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Wales Coast Path, Monmouthshire – Signage and Interpretation Plan 1

Signage and Interpretation Plan

Wales Coast Path, Monmouthshire

prepared for

Monmouthshire County Council

Countryside Service

Final

4th March 2013

Written by:

– Ivor Coleman

Photography by:

– Phil Rutt and Ivor Coleman

Illustrations by:

– Phil Rutt

Ivor Coleman Phil Rutt

Hi-Clarity Communications ARC Creative Design Ltd 23 Lockstile Way The Studio Goring 69 Tontine Street Reading Folkestone RG8 0AL CT20 1JR

Tel: 01491 875385 01303 250170

Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Website: www.hi-clarity.co.uk www.arccreativedesign.com

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.hi-clarity.co.uk/

http://www.arccreativedesign.com/


Contents

Section Page

1. Introduction 3

2. Executive Summary 4 3. Situation Analysis 5 4. Objectives 6

4.1 Signage

4.2 Interpretation 5. Audiences 8 6. Signage Plan 9

6.1 Directions to Start/Finish

6.2 Waymarking

6.3 Divergences

6.4 Dog Control Orders

6.5 Cycling

6.6 Linked Routes 7. Interpretation Plan 17

7.1 Vision

7.2 Themes and Stories

7.3 Initiatives

7.4 Standards

8. Implementation 40 8.1 Priorities

8.2 Timetable 9. Resources 43

9.1 Budget 9.2 Team


1. Introduction

Hi-Clarity Communications and ARC Creative Design Ltd have been commissioned by Monmouthshire County Council Countryside Service to audit, plan and deliver signage and interpretation for the Monmouthshire section of the Wales Coast Path. The project owner is Helen Howlett, Coastal Access Improvement Officer, Monmouthshire Countryside Service. The plans set out herein are based on the findings of the WCP Monmouthshire Signage and Interpretation Audit, undertaken on 15/16 October 2012. This document should therefore be read in conjunction with the audit report, published in November 2012. Implementation of Phase 1 of this plan is scheduled for completion by March 2013. In terms of target audience for implementation, the plan takes the perspective of a typical pedestrian user of the Wales Coast Path, keen to follow the route on the ground and interested in the stories behind it, but not an expert in local heritage. For brevity and ease of reading, “Wales Coast Path” is often referred to as “WCP” within this document.


2. Executive Summary This plan defines objectives and implementation for enhancements to signage and interpretation along the Wales Coast Path in Monmouthshire. It builds on the findings of an audit of the route undertaken by the authors of this plan in October 2012. For Signage, the plan concentrates on the following requirements:

Enhancement of existing waymarking where necessary, identifying both high priority and less urgent actions.

Identification and explanation of sections of WCP that diverge from the coastal margin.

Implementation of statutory dog control orders within a general requirement for users to be mindful of conservation concerns along the route.

Route linkage of WCP with local centres of population and other maintained trails.

Improvements to the visibility of the WCP start/finish point in Chepstow. For Interpretation, the plan aims to fully reflect the storytelling potential of Monmouthshire’s coastal zone. It structures this into a series of main themes that enable more concerted interpretation, and also better position the coastline within Monmouthshire’s overall tourism offering. The Severn Crossing is perhaps the most pivotal entry point to Wales. Accordingly, “Threshold of Wales” is suggested as a phrase to capture the “spirit of place” along Monmouthshire’s coastline. Key interpretation initiatives defined within this plan comprise:

Assembling all the elements of the coastal story into clearly structured core materials, especially digital, that link directly to interpretation on the ground.

Better explaining the significance of the WCP start/finish point in Chepstow.

Replacing interpretation at Black Rock with more compelling storytelling.

Embracing separately managed interpretation along the route.

Bringing to life untold aspects of the coastal story with artefacts/art forms en route. The Monmouthshire Coast is a tourism asset which is currently understated in marketing of the county as a visitor destination. Enhanced signage and interpretation will play an important role in strengthening the visitor proposition of this special place.


3. Situation Analysis

The current situation for both signage and interpretation along the WCP in Monmouthshire has been extensively reviewed in the signage and interpretation audit, commissioned as a complementary part of this project. The findings of the audit are documented in the audit report that accompanies this plan. Whilst it is recommended that the report is read in full, the audit’s conclusions are summarised as follows. The Wales Coast Path in Monmouthshire is a well defined and clearly signposted route. However there are some requirements for small improvements in waymarking. A number of divergences from the river Wye and the coastal margin should be more clearly highlighted and better explained to walkers, especially the Rogiet detour, where a right of way along the coast proper exists. Proposed dog control orders are not currently visible and will need careful communication if their obligations are to be heeded. Interpretation along the coastal route is limited, variable in quality and only partially representative of the rich storytelling potential. The stunning statue of Tewdrig Sant in Mathern is demonstrative of the opportunity to highlight hidden stories less by interpretive panels and more by artefacts and art forms. The mobile phone signal along WCP Monmouthshire is believed to be strong, suggesting that digital media, accessible en route, could make a valuable interpretive contribution. The Monmouthshire Coast is a tourism asset which is currently understated in marketing of the county as a visitor destination. Enhanced signage and interpretation can play a role in strengthening the visitor proposition of the coast.


4. Objectives This section sets the scene for what we aim to achieve by improving signage and interpretation along WCP Monmouthshire.

4.1 Signage objectives

Enhance existing waymarking where necessary to ensure that users can accurately find their way along this section of the path, travelling in either direction.

Clearly identify and explain the background to sections of the route that diverge from the coast and the banks of the river Wye.

Implement new statutory dog control orders so that they are clearly identified, the reasons behind them explained, and users are given positive encouragement to adhere to them.

Signpost access to WCP from Portskewett, Caldicot and Magor, also routes back to those places from the path itself.

Raise the profile of WCP in Chepstow by improving directional information to the start/finish point.

