standards for signs

Visitors on reserves handbook Section 4

Standards for All Communications These general standards apply to all forms of

communication on the reserve, for example signs,

displays and leaflets.

Registered charity no 207076

Key points

Messages should be:

• inspirational

• positive

• clear

• corporate

• succinct

• friendly

and should add to the visitors’ experience.

The message The way we say something, as well as the way the message is presented say a lot about us as an organisation. Messages should be: • inspirational • positive • clear • corporate • succinct • friendly

and should add value to the visitors’ experience • are the messages appropriate for the audience?

The RSPB logo The reserve and all its facilities, activities and information must be clearly labelled with the RSPB logo. Do not use the old logo or re-draw, alter or copy the current one. Logos are available on all RSPB PCs. Bromides and large colour print outs of logos are available from Creative Services.

Presentation All forms of written communication should be presented professionally and neatly. The should be sympathetic to the surroundings. Avoid hand-written notices and leaflets. Encapsulate notices before display.

Charity number By law, we must give the RSPB’s charity number on all publications. Use the following wording: RSPB registered charity no 207076.

Contact name and address Always give a contact name and address.

Be ‘green’ Where possible use the most environmentally friendly materials.

Bi-lingual Provide bi-lingual versions of all communications where necessary.

January 2002 © RSPB

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Logo request


Standards for Signs

Minimum number of signs There should be a presumption against producing a sign – consider alternative methods of communicating/affecting visitor behaviour

Identify need Make sure there is a need for the sign.

Messages Messages should be: • positive • clear • corporate • succinct • friendly

and should add value to the visitors’ experience

Sensitive siting Sensitive siting of signs is paramount; both in ensuring the message is read and reducing the impact on the countryside. Signs must be confined to car parks and entrances, unless there is an absolute need for low key directional signs or to explain work that may otherwise be misunderstood or disliked.

Regular maintenance Signs need to be maintained to be effective.

Use symbols Use standard symbols rather than words. They occupy less space and are universal.

For a sign to be effective:

• the message must be right

• the sighting must be right • the sign must be maintained regularly.


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Siting of Signs • The siting of signs is critical – they must be seen

to be read, but must not dominate the landscape.

• Use a landscape format (wider than it is high) – this has less impact on the surroundings.

• The lower the sign is positioned the less the impact on the surroundings.

• Position signs so that their background prevents them from being obtrusive but assists in reading the message – consider all light and weather conditions and the seasons.

• Consider your audience and their eye-levels.

• Position the sign where your audience are comfortable reading it. Consider aspect, slope, ground conditions and how exposed the site is.

• A low sign angled at 60o is acceptable to adults, children and wheelchair users.

Site signs as low as possible – people tend to look down not up

Key points

• Siting is critical.

• Consider the audience.

• Consider the landscape.


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Welcome Sign This should be the first sign visitors see, so its siting

and maintenance is critical. It should be put as close

as possible to the point where visitors leave the

highway/cross the reserve boundary, but also at the

point where visitors will feel they have arrived on

the reserve.

Specification Please contact Creative Services at The Lodge for details.

Key points

• This sign sets the tone for the whole reserve.

• Consider the background to this sign carefully.


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Routed Wood Sign This is the preferred style for all signs on the

reserve.

Specification Timber: oak (kiln dried) – preferably home grown, left unstained. Plank size: depth: 150 mm; width (maximum): 1.5 m. Letter style: Helvetica upper and lower case, painted with white epoxy paint. Letter size: capital height 50 mm; minimum type size 12 mm capital height. Support Two 70 mm square sections tanalised softwood posts set in concrete to a depth of 300 mm. Fixings Secrete fixing from rear of sign. Height The top of the sign should be set no higher than 1 m above the ground. Maximum number of planks on one set of posts – 3.

Maintenance

Weekly Check the condition of the sign and fixings and take appropriate remedial action. Annual Check the condition of sign and fixings. If the wood requires treatment, lightly sandpaper the surface to remove loose material. Apply two coats of linseed oil. Repaint lettering with white epoxy paint if required.

Recommended suppliers: See next page.

Key points

• This is the preferred sign style.

• Use all capitals for mandatory messages.

• Use upper and lower case letters for all other messages.

• Maintain these signs annually.


