Cloud Bar where you can find seafront at Acre Gap. out more about clouds! Farmer Brown’s and Huttoft CT.

Along this section of coast the Environment Agency restores the beach annually to protect the sand dunes and to provide clean sand for visitors. The process – ‘beach nourishment’ – involves dredging sand from the sea and moving it on to the shore.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 14 Delivering the storylines

STORIES DELIVERY COST THEME IN IP 1. Beach hut The long tradition of beach huts 1. Graphic shapes, silhouettes and simple messages placed on the railings in Theme 1 at the seaside. Leisure over the front of the beach huts. The images should show a transition between the ‘holiday Theme 2 decades. Traditional images of coast’ by the beach huts, with its ice creams and buckets and spades, to a ‘wild Theme 3 ‘kiss me quick’ and ice creams. coast’ further along the beach to the south, with birds and other wildlife.

2. Rent, or buy, a beach hut and fit out with graphic images, minimal text, flags, fun activities for kids / families. Include interpretation of the history of beach-huts and fun at the seaside. Interpretation should explain the relationship between Sandilands and the rest of the LCCP, which can be expressed through the ‘interpretive map’ that will be developed and used at Huttoft Car Terrace and Anderby Creek. There will be seven interpretive spaces in the hut – the three interior walls, and the inside and outside of the double doors. The outside of the doors offers an opportunity to interpret when the hut is closed. One of the interior walls should be allocated to temporary seasonal exhibitions.

The beach hut will function also as a venue for events and activities. At peak times during the holiday season it should be a base for fun activities for the family as well as a visitor centre. Its space could be extended with the use of a pop-up tent or gazebo. For example, family fun activities can be offered to link with other events and initiatives such as the ‘Bathing Beauties Festival’ held in September each year.

2. Challenge for sea defences Controlling the environment Habitat zone panel with a cross-section of the beach and land showing the Theme 2 with sea walls and drainage. effects of high tides, high water tables, and land elevations, and how we protect Theme 5 The challenges of keeping the the land from flooding. The panel should be located in the beach hut or, if possible, sea at bay. The coastline is always on the wall outside, perpendicular to the coast so that it shows the profile as it is changing. in reality. It should be developed in partnership with the Environment Agency. If there is insufficient space to locate the panel here it may be better to install it at Huttoft in the viewing platform.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 15 STORIES DELIVERY COST THEME IN IP 3. Find out more Go and see Huttoft car terrace 1. Map of the LCCP. As with Huttoft Car Terrace and Anderby Creek there and Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream is a map of the LCCP on the entrance panel but there is opportunity to have Parlour. an illustrated map of the LCCP with key features explained, such as Farmer Brown’s and the Car Terrace, and the locations of places to see wildlife and enjoy the tranquillity of the area. This should be an ‘interpretive map’ rather than a geographical map, with brief explanations about the features. The map could be located in the beach hut and near the top of the steps coming up from the car park.

2. Sculptural fingerposts as direction markers for walkers on the beach and the cyclepath to Huttoft. As noted above the fingerposts could be developed with a range of images reflecting local wildlife and landscape.

3. Rationalisation of existing signage. The cycleway sign is an outdated design although here it has the right orientation facing the sea. There is a ‘no fouling’ sign attached to one of its posts. The signs should be integrated to provide a coherent and integrated sequence of interpretation and information.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 16 Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Parlour and Tearoom Themes

Farmer Brown’s is a private farm that has recently opened an ice Farming is an important activity in the LCCP, as it has been for cream parlour, tea room and shop for the public. The ice cream centuries. Farming relies on continuous drainage of the land is produced using milk from the farm and other products sold and protection from inundation by the sea. There is a close in the shop are sourced locally. The owner is interested in the relationship between farming and wildlife conservation, with use of the parlour as a hub for information about other parts of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project working closely the LCCP, particularly supporting other farms and businesses in with farmers and the community to maximise the harmonies the area. between agricultural and wildlife management.