Wherever appropriate, treat signage as an adjunct to interpretation, so that it helps reinforce the heritage stories that lie along the route.

Avoid spoiling the ambience of the route, especially in its wilder sections, through undue clutter or inappropriate design – combine multiple signage requirements wherever appropriate.


4.2 Interpretation objectives 4.1.1 Emotional objectives (how we would like people to feel)

Inspire users to enjoy and appreciate the special qualities of this stretch of coastline, by offering them a sense of its heritage and spirit.

Give users confidence that WCP Monmouthshire is a safe and well-managed environment for all-comers.

Maintain a sense of wildness in the more remote parts of the route by avoiding inappropriate interpretive provision.

Impress on visitors to Monmouthshire that the coastline is an essential part of their experience of the county.

4.1.2 Learning objectives (what we would like people to know)

Ensure all users are aware that the habitats of the Severn Estuary and Gwent Levels are very special places for birdlife, requiring careful management and conservation.

Introduce visitors to the special stories that lie along this route – such as historic crossing points, habitats and birdlife, drainage and protection from the sea, geological heritage, history, agriculture and industry – in a manner that is accessible, engaging and memorable

4.1.3 Behavioural objectives (how we would like people to act)

Encourage exploration of both the route itself and nearby places of interest, with consequent benefits to physical health and emotional well-being.

Explain the importance of conservation in this fragile environment, so users enjoy their visits in ways that maintain the special nature of this place, such as adhering to route divergences and dog control orders.

Promote personal involvement in management and conservation of the route through opportunities to volunteer with Monmouthshire Countryside Service.


5. Audiences The intended audiences for the WCP Monmouthshire Signage and Interpretation project, comprise:

“Intentional” users of the Wales Coast Path, both visitors and local people.

Casual visitors who may wish to visit the coast and/or utilise the path.

Businesses, tourism accommodation providers and others who can benefit from the active promotion of the Wales Coast Path and its links.

The signage and interpretation identified in this plan will be aimed at all those who use WCP Monmouthshire. Of necessity this provision needs to target the general audience. However, in doing so it will aim to appeal to users with a wide range of ages, backgrounds, abilities and interests.


6. Signage Plan

The audit identifies a series of opportunities for enhancement of and addition to existing signage. Specific actions proposed in response to these requirements are described below.

6.1 Directions to start/finish point in Chepstow

6.1.1 Direction posts

Add “Wales Coast Path start” finger to purple finger posts at Town Centre, Castle Car Park, Wye Bridge and audit locations 8 and 9.

Replace Blue WCP Arrow at Railway Station with purple “Wales Coast Path start” finger – and add a futher purple “Wales Coast Path start” finger at location 11.

6.1.2 Town maps

Add map showing WCP start point to purple post notice boards at Town Centre, Castle Car Park, Railway Station and audit locations 8 and 13.


6.2 Waymarking

6.2.1 High Priority Actions

These actions are felt to be required as soon as possible to avoid current difficulties in route finding.

To resolve unclear direction between entry and exit points of two open fields either side of Mathern, especially when travelling east to west:

Audit locations 39 to 41 – Add a wooden WCP finger to existing waymark post at 39, pointing towards 41. For further reinforcement a standard yellow arrow roundel could be added to one of the short posts at 40, pointing to 41. Add a wooden WCP finger to the existing waymark post at 41, pointing to 39.

Audit locations 45 to 47 – Add a wooden WCP finger to existing waymark post at 45, pointing to 47. Remove short post at 46 as this can be confusing and will often be obscured by vegetation. Add a wooden WCP finger to existing waymark post at 47, pointing to 45.


6.2.2 Low Priority Actions

These actions are felt to be desirable but not essential to avoid possible difficulties in route finding.

To resolve unclear direction at several decision points where there is potential for misinterpretation:

At audit location 4 in Chepstow – Relocate the pair of blue arrow signs from their current position to a place either mounted on or immediately in front of the adjacent white walled building. If this is not possible, then instead add a reinforcing WCP logo and arrow to the face of the white walled building, for the direction heading away from the WCP start point.

At audit location 20 in Chepstow – Replace the broken plastic post, displaying a WCP roundel sticker, with a WCP roundel and an arrow roundel mounted either on the adjacent wall or, if this is not possible, on a replacement short post. Replace the blue arrow direction sign at 21 heading away from WCP start with one mounted so that the blue side is visible from 20.

Near location 50 at Pill Cottage – Add a short post below the frontage of Pill Cottage, displaying two yellow arrow roundels, one for each of the two rights of way here, pointing respectively NW and SW to their field exit points, the one for WCP accompanied by a WCP logo roundel.

At location 65, adjacent to the iron age fort earthworks at Sudbrook – Implement the current plan to cut back vegetation so that the WCP route is more prominent and visible, clearly reinforced by the existing waymark post.

At location 74, junction with the service road to the toll booths – Reinforce the correct route by adding a short post in the grass on the SW junction corner, displaying yellow arrows in both direction accompanied by a WCP logo roundel.

At location 80, near Magor Pill – Move the WCP waymark finger post to a suitable position adjacent to the WCP, turn it through 90 degrees and add a further WCP finger, so that the route is shown in both directions. See section 6.6 for addition of a signpost to Magor here.

Other actions:

At audit location 17 in Chepstow – the blue arrow signs here are quite battered and would benefit from replacement.


6.3 Divergences

Existing, mostly unexplained, divergences of the route from the coast and the river Wye have been detailed in the audit. Proposals to clearly identify and explain these to users are as follows. It is recommended that a standard format information sign is designed specially for the communication of divergence details. This would have the following characteristics:

Design style consistent with new interpretation for WCP Monmouthshire.

Space and layout for text, map and images.

Unique content specific to each divergence, illustrating the route of the divergence and explaining why it is there.

Robust construction for permanent display.

Inexpensive materials, production and installation.