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Routed Wood Sign Suppliers Forest Enterprise For sites south of the Mersey/Humber Forest Enterprise Signs Workshop Coed-y-Brenin Centre Ganllwyd Dolgellau Gwynedd LL40 2HY Tel: 01341 440215 Fax: 01341 440662 e-mail [email protected] For sites north of the Mersey/Humber Forest Enterprise North Scotland Moray District Balnacoul Fochabers Morayshire IV32 7LL Tel: 01343 821500 Fax: 01343 821500 R & G Bruce Wood Engravers 7 Viewforth Port Seton East Lothian EH32 0DR Tel: 01875 811281 Fax: 01875 811281 e-mail [email protected] Wood Graphics Jockey House Cottage Jockey Lane Gamston Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 8BL Tel/fax: 01777 838802 Mobile: 07630 365862 e-mail [email protected] Nuneaton Signs Kesley Close Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate Nuneaton Warwickshire CV11 6RS Tel: 024 7634 1922 Fax: 024 7664 1305 Web site: www.nuneatonsigns.co.uk e-mail: [email protected]


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mailto:[email protected]



http://www.nuneatonsigns.co.uk/



Routed Sign Specification


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Fingerposts This sign is essentially a routed wood sign cut to

form an arrow. The same lettering style should be

used.

Timber post Obtain a softwood timber post locally and treat to match the arrow. The recommended height for the lowest finger on the post is 2 m. Bevel the top of the post to 60o to facilitate water run-off. Slot the fingerpost through the same-size hole chiselled through the post and fix with unglued timber dowels. The siting of the fingerposts is critical. They should be set back sufficiently off the path to avoid the danger of people walking into them. Recommended suppliers Forest Enterprise For sites south of the Mersey/Humber Forest Enterprise Signs Workshop Coed-y-Brenin Centre Ganllwyd Dolgellau Gwynedd LL40 2HY Tel: 01341 440215 Fax: 01341 440662 e-mail [email protected] For sites north of the Mersey/Humber Forest Enterprise North Scotland Moray District Balnacoul Fochabers Morayshire IV32 7LL Tel: 01343 821500 Fax: 01343 821500

Wood Graphics Jockey House Cottage Jockey Lane Gamston Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 8BL Tel/fax: 01777 838802 Mobile: 07630 365862 e-mail [email protected]

Key points

• Only use at complicated intersections.

• Only use where the risk of vandalism is low.


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Fingerpost Specification


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Boundary/Trail-side Markers The purpose of the marker is to define the

boundaries of the reserve where it is appropriate to

do so.

The purpose of the trail-side marker is to confirm to

the visitor that they are on the trail route, and to

indicate a change of direction, a hazard or colour

coded trail.

A 150 mm square post using suitable native timber, set into 300 mm of concrete, with a logo (boundary marker), or metal arrow (trail-side marker), set into a routed depression on the face of the post. Alternatively these and other symbols can be routed directly into the timber, and coloured where appropriate. NB Use fingerposts at complicated intersections.

Height As low as possible, but the height of the top of the post should not exceed one metre.

Trailside marker

Maintenance Check the condition of the post and the graphic on a weekly basis. Take appropriate remedial action. Ensure that surrounding vegetation does not obscure the sign. Supplier Use local suppliers for simple hand routing. Use recommended suppliers (see routed wood signs) for more complex work.

Boundary marker

Key point

• Careful use of this type of sign can practically eliminate the need for other signs away from car parks and reception areas.


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Modular Information Sign This sign is to give visitors at unstaffed sites, basic

information of what, when and where to convey

something of the reserve’s importance, plus the

core RSPB messages. A reserve map should be

central to the design.

The sign should be located at the reserve’s main

entrance, either in the car park or outside the visitor

centre or information hide.

This information sign comprises seven A3 panels mounted in an oak frame with a routed oak header board. It provides opportunities to include different types of panel – white boards, pin boards and all-weather leaflet dispensers. The information can be changed as necessary without incurring huge costs. Production method – see flow chart The panels are printed on 2 or 3 mm glass reinforced plastic which is weather and vandal resistant. They can also be printed off a PC and encapsulated. Back with a 3 mm marine ply board. This is a cheaper alternative and useful in situations where the information changes regularly or vandalism is a problem. The oak structure is made to order.

