Unit EC25 Research and plan environmental interpretations
Element EC25.1 | Element EC25.2
About this unit
This unit deals with interpretive planning which is essential for effective interpretation and is also an important tool in managing visitor pressure on conservation features. The unit is about researching and planning integrated interpretive activities relating to sites or environmental topics. Sound research and planning is essential if interpretation is to meet the differing needs of the public. Visitors may have a general interest in a site and require an overview of it’s features and uses. Alternatively, visitors may have special interests and require information on specific aspects of the site or on a specific environmental topic. In each case, careful research and planning will enable these needs to be met by the information provided.
You must be able to identify the needs of the intended audience, be clear about your research objectives, and use appropriate sources of information. You must ensure that your research is appropriate to the focus of the interpretation (i.e. a geographical area/site or specific environmental topics). You research objectives should include the identification and development of themes and messages.
You must also consider a range of issues such as potential site hazards, environmental and social impact, site access and resource requirements. Environmental and social impacts can be negative (erosion pressure, traffic congestion) and positive (enhanced environmental understanding, boosts to local economy).
Again, it is essential that your planning takes into account the requirements and expectations of the intended audience. Your planning also should identify and avoid materials/situations likely to be unsuitable for, or objectionable to, the group.
This unit is for all environmental conservation staff who have responsibility for planning interpretation of the environment.
» Element EC25.1 Research information for interpretations
» Element EC25.2 Plan interpretations
Element EC25.1 Research information for interpretations
What you must be able to do:
- accurately establish the nature, requirements and expectations of the intended audience
- formulate clear research objectives
- ensure your research objectives link the nature and requirements of the audience, the sites to be visited and the focus of interpretation
- use appropriate information sources effectively and economically
- assess all information obtained for accuracy and appropriateness to the intended audience
- identify and access additional sources of information where necessary
- ensure that throughout your research you optimise the goodwill of information providers
- ensure that throughout your work you take account of the environmental and social impact of proposed interpretations
This standard covers:
A. audiences:
- groups - general interest
- groups - special interest
B. interpretations:
- geographical areas or sites
- specific environmental topics
- environmental themes
What you must know and understand:
- why it important to carry out and check research
- how to establish the nature, requirements and expectations of the
intended audience - the ways in which the needs of different audiences may vary, and how
this impacts on your research - why it is important to formulate clear research objectives
- how to link to needs of the audience with the sites to be visited and
the focus of interpretation - relevant information sources, and how to access and use them
effectively - how to check information for accuracy and relevance; reasons why this
is important ways in which you can optimise the goodwill of
information providers - how to take account of potential environmental and social impact of
interpretations; reasons why this is important
Element EC25.2 Plan interpretations
What you must be able to do:
- ensure the information you compile for interpretations is reliable and accurate
- relate the planned interpretations to the nature and requirements of the audience, the sites to be visited and the focus of interpretation
- accurately identify the potential hazards of any sites to be visited and relate them to the nature of the intended audience
- ensure that your plans take account of potential site hazards and minimise their effects on the audience
- ensure that your plans allow for the use of a range of appropriate interpretive methods
- ensure that your plans take account of the potential environmental and social impact of the proposed interpretation and aim to sustain the special character of the site
- negotiate and agree site access arrangements prior to planned visits
- accurately identify the required resources and confirm their availability
- respect the confidentiality of information
This standard covers:
A. audiences:
- groups - general interest
- groups - special interest
B. interpretations:
- geographical areas or sites
- specific environmental topics
- environmental themes
C. resources:
- time
- human
- physical
- financial
- information
What you must know and understand:
- importance of careful and thorough planning
- how to establish the reliability and accuracy of information compiled for interpretations
- how to plan interpretations and select methods best suited to the needs of the audience, the sites to be visited and the focus of interpretation
- how to recognise specific site hazards and minimise their impact on visitors; consequences of failing to identify hazards and plan accordingly
- the range of methods, resources and approaches available, and their suitability
- to take account of potential environmental and social impact of interpretations; reasons why this is important
- how to identify what access arrangements need to be made and with whom
- how to negotiate and agree appropriate site access arrangements; consequences of failing to make appropriate access arrangements prior to visits
- how to identify the resources required for your plans
- importance of confirming availability of resources; consequences of failing to ensure required resources are available
- the need for appropriate levels of confidentiality