Appropriate size and mounting requirements with respect to locations. These “divergence” signs would be displayed at each end of each divergence. Hence pairs of signs would be developed for the following divergences:

Chepstow town divergence from river Wye (from audit location 4 to 24).

Warren Slade / Park Redding divergence from river Wye (from 26 to 28).

Mathern divergence from river Wye (28 to 35) and coast (35 to 54).

Black Rock alternative route when coast path flooded (57 to 59).

Rogiet divergence from Monmouthshire coast (70 to 77).

Typical mounting for information signs


6.4 Dog Control Orders

The audit specifies sections of the path where there will be a statutory requirement for dogs to be kept on leads. Proposals to implement these control orders are as follows. The approach recommended is to incorporate dog control into an overall explanation of what is special about this coastline and why all users should be mindful of conservation needs, e.g. to stick to the path, avoid disturbing birdlife, etc. A standard format information sign should be designed to communicate the special qualities of the Gwent Levels coastline and the need for users to be conservation aware, including adherence to dog control orders. These “conservation” signs should be developed as follows:

Incorporating the statutory dog control roundel.

Design style consistent with new interpretation and divergence signs.

Space and layout for text, map and images.

Standard content highlighting habitat/birdlife and need for appropriate behaviour – including dog control, with required legal wording and showing section over which this applies.

Robust construction for permanent display.

Inexpensive materials, production and installation.

Appropriate size and mounting requirements with respect to locations.

Include reminder of non access provision for cycing, horse riding and motor/quad bikes, at all locations below other than 65 and 67 where cycling permitted.


These signs would be displayed at the start and finish points of each order, also at any points where users may join these sections of the path, as below. This new signage should make it possible to work with the local landowner who has placed Private Property signs at locations 78 and 79, so that these can be removed. By enlightening users (rather than potentially annoying them with the current boards), the new signs at 77, 80 and 81 will stand a better chance of achieving the outcome the landowner desires.

Audit location

Dog control order situation Affix to

54 E-W start, W-E finish (south side of railway line) Wooden post

57 Joining (dog roundel only) Wooden post

59 E-W finish, W-E start Wooden post

65 E-W start, W-E finish Metal fence

67 Joining Metal post

70 E-W finish, W-E start (if following Rogiet divergence)

E-W continue, W-E continue (if following direct coast right of way)

Metal fence

77 E-W start, W-E finish (if following Rogiet divergence)

E-W continue, W-E continue (if following direct coast right of way)

Wooden fence

GR 444853 Joining (dog roundel only) tbc

79 Joining (dog roundel already in place) Wooden fence

80 Joining Wooden post

81 E-W finish, W-E start Metal fence


6.5 Cycling In order to avoid disturbance to birdlife and/or possible conflict with walkers, “no cycling” roundels to be added to existing signage as below.

Audit location “No cycling” information Affix to

37 E-W start of rural section to location 42 (north side of road)

Wooden post

42 W-E start of rural section to location 37 Wooden post

63 E-W start of coastal section to 67 Metal post


6.6 Linked Routes Signage for loop trails incorporating WCP will be considered as these become defined by a separate initiative to develop Monmouthshire’s walking “product” for visitors. Hence this is not covered here. It is recommended that waymarking is provided using standard Monmouthshire finger post signs to better link WCP access points with nearby major settlements, as follows.

Portskewett – from and to audit location 59.

Caldicot (including Castle) – from and to audit location 67.

Magor – from and to audit location 80.

Route to Magor from location 80


7. Interpretation Plan

The WCP Monmouthshire audit report, which accompanies this plan, reviews current interpretive provision and identifies potential storytelling opportunities. Here we define proposed developments to enhance interpretation, from vision to delivery.

7.1 Vision

Special characteristics of the Monmouthshire coastline that come to mind on visiting the area include:

Historic crossing points between Wales and England, marked by iconic bridges

Seaward edge of the Gwent Levels, transport corridor into south Wales

Estuarine boundary to the great rivers Wye and Severn

Wetland habitats, rich in typical flora and fauna, especially birdlife

Sea defences and drainage, protecting low lying coastal zone from flood since Roman times

Distinctive villages defined by their relationship with the Levels

Imposing evidence of a Medieval past at Chepstow and Caldicot Castle

Hidden traditions of shipbuilding, sea-trade and lave net fishing

Frontier setting of prehistoric fortifications at Bulwarks Camp and Sudbrook Fort

The geological heritage of Triassic/Jurassic rocks and drowned drainage systems

When considering how all this might be brought together into a simple concept that would appeal to the visitor, the idea that this is a special place on the edge of a nation seems to shine through. Wales clearly has many entry points – through the Marches, the Dee Valley and the Clwydian Range on its landward side – via many historic ports and remarkable estuaries along its three-sided coastline. None though is as pivotal as the Severn Crossing in terms of flow of people and commerce, connection with England and physical presence. A potential phrase to capture this “spirit of place” along Monmouthshire’s coastline might be:

“Threshold of Wales”


Such a form of words would be useful in several important ways:

Positioning and promoting the coastline of Monmouthshire in the county’s wider tourism strategy and offering.

Developing in-depth theming for interpretation, both along the Wales Coast Path and at places nearby, inland yet part of the coastal zone.

Articulating what is distinctive about this section of coastline in the context of discovering the “Shape of a Nation” via WCP.


7.2 Themes and Stories

The following themes and supporting stories provide a structure intended to embrace all interpretation content.

Overall Theme

The coastline of Monmouthshire, threshold of Wales, is a landscape famous for its crossing points and transport corridor. The special nature and distinctive heritage of these shores, often hidden from view and passed by, are within easy reach via the Wales Coast Path.

Sub Theme

This coastline has been the site of strategic crossing points between Wales and England since Roman times, a place where evolving methods of “spanning the gap” have marked the rise of human ambition and ingenuity.