The parlour has a tearoom with a small shop area and wall space The farm is exemplifying the importance of the use and sale of for displaying pictures and panels. There is limited floor space local products and of displaying the links between farming and but there is opportunity for use of temporary free-standing food. The LCGM promotes ‘field to plate’ awareness and this can displays that can be removed for evening events or school visits. be seen practically at the parlour. Outside, there is a grass area in front of the building and a lawn and children’s play area to the side. There is car parking space 1. Farming on the edge also, beside the building. People have been making use of the fertility of this area, the edge where land meets sea, for thousands of years.

2. Grazing marshes The fields behind the flood bank were reclaimed from ancient marshes. They are rich farmland with ditches and areas of marsh that are important for wildlife.

3. Find out more Go and see the Anderby Creek Cloud Bar, where you can find out more about clouds, and Huttoft Car Terrace.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 17 Delivering the storylines

STORIES DELIVERY COST THEME IN IP 1. Farming on the edge Life on the edge, the history of 1. Freestanding Interpretation ‘pod’ constructed from timber similar to that used Theme 1 reclaiming the land for farming at the Cloud Bar – with panels and map, located on the grass area to the front, or and the close link between land, side, of the building. The pod interpretation should be the main introduction to the farming and food. Where grain LCCP, including material about the farm and the coast, a map of LCCP with walking and milk come from. routes and cycleways (see ‘3 Find out more’ below), challenges of farming here, life on the edge, smuggling, Coastal Grazing Marshes etc.

2. Alternatively, interpretation can be located on the exterior wall on the left side of the building facing the play area, or at the end of the porch area to the right of the door. The end of the porch is currently open but could be fitted with a wooden screen to carry panels and map. The screen should be constructed in rough timber similar to the Anderby Cloud Bar.

3. Mural map – farming on the coast. The end and side walls inside the café have space at the top of the wall for a long thin 360° mural to show aspects of farming at Farmer Brown’s (possibly seasonal) and how the farm sits in the landscape of the Coastal Country Park, showing links to other attractions.

4. Video monitor inside the cafe with loop presentation of images of the farm and the LCCP. This should be without audio and provide a series of high quality images of the farm and country park. This would be a simple introduction to what the LCCP can offer. The presentation should change seasonally.

5. Temporary, portable panels inside the cafe on ‘field to fork’, ‘sheep to sweater’, ‘milk to ice cream’, ‘grain to loaf’, etc. These would link closely with the objectives of the LCGM and could be a partnership-funded project. They should be easy to dismantle and store so the shop floor area can be available for events

6. ‘Table talkers’ (plastic or cardboard units to hold menus). They offer an opportunity also to carry simple interpretive images and messages. Examples could include local farm machinery, breeds of cow and their distinctive characteristics, seasonal flavours for food in the cafe, bird of the month, or list of events.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 18 7. Multiple leaflet dispenser on the inside wall to the right side of the door as you enter the cafe. The dispenser would carry leaflets for other attractions in the LCCP and the wider area. The dispenser should be purpose made with images and simple messages about the LCCP and the farm.

8. Migration game. This would be a purpose-built interactive game that would show bird migration in a fun way. This proposal would need to be worked up in more detail to make a practical model.

9. Notice board on the wall of the cafe with information about the LCCP and its features, and inviting people to stick up their own photographs of the area and make comments on post-it notes or special pre-printed postcards. The photographs could be displayed on a video monitor instead but would need to be edited and administered by farm staff.

2. Grazing marshes Grazing marshes with cattle, Section in the interpretation ‘pod’ on farming and wildlife, in partnership with Theme 1 sheep and crops, converted LCGM. This would complement the interpretation provided by the temporary Theme 4 from marsh by drainage. Fertile panels inside the cafe and provide a more permanent explanation of the wildlife and Theme 5 farmland and nutritious habitats. management of the grazing marshes. There should be a presentational link between the panels.

3. Find out more Go and see Huttoft car terrace 1. Map set into the interpretation ‘pod’ and/or inside the building showing LCCP and and Anderby Creek Cloud Bar the distance and routes to the sea. This would be the same ‘interpretive map’ used at Huttoft Car Terrace, Anderby Creek and Sandilands beach hut.

2. Sculptural fingerposts for walkers to the farm. As noted above the fingerposts could be developed with a range of images reflecting local wildlife and landscape.

