Case Study: Graphical Maps for The Forestry Commission
How can design help you bring new people to enjoy new experiences, in new environments? In the same instant, liberating them, informing them and keeping them safe.
Background
Lying on the north western edge of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, Ennerdale valley is home to some of England's most vibrant natural environments and one of the longest running wild land restoration projects in the UK. The Wild Ennerdale Partnership is a consortium of the Forestry Commission, National Trust and United Utilities. They aim to encourage greater use of the land, giving people a truly wild experience, involving them in the future management of the landscape.
In-Text Design’s Involvement
The Wild Ennerdale Partnership approached In-Text Design to create specially designed maps that would encourage people to explore the valley, its landscape, wildlife and sense of wildness. A distinctive design that would create increased awareness of the work that the Wild Ennerdale Partnership was undertakes. One that would allow ordinary people to feel this landscape was accessible to them.
In-Text Design’s Solution
- A graphical map showing contours in 3D (normally in 2D), enabling non-experts to navigate the valley safely and with confidence, easily interpreting between the landscape they saw and the map they carried: a simple yet profound adjustment to visual design
- Creation of map symbols representing the vegetation, flora and fauna specific to Ennerdale valley, further improving ease of navigation and, at the same time, informing walkers about the environment
"In-Text Design produced some great maps for us. They are very organised, professional and very competent. Would definitely recommend to others."
Peter Maxwell, designer, Forestry Commission
www.wildenneradale.co.uk