Supporting Stories

10,000 years ago, today’s estuary just a valley roamed by wild animals

Ferries since Roman times, C18th

rivalry between crossings, tidal risks

Railway – links to ferry (1860s), then tunnel (1880s) ended the ferries

Ferry re-established for cars in 1930s

Severn Bridge (1966) and Second Crossing (1996)

Sub Theme

The Monmouthshire coast is a treasured natural environment, where the habitats of the Severn Estuary and Gwent Levels – grassland, salt marsh, mud flat, tidal water – harbour rare, protected flora and fauna. Birdlife here is particularly special.

Supporting Stories

Why are the Estuary and Levels here? – geological heritage

Exceptional tidal range = special mud flat, salt marsh, island habitats

Wetland habitat of Gwent Levels, e.g. Magor Marsh

Birdlife – Bewick’s swan, dunlin, shelduck, cormorant, curlew, lapwing, snipe, redshank, herring gull, black-headed gull

Otters and water voles

Sub Theme

Throughout history this has been a land on the coastal margin, fortified against invaders, ruled over from castles, a corridor for transport, a place of industry and trade across the sea.

Supporting Stories

Prehistoric fortifications at Bulwarks Camp and Sudbrook fort

Story of Tewdrig Sant, King of Gwent

Medieval “southern march” castles of Caldicot and Chepstow

Chepstow sea port, remains of old harbours, boat find at Magor Pill

Lave net fishing at Black Rock

Shipbuilding / Industry / Engineering at The Pill and Sudbrook

Sub Theme

The Gwent Levels are at heart a rural landscape – wide open to the elements and protected from the sea, they have been farmed for centuries and are home to distinctive village communities.

Supporting Stories

Reclaiming and protecting the land – Roman seawall – reens & drains

Stories of inundation by flood, e.g. 1606 tsunami

Farming on the Levels

Village of Mathern


7.3 Initiatives Based on the findings of the audit and the strategic objectives of this plan, a series of initiatives is recommended below to develop interpretation along WCP Monmouthshire. These initiatives incorporate, update or replace existing interpretation, embrace projects in development and specify new interpretive provision. They include a range of media, not just panels, intended to give this section of WCP a more imaginative, distinctive appeal. The plan is sensitive to the need to avoid cluttering the route, thereby diminishing the unspoilt sections of open coastline. As directed, the plan makes proposals beyond the current level of funding available. Section 9.1 outlines suggestions for prioritising elements of these initiatives into “currently funded” and “require future funding” categories. The full list of initiatives: Bring together all the elements of the Monmouthshire Coast story into clearly

structured core materials that link directly with existing and proposed interpretation along the route.

Identify and explain more clearly the significance of the WCP start/finish point in Chepstow.

Replace existing interpretation at Black Rock with new provision that tells the main elements of the coastal story in a more compelling manner.

Embrace other separately managed interpretation along the route, both newly planned and already in place, within the overall approach.

Enhance storytelling by adding artefacts and art forms related to currently untold aspects of the coastal story, so that a more comprehensive and concerted WCP Monmouthshire narrative is established.

Build the coastal story into regional and national communication programmes. Each initiative is defined in detail on the following pages.


7.3.1 Bring together all the elements of the Monmouthshire Coast story into clearly structured core materials that link directly to existing and proposed interpretation along the route. Visitor Map

Create an attractive, illustrated Monmouthshire Coast map, presenting the route of the WCP and encompassing major points of visitor interest within the coastal belt.

As well as orientating the visitor along WCP, this would inform and encourage exploration of the wider coastal landscape.

Deliver this in interactive digital format for the web and in print. It should also be displayed at the Chepstow TIC, similarly to the Wye Valley map already there.

See example from Kent Coast below.


Digital

Build new web pages that tell the story of the Monmouthshire Coast, structured by the themes of this plan, incorporating the map above – position and host this within Monmouthshire’s overall web-based story for visitors/tourists.

Add Quick Response (QR) codes, and in future Near Field Communication (NFC) capability, to all the major items of interpretive provision defined in this plan – providing smart-phone users with the opportunity to access information about specific aspects of the coastal story provided by the web pages above.

N.B. QR codes are said to exist along WCP Monmouthshire at Black Rock and Sudbrook, although these were not observed during the audit. They resolve to web-based information at www.historypoints.org, a website designed to bring local history to mobile phones and used extensively along WCP. Web page content and QR code deployment should probably be integrated into this standard approach.

Develop a simple Monmouthshire Coast smart-phone app that provides a “front-end” for accessing all the web-based storytelling above.

As funding allows, take advantage of new digital technologies to (a) bring to life stories not visible on the ground today and (b) increase engagement with younger audiences – for example “augmented reality” techniques could be used to visualise the evolution of the Gwent Levels, whilst “location-based gaming” techniques could help create a trail experience that is both educational and fun.

History Points – WCP web page

http://www.historypoints.org/


Leaflet

Develop an informative Monmouthshire Coast leaflet, telling the story of the coastline in the same way as the web pages above, again incorporating the map and positioning within the wider Monmouthshire story.

Recommended to be one third A4 size when folded, A3 size when fully open.

Make this available free to visitors at Chepstow TIC, WCP start/finish point, Black Rock car park and elsewhere.

Example leaflet from Clwydian Range AONB in Denbighshire


7.3.2 Identify and explain more clearly the significance of the WCP start/finish point in Chepstow. The audit identifies that, despite the presence of the standing stones and ceramic design, it is not obvious to the uninformed visitor that this is the WCP start/finish point. Neither is its significance and orientation within the journey to “discover the shape of Wales” clearly explained.

It is suggested that this is remedied through the addition of an appropriate interpretive panel. This should be implemented sensitively as the site is already rather cluttered. The following specifications are recommended.

Utilise the top surface of the nearby stonework structure, or “cairn”, which currently displays a barely readable “Chepstow Flood Alleviation Scheme” plaque.

