Nature Sign Design were approached by Irwell Valley Housing Association to design, manufacture and install a heritage trail around the historic area of Haughton Green. This required us to design interpretation signs to provide information about various buildings and areas along the route. These were to be accompanied by oak fingerposts to provide directions so the two mile route can be easily followed and an oak noticeboard which gives an overview of the trail.
In order to get the design and feel of the signage right we spent a lot of time with the client researching and discussing the history of the area. One of the things which resulted from this process was the colour scheme we would use. We found that Haughton Green had a beautiful bandstand made only a year or so earlier, and we had the idea to match the colour of our signage with that of the bandstand to blend in with the existing street furniture.
Helpfully we were supplied with lots of old photographs to use on the boards, which we digitally enhanced and are used to illustrate the content found on the boards.
To supplement the pictures we produced a hand drawn map of the area, and it is this map which shows the route to be taken around the village.
After the planning process had been completed and the final designs approved, we began the process of producing a large A0 size steel framed noticeboard complete with cast header, which starts the trail, along with the other 15 lecterns and uprights which were to be placed at important landmarks along the trail.
The next process was to install the signage for the trail. This required us to secure uprights into both soft and hard ground, this would present a large challenge for many companies because of the existing underground services, but with our state of the art cable detecting device we were able to make the installation process stress free.
Alongside the signs we were also commissioned to produce an A3 leaflet which is to be followed while walking the trail. The leaflet is great for keeping kids entertained as each sign contains an answer to a question posed in the leaflet. We also incorporated the mascot ‘Buzz’ the Buzzard into the leaflet and the signage for the children to enjoy.
Haughton Green Heritage Trail was opened in the summer with all local dignitaries attending and was a huge hit with the long-standing locals who enjoyed walking the trail and reminiscing about the good old days. Since then our signs and the trail have been getting great reviews, according to Maria Garnett, Neighborhood Project Manager, Irwell Valley “The boards have only just been installed and they are engaging lots of people. They link the past with the present in a vivid and accessible way…”.
So next time you are in the Tameside area why not visit Haughton Green, walk the heritage trail and see the signs that we created.
For more information why not visit the Haughton Green Heritage Trail website www.haughtongreenheritagetrail.co.uk
