It’s not often that the countryside and modern technology go hand in hand but the Neroche Scheme, a landscape partnership scheme led by the Forestry Commission is changing that with the launch of their exciting new Digital Trail Guides.
These innovative guides use GPS technology and small handheld devices to provide a totally new way for people to explore part of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty in Devon and Somerset.
Developed by Neroche artist Michael Fairfax, animator Dane Watkins and specialist digital interpretation Company Zolk-C Ltd, the guides use GPS technology to navigate visitors through this historic landscape.
When people using the guides reach certain locations with pre-programmed GPS ‘hot spots’, multi-media information about that location is automatically triggered on the handset.
This information includes detailed history of the area, incorporating audio commentary and interviews with local residents and archaeologists, all brought to life with digital animation. Accessed via a touch screen menu, the handsets also feature recorded birdcalls to help people identify birds and information to assist those that want to discover more about plants, animals and trees.
The GPS positioning provides an accurate location map so walkers can keep on the right track whilst exploring the 13.5 mile Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Trail that the digital guides accompany.
James Maben, Access & Interpretation Officer, says:
“The beauty of the guides is that they put a range of historical and wildlife information directly at your fingertips. The GPS technology means that information comes up automatically dependent on where the user is and people can refer to them as and when they want to.
“It’s a new way people can engage with the countryside and will appeal to both visitors to the area and people that already live here. The fact that they have been developed with artist input, means that the information is presented in an imaginative and lively way, which will inspire more people to learn and appreciate what the Blackdown Hills has to offer.”
Neroche Artist Michael Fairfax adds:
“Part of the Neroche Scheme’s creative interpretation strategy was to move away from static, lifeless interpretation. These guides give the user an opportunity to explore the many layers of the countryside from the history and the people who have lived there to the array of wildlife, plant life and trees.
“We have gathered feedback from a number of groups who have tested the guides and have been delighted that people of all ages, from all walks of life have been overwhelmingly positive. We want people to enjoy using the guides, and hope they give a lively and imaginative insight in to this magnificent area of countryside”.
The digital guides are now available from the Farmers Inn at West Hatch near Taunton and from the Neroche Office in Hemyock. Later in the year, handsets will be available from other outlets in the area. The digital guides will be free to hire although a security deposit and photo-id will be required. For information on how to hire a handset contact the Neroche office on 01823 680846 or visit www.nerochescheme.org
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Digital Trail Guide project was initiated by artist Michael Fairfax, and graphic designer Dane Watkins as part of Somerset Art Works 'Moving On' programme funded by Blackdown Hills Leader + and Arts Council England.
Michael Fairfax is a Public Artist, Sculptor and Designer www.michaelfairfax.co.uk. Dane Watkins is an artist working in drawing and animation. The animations Dane created for the Digital Trail Guides can be seen on his website www.eatmydata.co.uk
Neroche Arts Partner Somerset Art Works (SAW) is a non-profit making organisation promoting the Visual Arts in Somerset through advocacy, promotion and development. www.somersetartworks.org.uk'
Zolk-C Ltd are award winning specialists in creating and operating cutting edge technology solutions that enable the heritage and tourism industry to deliver amazing visitor experiences. www.zolk.co.uk
About the Neroche Scheme
The £3 million Neroche Scheme covers 35 square miles within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its vision is to ‘liberate the landscape’ through a series of projects to restore wildlife, improve access and uncover the heritage of the landscape and its communities. The local community is closely involved in shaping and running the scheme, which is led by the Forestry Commission on behalf of a partnership of local authorities and agencies, backed with money from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Neroche Scheme opened the popular circular 13.5 mile Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Trail in 2008. The Scheme is also developing Forest Schools with local primary and secondary schools, conserving wildlife in the Forestry Commission woodlands in the area, and running storytelling and bushcraft events for the public.
The Neroche Partnership is led by the Forestry Commission, with the Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership, Natural England, Somerset County Council, Devon County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Mid Devon District Council, South Somerset District Council, the National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, and Somerset Art Works Ltd.
For Further Information Contact:
James Maben
Neroche Scheme www.nerochescheme.org
Tel: 07881 847492 or Neroche Scheme office on: 01823 680846