Remove the plaque – if it still needs to be displayed, renovate it and move it to an appropriate wall somewhere else along this stretch of riverside path.


Add a new panel to the surface, briefly telling the WCP/Offa’s Dyke story of discovering the shape of Wales, explaining that this is the start/finish point of WCP and that Offa’s Dyke is just over the bridge, including a simple orientation map and highlighting the relevance of the standing stones and ceramic map.

Ideally a leaflet dispenser might be added to the side of the cairn, although given security considerations it will probably be more appropriate to reference availability of the new Monmouthshire Coast leaflet at the nearby TIC.


7.3.3 Replace existing interpretation at Black Rock with new provision that tells the main elements of the coastal story in a more compelling manner. The audit identified Black Rock picnic site as the most visited and interpreted spot along the WCP Monmouthshire route, also that it is an ideal place to tell the story of the Severn Estuary crossings. The following actions are recommended.

Open up the area to be a genuine viewpoint in both directions along the estuary, removing the stockade-like fencing with its dilapidated panels and cutting back the vegetation.

Create a welcoming space in which to sit or stand and contemplate the sweep of the estuary between the two bridges, utilising the existing wall and adding further stonework to define the space and provide seating.

Mount new interpretation panels lectern style on the wall to cover: (a) the special qualities of the estuary as a natural wonder (b) the history of human endeavour and ingenuity in crossing the estuary (c) the amazing birdlife of the estuary, potentially visible in the view ahead.

Include a tactile map in the new structure, positioning Black Rock within WCP Monmouthshire and highlighting a few major places on the journey around Wales.

It is suggested that the Lave Net Fishing story, special to this location, should continue to be told separately from the new structure. Today’s Lave Net panel further along the path, information on the Fishery noticeboard and the fishes hanging in the trees should ideally be enhanced to better accomplish this. A plan to improve these materials should be developed with the fishing society. This might include moving the hanging fishes to a point more visible from the path and nearer to the Lave Net panel.


7.3.4 Embrace other separately managed interpretation along the route, both newly planned and already in place, within the overall theme and story structure. Newly Planned Interpretation At the time of writing this plan, two interpretation projects along the route are known to be in development, at Mathern and at Sudbrook. These are incorporated into this plan as follows. Becky Hughes at Adventa is coordinating both projects. Mathern – Tewdrig Sant

A new interpretive panel (shown below) has been produced and is about to be installed alongside the wooden statue of Tewdrig Sant outside Mathern church. It will tell the story of this King of Gwent and link with other important locations in Monmouthshire via the recently defined Tewdrig Trail.

The Tewdrig Trail starts at Tintern, where there is already another panel and statue of Tewdrig Sant, one of six important figures depicted at Tintern’s Old Railway Station. The trail extends beyond Mathern to the west on sections of WCP. Signage and routing, currently in development, will need to be positioned carefully to avoid confusion with WCP and to be consistent with its routing constraints, notably at the Rogiet divergence.


Sudbrook – transport/industrial and Iron Age heritage

The Caldicot and District Historical and Archaeological Society is working with Adventa, the regional development agency, to enhance its heritage centre in the Non-Pol Club at Sudbrook. Their aim is to dovetail interpretive enhancements with the recommendations of this plan.

The following priorities have been discussed and are recommended for Sudbrook interpretation:

- Focus on the story of Engineering, Industry and the Tunnel that establised Sudbrook as a settlement.

- Better highlight the presence of the heritage centre within the Club through engaging signage / artefacts outside on WCP.

- Establish professionally developed interpretation facilities within the centre.

- Develop the Club as a quality refreshments venue, with longer opening hours, linked to Monmouthshire’s Food Capital of Wales theme.

- Another possibility in Sudbrook is to place a panel by the iron age fort to illustrate its former layout and role, working with Cadw on content.

Interpretation Already in Place

There are two other sets of interpretive material along the route, i.e. Chepstow Heritage Trail and Warren Slade Woodland.

They are recognised as part of the WCP user’s experience along these sections of the route. They should also be borne in mind when aggregating storytelling along the path, for example into leaflet and web content.

Each has a local storytelling role separate from WCP. Accordingly they are managed independently and are not the subject of specific recommendations here. Nevertheless, it should be ensured that any future enhancements are coordinated in a way that takes account of their impact on the overall interpretive experience of WCP Monmouthshire.


7.3.6 Enhance storytelling by adding artefacts and art forms related to currently untold aspects of the coastal story, so that a more comprehensive and concerted WCP Monmouthshire narrative is established. There are opportunities to highlight currently untold stories along this coast through further visible interpretive provision. To better capture the imagination of users and avoid “panel overload”, it is recommended that this is achieved with thought provoking art forms and artefacts, rather than more panels. It is important that new interpretation does not clutter the route, especially along unspoilt shoreline sections. Accordingly, additional provision should be carefully sited in places where it enhances the experience rather than diminishes the ambience. Where appropriate, new interpretation should link with the region’s inland heritage and visitor highlights, alluding to the coast’s role in the wider story of Monmouthshire. It should also take the opportunity to enhance the route’s less interesting divergences, especially at Rogiet, with interpretive points of interest. Overall, this new material, together with the enhanced provision detailed in the initiatives above, should create the sense of an informal yet connected storyline along Monmouthshire coast. It would not however result in an overt sculpture trail. All these items, offering limited text explanation onsite, should be included in digital interpretation of the area via the installation of QR codes, leading to web-based information. They should also be referenced in the new Monmouthshire Coast leaflet. See section 7.3.1 for further details. Recommendations for specific provision are outlined on the following pages.


Tarmac track near River Wye (24)

For those walking away from Chepstow this is a special place as it represents a first emergence from the urban setting of the town. The track down towards the Wye was designed with a stopping point in mind and was provided with a seat, which has since been stolen.