3. Passport to the LCCP – fun passport for attractions, like an I Spy book. Each key attraction would have a page of its own. Pages for the staffed attractions, such as Farmer Brown’s and the beach hut in summer, would have space for a stamp. Other attractions could have a question that needs to be answered as proof that passport carriers have visited. Fully completed passports could be eligible for a free ice cream.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 19 Local businesses Themes

The brief asks for outline proposals for simple interpretive media 1. LCCP is full of surprises! and promotional materials to be developed for local businesses This area of flat farmland has lots to offer. There are nature that could help to promote the LCCP through the proposed reserves, shops, an ice cream parlour, a cloud bar and lots of ‘LCCP Champions’ project. These local businesses include wonderful beaches. catering facilities (pubs), bed and breakfast accommodation, a donkey sanctuary, motor museum, farms, shops and the 2. Farming and wildlife working together golf course. This is important farmland, and it also has great places for wildlife. LCCP has many places where farming and wildlife exist We suggest that the LCCP organises a familiarisation day, or happily together. ‘Fam Day’, for Tourist Information Centre staff, accommodation providers and others involved in tourism businesses to raise 3. Find out more awareness of the Country Park and its attractions. The Fam Day Go and see Huttoft Car Terrace, the Anderby Cloud Bar and should include some ‘free food’, a talk and tour of the key sites Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Parlour where you can find out more as well as the opportunity for the business owners and staff to about this area. network amongst each other.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 20 Delivering the storylines

STORIES DELIVERY COST THEME IN IP 1. LCCP is full of surprises This is a working landscape 1. Fact sheets. Prepare attractive, simple fact sheets containing information with important wildlife areas. about, and interpretation of, the landscape of the LCCP and the special features of There are lots of things you can its habitats, wildlife and places of interest. The fact sheets will be used in bedroom do here. Walk the footpaths or browsers and the information can be incorporated in any other interpretation cycle the cycleways to enjoy the produced by the businesses. tranquillity of the LCCP. 2. Poster. Design a poster incorporating the interpretive map for the hub sites and introductory interpretation about the sites. It could include advertisements for the key attractions around the edge of the map. The poster should be distributed to all relevant businesses in the area.

3. Inspirational LCCP images and straplines to be produced and circulated to local businesses. (Photoshoot and copywriting.)

4. Interpretive map leaflet. Prepare a leaflet containing the interpretive map used in the hub panels above. This leaflet would be a practical guide to the LCCP showing the hubs and other features of the country park and any walking and cycling routes between them. It should provide simple interpretation of each of the places, and the environmental and cultural interests of the area. It would work alongside the existing LCCP leaflet, which acts more as an introduction to the LCCP.

2. Farming and wildlife working together This area is valuable for farming Work with the YFC and other farming groups to offer an event at one of the and for wildlife. LCCP sites.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 21 Appendices

Hub branding 23 Sandilands 28

Entrance Hut 24 Farmer Brown’s 29

Anderby Cloud Bar 27 Item Examples 31

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 22 A brand or ‘house style’ will be developed for the interpretation relating to the hubs. It will make reference to, but be different from, that of the LCCP and partnering bodies

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 23 Conversion of entrance hut to a viewing/interpretation tower.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 24 Conversion of entrance hut using decoration and interpretation. Viewing platform on the dunes.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 25 Interpretive decoration of barriers using fret cut metal.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 26 Flags and banners on top (mobile/temporary) Refresh sign

Decoration and display as an introduction Introductory panel on weather and its to clouds interpretation on roof effects on the local wildlife/landscape Proposed improvements to Anderby Cloud Bar.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 27 Beach Hut visitor centre at Sandilands (the entrance hut at Huttoft could be similarly converted).

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 28 One of the preferred locations for an interpretation ‘pod’ at Farmer Browns.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 29 Alternative locations for interpretation

Screen here for weather protection and/or further interpretation

Alternative location for interpretation ‘pod’ (easier to spot from the road) Suggested locations for interpretation at Farmer Brown’s.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 30 Portrait bench examples.

Sculptural finger post example.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 31 Illustrated map example. ‘Table talkers’ examples.

Interpretation Proposals For Potential Visitor Hubs 32