2009-10
North Norfolk AONB, controlling visitors
The Share-with care® Pilot Scheme
Background
This pilot was conducted across three coastal reserves (Blakeney Point, Holme Dunes and Titchwell Marsh). All of the North Norfolk coast conservation organisations involved (the National Trust, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the RSPB) considered they had on-going dog disturbance issues. The provision of HLF funding enabled Share-with care to investigate the theoretical background to this dog disturbance issue and then go on to propose a means by which the three organisations could deal with it.
Project
Based on the consultant’s communications understanding and his NNR experience, this was a strategy that, after initial capital investment in communications tools, required minimal running costs.
This wide-area approach involved:
- Development of a range of communications materials including a comprehensive website, PPT presentations to local residents, interpretation panels ideas and a handy reminder card for public distribution
- Reliance on volunteers as a vector of change. These individuals were trained and their performances monitored
- Rewards for positive contributions by volunteers and ultimately for the public too
- A computer-based log of activity
- Additionally, in 2010 it had ben planned to undertake a comprehensive education programme but, as further funding was not forthcoming, this development did not occur
Outcome
Although the project was in the field less time than originally planned, towards the end there were clear signs of success. The campaign’s communications principles were affirmed and many dog walkers were reportedly aware and appreciative of the consistent rules being applied across a wide area. Also, the access to the web site was impressively high in terms of both the number of hits, repeat visits and range of users.