A new seat should be securely added to the small area of tarmac to the side of the path, taking in the view of the Wye and railway line. The seat design might incorporate motifs of the river, alluding to the more rural landscape now in view, showing plant and/or animal life typical (perhaps formerly) of this riverside area.


Tunnel under M48 (34)

The work of street art in the tunnel here should be enhanced to specifically reference the Wales Coast Path, perhaps through an illustration of walkers along the Gwent Levels shoreline – salt marsh, seawall, drained pasture – heading off into the western sunset.

The Pill, Caldicot (67)

The outflow of the Nedern Brook at Caldicot Pill into the Severn Estuary was once the entrance to a navigable channel up towards Caldicot Castle.

Just inland from here, The Pill was once an area of heavy industry – shipbuilding in the 18th century, wireworking and tinplating in the 19th century. This industrial heritage should be evoked by robust artefacts at location 67, such as an old anchor and a rusting roll of heavy duty wire, explained by a plaque, perhaps as envisioned below.


Location 71 by Caldicot

Alongside the kissing gate here is a stretch of wooden fencing. On either side of the top rung of the fence, tactile discs might illustrate typical plant, animal and birdlife of the Gwent Levels, explained by a small plaque.

Caldicot railway station (72)

This is an obvious place to recognise the role of the railway in the modern development of this landscape. An artefact from a scrapped steam engine would be the ideal item to site here, perhaps a smoke stack or a wheel, explained by a simple plaque.

An example steam locomotive wheel is shown below.


Rogiet Moor (between 72 and 73)

This section of the route follows the course of reens and drains, important elements of the Levels’ drainage system. This unattractive part of the Rogiet divergence is a place where interpretation can be added without loss of ambience.

It is suggested that some physical indication of the major and often tragic impact on human life of flooding is placed along the route. This might focus on the 1606 tsunami, when over 2000 lifes are believed to have been lost on the Levels.

This could be a simple, indicative (not actual) water level height display, showing the presence of inundating sea water here at various time in history, with a few words of explanation in each case, e.g. “1606 – Gwent Levels inundated by tsunami – more than 2000 lives lost”.


M4 Tollbooths service road (74)

Dominated by electricity pylons and the nearby M4 motorway, this is a section where physical interpretation would add interest for the visitor. Wind turbines on the Gwent Levels and across the estuary at Avonmouth can be seen from this higher point, where a further windfarm is proposed. It is therefore a good place to reference the role of this transport corridor in power generation and transmission.

A large artefact of electricity generation, similar to the example shown below, could be placed here, explained by a simple plaque.


Caldicot Moor track junction (76)

This location is at the intersection of two of the many ditches, dug historically and maintained today, that drain the Gwent Levels. A rather empty and uninspiring spot, dominated by featureless tracks and pylons, this is an ideal place to allude to the land protection and drainage story so fundamental to the landscape here.

A sculpture depicting the drainage of the Gwent Levels should be commissioned to stand here, perhaps based on the idea of a 3D map, showing the intersecting gridwork of drains and reens hereabouts, bounded to the south by the coast.

This could be cast in steel, a reference to the not far distant Llanwern steelworks. It might incorporate a cross-section of a reen, also perhaps a simple engraving of men digging the original ditches in pre-Medieval times. A few engraved words would add to the storytelling. The sculpture might incorporate a seat.

A similar example is shown below.


Magor Pill (79)

Add a short section of fencing, along the seaward edge of the path atop the seawall, adjoining the boundary fencing next to the kissing gate. This should have a wider than usual top surface designed in the shape of a Medieval boat hull, inset with tacticle discs illustrating key species of birdlife here. The boat shape would relate to the 1994 find of a Medieval boat in the salt marsh here.


Cold Harbour Pill (audit location 81)

At Cold Harbour Pill show the Newport/Monmouthshire border with some form of boundary marker – perhaps a simple, artistic, wooden or metal structure with “Monmouthshire” and “Newport” written on its respective sides – built into the fence line between the kissing gate and the edge of the seawall, replacing the unattractive square of black fencing currently in place.


7.3.7 Build the coastal story into regional and national communication programmes. A number of wider communication programmes encompass elements of the Monmouthshire Coast story. Content should be developed consistently with these. Coastal storytelling should also aim to be included within them, to gain wider visibility. Adventa (Monmouthshire’s EU-funded Rural Development Programme) – Becky Hughes

Opportunity for linkage with plans to highlight:

Fishing and the Wales Coast Path at Blackrock

Industrial heritage and Severn Tunnel at Sudbrook

Former shipbuilding at The Pill, Portskewett Adventa are also documenting a number of local “Trails through Time” walks developed in collaboration with communities, e.g. at Mathern. Gwent Wildlife Trust (GWT) – Rebecca Price

The Gwent Levels is one of GWT’s four Living Landscape areas.

Link storytelling with Magor Marsh, a GWT Nature Reserve near the coast - a mosaic of damp meadows, reedbed, wet woodland and drainage ditches, hosting a vibrant education centre.

Cadw – Dave Penberthy

Especially the iron age forts at Bulwarks Camp and Sudbrook

Also linkage to Caldicot Castle and even Caerwent

Monmouthshire Destination Development – Nicola Smith

Linkage with Monmouthshire’s wider tourism themes and media, especially “Food Capital of Wales” where applicable.

“Welcome Monmouthshire” Programme – Mark Lloyd

Especially circular routes planned to incorporate WCP


7.4 Standards

7.4.1 Accessibility Interpretation along the coast should aim to be as widely accessible as possible, both physically and intellectually, taking into account the needs of all ages, genders, abilities, backgrounds and ethnicities. It should conform to appropriate legal requirements, including those of the Disability Discrimation Act. All interpretation should be bilingual, with Welsh as the primary and English as the secondary language. The positioning of interpretation and the information it carries should take full account of the Health and Safety requirements of the location. 7.4.2 Branding and Design It is recommended that some simple, practical design guidelines be developed and documented as a basis for interpretation of the Monmouthshire Coast, covering panels and other physical interpretation, digital and printed materials. These should be consistent with two wider sets of standards:

Wales Coast Path branding and interpretation.