Durability The oak structure is designed to last 20 years. The glass reinforced plastic should look good for up to 10 years. Standard encapsulated panels should be changed every 6 to 12 months. Size Seven A3 panels (297 mm x 420 mm) – three horizontal and four vertical. The overall size of the structure is 1.4 m high x 1.6 m wide. Fixing Text panels slot into the panel frame, which is hinged and locked to the main structure using Allen screws in the back of the sign. The oak structure is

supported by two 100 mm x 100 mm oak posts (not supplied), 3 m long and concreted into the ground. Mounting instructions are supplied with each sign. Height The top of the framework should be 2 m or less from the ground. Maintenance All the timber supplied is untreated. If timber needs it, apply linseed oil annually. Wipe down text panels with a damp cloth as necessary. Damaged panels should be replaced immediately. Recommended suppliers See separate sheet. Key points

• Use at busy sites which are open to visitors when the site is unstaffed and regularly visited, unstaffed sites.

• Avoid the inclusion of information that will date.


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Modular Information Sign: The Process

untry

Creative brief Messages based on those identified in Communications Plan. Brief written by warden and RPAM*. Species for line drawing illustration identified. Information for map gathered. Action – Warden, RPAM*

Completion Warden to install sign on site. Action – Warden

Map Brief and supporting information for map sent to Creative Services. Action – Warden

Creative Services to arrange contract and order and send information to map artist. Action – Creative Services

Map artist to send roughs directly to reserve and copy to Creative Services for comment. Action – Map artist

Comments on map sent back to map artist by warden and Creative Services.Action – Warden, Creative Services

Map artist to produce final artwork and overlay and send to Creative Services. Action – Map artist

Creative Services to arrange scanning of map and overlay. Action – Creative Services

Creative Services to send scanned map and overlay to text panel designer. Action – Creative Services

Text panel designer to place words on map overlay. Action – Designer

Panel manufacturer to send completed panels direct to reserve. Action – Panel manufacturer

Designer to send final artwork for text panels and map to approved panel manufacturer. Action – Designer

Amended and approved proofs returned to text panel designer. Action – Warden

Proofs of text panels sent to warden. Warden to circulate to RPAM*/RM for final approval. Action – Designer, Warden, RPAM*, RM

Brief, approved text and order sent to approved text panel designer by warden. Action – Warden

RPAM* to send comments on text back to warden. Warden to incorporate these. Action – RPAM*, Warden

First draft of text sent to RPAM* (or equivalent in Scotland) for comment. RPAM* to circulate to RM (and Creative Services, if necessary). Action – Warden, RPAM*

Text First draft of text written by warden. Action – Warden

Framework and headerboard Order for routed wood header board and wooden framework placed by warden with approved suppliers. Action – Warden

Completed framework suppliers deliver direct to reserve. Action – Approved suppliers

Uprights Order for timber uprights placed with local supplier. Action – Warden

Regional budget Modular sign identified in regional budget Action – Warden, Region/Co

Reserve Communications Plan Identify need and give justification for sign Action – Warden, Region/Country

*or equivalent in Scotland


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Modular Information Sign – The Layout


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Modular Information Sign – Suppliers Text panels Harry Scott Pica Design 51 Charlton Crescent Aboyne Aberdeenshire AB34 5GN Tel: 013398 86450 Mobile: 017801 657708 Fax: 013398 87557 e-mail – [email protected] Map Please contact Creative Services. Framework Richard Dowling Siop Gornel Llangynog Nr Oswestry Powys SY10 0ES Tel: 01691 860351 Fax: 01691 860351 e-mila [email protected] web site www.dowling.dircon.co.uk Bill Round Windy Nook Fairbourne Gwynedd LL38 2HJ Tel: 01341 250417 Fax: 01341 250417 E-mail: [email protected] Header board Forest Enterprise Signs Workshop Coed-y-Brenin Centre Ganllwyd Dolgellau Gwynedd LL40 2HY Tel: 01341 440215 Fax: 01341 440662 e-mail [email protected] Uprights Local supplier


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http://www.dowling.dircon.co.uk/




A3 Information Sign This A3 sign provides information about access and

visiting at secondary entrances of complex sites. For

low key sites it may be used as the main

information sign.

Size A3 horizontal (297 mm x 420 mm). Production method – see flow chart Signs are printed on 2 or 3 mm glass reinforced plastic. Fixing The sign should be fixed on to a backing board using either a frame or screw caps. Fix to two 70 mm x 70 mm posts. Mounting instructions are supplied with each sign. Height The top of the sign should be no more than 1.2 m above the ground.

