For details of signposting in the countryside, see Brown (1974), Agate (1983) and the Countryside Commission leaflet on waymarking public rights of way (1985). A few points should be kept in mind to make signposting effective:
- Signs with a positive, explanatory emphasis usually work better than those that simply prohibit.
- Dune restoration works should be explained in detail by signs at major access points and by small, briefly worded ‘reminder’ signs fixed every 20 metres or so along perimeter fences around planted or seeded areas.
- Signs restricting access should be as inconspicuous as possible, given the need to convey the message. For example, at Holkham National Nature Reserve, Norfolk, small signs are placed on short posts in backdune hollows where people tend to picnic. The signs say ‘Please dig on the beach and not on the dunes as this causes erosion. Thank you’. Only the people who use the hollows need see the signs. At Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Merseyside, discreet ‘No Entry’ signs on 600mm (2′) posts are placed along footpaths and beside gates in the dune woodlands, but some way back so that only people who stray from permitted paths come across them. This negative signposting is balanced by positive routemarking along the paths themselves.
- Many site managers feel that cheap-looking, mass-produced signs are more likely to be vandalised than carefully hand-routed signs in materials such as pine, which are sympathetic to the local environment. But any signs may become damaged, and it is always important to consider the number of signs involved and to weigh up the time and cost of replacement when choosing between different materials. Where it is not possible to give each sign the hand-made touch, it helps to have pasted-on maps etc which can be easily and cheaply replaced when ripped off. Whatever the material, good design is essential to provide a readable sign which is in keeping with the setting.
One system which is used on Merseyside and elsewhere is to make up blank signs as shown. A selection of sticky-backed signs with wording such as “Dune Restoration – please keep out” can then be attached as necessary. Such printed signs cost only about 50p each in quantity, and the wooden backing and posts about £2 (1986 prices).
- In tern nesting sites it is important to post explanatory signs near the zones of heaviest traffic, eg along the tide mark. If signs are posted for example at the foot of sand dunes behind the nesting beach, people may walk straight through the nest area to read the signs, completely unaware of the damage they are causing.
Waymarking
On many dune sites waymarking of both public rights of way and other paths such as nature trails is most important. Dunes can be very confusing areas to walk in, one dune looking very much like another to those not familiar with the area. Waymarking must be done consistently and given regular maintenance, so that visitors have confidence in following the marked route and are not tempted to make their own way. It can be important that people are kept to the path to avoid erosion or damage to restoration work, and to minimise disturbance to ecologically sensitive areas.
The usual technique is to use posts, with the tops painted the appropriate waymarking colour of yellow for footpaths, blue for 6ridlepaths and red for byways. Alternatively, colour coding may be used in conjunction with nature trails and interpretative material. Space the posts according to the topography, normally so that there is one always in view. Well worn or surfaced paths may not need such frequent spacing. Posts should be of tanalised timber, set at least 600mm (2′) in the ground, with cross pieces to prevent them being pulled out. Make them just tall enough to be easily visible.
At Walney Island, Cumbria, very short posts are used, protruding only about 300mm above ground. This saves on materials, and is sufficient on this site where the vegetation is cropped short by cattle. The posts are also less vulnerable to being used as rubbing posts by the cattle, although the posts still need to be set in dug holes and wedged in with rocks, to hold them firm. On this site it is vital that no visitors stray from the path, as an entire gull colony can be disturbed by a single intruder. Posts are set at a maximum distance of 50 metres. Frequent posts are also a good encouragement to walkers to keep going and complete the circuit, especially on sections where landmarks to aim for are few. Low signs, with black lettering on a white background are also used, large enough to be visible but not to intrude.
Another situation where waymarking is very important is through dunerestoration areas. This is especially important in the early stages, when fencing and planting may not be complete, and it is not immediately obvious, even to sympathetic visitors, which is the designated route. It saves much antagonism if you can avert trouble by clearly waymarking the route and informing the public. White painted posts and a temporary sign may be sufficient initially, with more permanent signs as necessary once the scheme is completed.
Also remember to mark paths at their seaward end. Having walked some way along a beach, it is often difficult to re-find the place where you emerged through the dunes. Use tall posts, painted white, on the seaward edge of the foredune, or put in several in a row down toward high water mark, so the point is easily visible. If there are several exits, use different colours.