Monmouthshire County Council’s tourism positioning and branding. 7.4.3 Style and Tone of Communication Interpretation should be based on the established principles of:

Provoke – capturing the visitor’s imagination through engaging ideas

Relate – ensuring interpretation relates to the target audience

Reveal – bringing new insights to the visitor’s attention Interpretation should be as interactive as possible, encouraging visitors to engage with their environment or the interpetation itself wherever appropriate. Content and language should relate directly to the interpretation themes. All communications should be written from the perspective of the visitor and couched in straightforward, non-technical language. The tone should be engaging and inclusive, introducing humour where appropriate.


8. Implementation

8.1 Priorities This plan prioritises recommended actions for both signage and interpretation, identifying:

Phase 1 – required items that will be implemented from current project budget

Phase 2 – desired items that will require further funding Required items for current (Phase 1) implementation:

1. High priority waymarking actions

2. Information signage - divergence, conservation (including dog control)

3. Directions to WCP start/finish in Chepstow

4. Enhancement of WCP start/finish interpretation

5. Replacement of Black Rock interpretation

6. Digital interpretation 1 a. Illustrated Monmouthshire Coast map b. Basic web design/content for Phase 1 interpretation c. QR code installation for Phase 1 interpretation

7. Monmouthshire Coast leaflet version 1 (softcopy only) Desired items for future (Phase 2) implementation:

1. Low priority waymarking actions

2. New on-trail interpretation a. Nature sculpted seat at location 24 b. Shipbuilding / Wire making artefacts at location 67 c. Tactile discs at location 71 d. Steam engine artefact at Caldicot Station e. Water Level display on Rogiet Moor f. Power generation/transmission artefact at location 74 g. Gwent Levels drainage sculpture at location 76 h. Extended fencing / Boat hull / Birdlife discs at Magor Pill i. Border marker at Cold Harbour Pill

3. Digital interpretation 2 a. Basic web design/content for Phase 2 interpretation b. QR code installation for Phase 2 interpretation c. Smart-phone App d. Enhanced web content

4. Monmouthshire Coast leaflet version 2 (soft and hardcopy)


8.2 Timetable The following is the implementation schedule for Phase 1 of this project at the time of finalising this plan. This will be updated elsewhere as delivery proceeds.

Date Action Responsibility Status

October

2 Inception meeting Done

5 Draft project implementation plan Ivor Done

8-12 Provide background documentation Helen / Ruth / Matthew Done

15-16 Audit fieldwork Ivor / ARC Done

22-4Nov Document audit Ivor Done

November

5-9 Finalise and approve audit Ivor / Helen Done

12-29 Develop signage and interpretation plans Ivor Done

December

3-7 Review plans

Confirm priorities

Helen / Ruth / Matthew

Done

10-21 Draft information signs

Develop initial ideas for Black Rock

Ivor

Ivor/Phil

Done

Done

January

7-11 Draft Content for Chepstow and Black Rock

Refine Black Rock concepts

Ivor

Phil

Done

Done

14-18 Black Rock site visit All Done

21-25 Feedback on Info Signs and Panels

Draft copy for Chepstow / Black Rock panels

Matthew / Helen / Ruth

Ivor

Done

Done

28-1Feb Draft leaflet content outline Ivor Done

February

4-8 Feedback on leaflet content outline

Feedback on panels

Helen / Matthew / Ruth


Done

Done

11-15 Issue third project invoice ARC Done

18-22 Deliver Information Signs design proofs

Chepstow / Black Rock panels design drafts

Ivor / Phil

Ivor / Phil

Done

Done


25-1Mar Approve Information Signs design proofs

Feedback on panel design drafts

Redraft leaflet content outline

Approve leaflet content outline

Document Black Rock improvements plan

Approve Black Rock improvements plan

Matthew


Ivor

Matthew

Chris

Matthew

Done

Done

Done

Done

Done

Done

March

Finalise panel design proofs

Approve panel design proofs

Deliver engraved map design for Black Rock

Approve engraved map design for Black Rock

Deliver leaflet copy, map and design

Approve leaflet copy, map and design

Deliver web pages copy and design

Approve web pages copy and design

Production / Delivery / Installation of all items

Issue final project invoice on completion

ARC

Matthew

Phil

Matthew

Ivor / Phil

Matthew

Ivor / ARC

Matthew

ARC / MCC

ARC

April

Review project / Plan Phase 2 All


9. Resources

9.1 Budget Total project funds are summarised as follows. All figures exclude VAT.

Item £s ex VAT

Original Budget

Total as per approved proposals 18,700

Extra Budget

Further funding for map, web, QRcodes, leaflet 5,500

Original + Extra Budget

Grand Total of funds allocated 24,200

The allocation of these funds to project specific items is shown in the budget on page 44. This includes implementation of Phase 1 elements described above. Phase 2 elements described above are not funded at the time of writing this plan. Outline costs for these items are also included below on pages 45 and 46. All figures exclude VAT.


Item Detail Cost (£s ex VAT)

Research, Planning, Content Development

Signage and Interpretation Audit Complete review of all signage and interpretation, in place and potentially required

1,200

Signage and Interpretation Plan Overall plan for all signage and interpretation, including phases 1 (funded) and 2 (future)

1,200

Content Development Research and development of core concepts and content 1,800

Sub-total 4,200

Phase 1 Implementation

High priority way-marking actions MCC installation using existing stock

Information signage

A4 signs, vinyl mounted onto aluminium

Divergence, 5 pairs of signs = 10

Conservation (including dog control) = 10

ARC design, production and installation

Design, £150 per different sign, i.e. x5 divergence pair + 1 standard conservation sign = £900

Production, £100 each x20 = £2000

Installation (surface mounted to posts/walls with security fixings), £10 each x20 = £200

3,100

Directions to WCP start/finish in Chepstow MCC installation using existing stock

Enhancement of WCP start/finish interpretation

New panel fitted to existing cairn

MCC to move existing cairn


Design = £600

Production of panel = £300

Install of panel surface mounted to stone cairn=£200

1,100

Replacement of Black Rock interpretation

3x A1 vinyl/aluminium panels, mounted onto existing wall

To create a circular stone seat/table centre piece for interpretive space. The structure to have etched metal map built into the surface.

Other associated works by MCC / subcontractor.


Design, £700x3 = £2100

Production of 3 panels = £1000

Installation of 3 panels = £1000

Design and build of stone centre piece with etched metal map = £6000

10,100

Digital interpretation 1

Illustrated Monmouthshire Coast map

Detailed illustrated coastal visitor map

ARC design and production

2,000

Basic web design/content

Summary WCP Monmouth web pages

2x uploadable web pages for the 2x Phase 1 interpretation media above

ARC design and production = £900

Ivor Coleman extra writing for summary WCP Monmouthshire pages = £600

1,500

QR code installation

To be added to the 2 Phase 1 interpretation media above

ARC production and installation

200

Monmouthshire Coast leaflet (V1 – softcopy)

To write and design a DL leaflet comprising of an A3, folded in half to A4 and concertina folded down to 99x210mm (DL 12pp) , delivered as PDF.

ARC design, print-ready production = £1400

Ivor Coleman extra writing for leaflet = £600

2,000

Sub-total 20,000

Overall Expenditure

GRAND TOTAL 24,200


N.B. Phase 2 depends on the acquisition of further funding and is estimated here in outline for information only. It includes a number of artefacts for which no cost has been specified, in the anticipation that it may be possible for MCC to source these potentially scrap items at low cost or as donations through public sector channels.

Phase 2 (future funding required)

Implementation (Design, Production and Installation)

Cost (£s ex VAT)

Low priority waymarking actions MCC installation using existing stock

New on-trail interpretation:

Nature sculpted seat at location 24

Sculptural fret-cut galvanised steel seat


4,000

Shipbuilding/Wire making artefacts at 67

E.g. an anchor and a roll of industrial strength wire, with A4 vinyl/aluminium plaque pole-mounted concreted in ground

MCC to source and position artefacts

ARC plaque design / installation

Design, £300 - Production, £500 - Installation, £600

1,400

Tactile discs at location 71

4x tactile etched metal discs + small plaque, surface mounted to existing fence with security fixings

tbc


Design, £150x5 =£750

Production, £80x5 =£400

Installation, £125

tbc

Steam engine artefact at Caldicot Station

E.g. piston or set of wheels, with an A4 vinyl/aluminium plaque affixed

MCC to source and position artefact



1,000

Water level display on Rogiet Moor

2m tall “inundation level” marker post, set in concrete in ground alongside track


Enamelled pressed steel: design and production £1000, install £300 = £1300

Alternative: Steel reinforced sleeper: design and production £1400, installation £600 = £2000

1,300

Power generation artefact at 74

E.g. a large dynamo, with an A4 vinyl/aluminium plaque affixed

MCC to source and position artefact



1,000

Gwent Levels drainage sculpture at 76

Tactile SG iron sculpture, incorporating a bench (Approx 1000mm W x 1000mm D x 500mm H)


Design, £600

Production of CNC routed pattern and SG Iron, £3000

Installation, £600

4,200

Boat hull/birdlife discs at Magor Pill

Carved timber outline of medieval boat hull (approx 1000mm W x 400mm D) mounted as top surface of fencing extension

4x tactile etched metal discs (100mm diameter) depicting birdlife, plus 2 small plaques, to be set into the surface

MCC to install fencing extension


Design and production of boat carving, £2000

Design of discs and plaque, £150x6 = £900

Production of discs and plaque, £80x6 = £480

Installation of all elements including construction of brackets to mount carved surface, £600

3,830

Border marker at Cold Harbour Pill

Details tbc

tbc tbc


Digital interpretation 2:

Basic web design/content

9x uploadable web pages for the 9x Phase 2 interpretation media above

ARC design and production

2,700

QR code installation

To be added to the 6 Phase 2 interpretation media above

ARC production and installation

900

Smart-phone App

Basic front end, leading to web content

ARC design and production 1,000

Enhanced web content

Potential for augmented reality reconstruction and location-based gaming

Details to be discussed and confirmed tbc

Monmouthshire Coast leaflet (V2 – hardcopy)

To update and print a DL leaflet comprising of an A3, folded in half to A4 and concertina folded down to 99x210mm (DL 12pp) x 5000 copies

ARC design, production, print 2,000

Content development / Copywriting for all Phase 2 elements

IC research and writing tbc

Total tbc


9.2 Team The following people will be involved in advising on, developing and/or implementing this signage and interpretation plan. Monmouthshire County Council

Countryside and Tourism:

Matthew Lewis Countryside Manager

Helen Howlett Coastal Access Improvement Officer

Ruth Rourke Rights of Way Officer

Nicola Smith Food and Tourism Manager

Becky Hughes Tourism and Innovation Officer (Adventa)

Mark Langley Education Officer

Mike Noakes WCP Signage

Dennis Manning Caldicot Castle

Katie Burton Chepstow TIC

Partners

Matt Bajowski Internal Drainage Board, Gwent Levels

Rebecca Price Gwent Wildlife Trust

Joanne Gossage Newport City Council

Dave Penberthy Cadw Local Community

Peter Strong Caldicot and District Archaeological and Historical Society

External Suppliers

Ivor Coleman Planning and Development

ARC Creative Design Design, Production and Installation - Phil Rutt - Chris Addison - Tom Cann - Mike Reynolds

signage and interpretation plan - monmouthshire · bringing to life untold aspects of the coastal...

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