Maintenance Monthly Wipe down with a damp cloth as necessary.

Recommended supplier See separate sheet. Key points

• For use at secondary entrances on complex sites.

• The main information point at low key sites.

• Include core reserve messages.


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A3 Information Sign – The Process

Creative brief Messages based on those identified in Communications Plan. Brief written by warden and RPAM*. Species for line drawing illustration identified. Information for map gathered. Action – Warden, RPAM*

Map Brief and supporting information for map sent to Creative Services. Action – Warden

Creative Services to arrange contract and order and send information to map artist. Action – Creative Services

Map artist to send roughs directly to reserve and copy to Creative Services for comment. Action – Map artist

Comments on map sent back to map artist by warden and Creative Services. Action – Warden, Creative Services

Map artist to produce final artwork and overlay and send text panel to designer. Action – Map artist

Completion Warden to install sign on site. Action – Warden *or equivalent in Scotland

Panel manufacturer to send completed panels direct to reserve. Action – Panel manufacturer

Designer to send final artwork for text panels and map to approved panel manufacturer. Action – Designer

Amended and approved proofs returned to text panel designer. Action – Warden

Proofs of text panels sent to warden. Warden to circulate to RPAM*/RM for final approval. Action – Designer, Warden, RPAM*, RM

Brief, approved text and order sent to approved text panel designer by warden. Action – Warden

RPAM* to send comments on text back to warden. Warden to incorporate these. Action – RPAM*, Warden

First draft of text sent to RPAM* (or equivalent in Scotland) for comment. RPAM* to circulate to RM (and Creative Services, if necessary). Action – Warden, RPAM*

Text First draft of text written by warden. Action – Warden

Regional budget Sign identified in regional budget Action – Warden, Region/Country

Reserve Communications Plan Identify need and give justification for sign Action – Warden, Region/Country


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A3 Information Sign: Suppliers Advice on the text for the signs from Liz Outhwaite,

Creative Services.

The following freelance designer also produce A3 information signs in conjunction with Creative Services. Harry Scott Pica Design 51 Charlton Crescent Aboyne Aberdeenshire AB34 5GN Tel: 013398 86450 Mobile: 017801 657708 Fax: 013398 87557 e-mail – [email protected]


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mailto:[email protected]?subject=A3 information signs



Trail Signs This is a paper graphic (illustration and text)

encapsulated in plastic, set into a routed depression

on a 60o angled surface. The graphic is covered with

a heavy duty rubber which hinges back to reveal the

message. This protects coloured images from

fading, allows the visitor to choose whether to look

at the information, and reduces its impact on the

countryside.

The purpose is to interpret wildlife or management

work that is in progress and that is visible from the

visitor route.

Support In most cases a natural timber ‘post’ will be appropriate, but stone or other natural material may be used. Ideally use an existing natural feature. Height As low as possible, but no higher than one metre. Key point

• Use the natural material that is appropriate for your reserve.

Maintenance

Weekly Ensure the graphic is clean and in good condition. Replace if necessary. Check that the surrounding vegetation does not obscure the sign, and that soil erosion or poaching does not become a problem for visitors. A certain amount of weathering/algae/natural deterioration of the support structure is acceptable.

Recommended supplier Contact Liz Outhwaite in Creative Services. Obtain support material locally.


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Temporary Signs Temporary signs should only be used in an

emergency to explain a problem or management

work and apologise for any inconvenience. Standard

Safety signs will cover some situations.

Specifications If you have a computer, you should have a programme to create temporary signs. If you do not have this programme, contact your local print shop or regional office. Use RSPB approved typefaces preferably Univers Medium 72pt, and the RSPB logo. Temporary signs should be removed as soon as possible. If it is necessary to have the message on site for a longer period, then the temporary sign should be replaced with a permanent sign from the sign menu. Fixings If time allows, encapsulate the sign. Although the sign is temporary, fixings should be secure. Attach the sign to a ply backing or to the existing flat surface.

Temporary signs can also be attached to A-frame boards. Make a plywood frame and treat with a light wood stain to seal. Pin the encapsulated notice to the board. Key points

• Use only for genuine emergencies.

• Follow the style guide.

• Remove as soon as possible.


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Temporary Sign Specification


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Safety Signs These are standard safety signs and notices, and

should be used in visitor centres, other public

buildings such as toilets, and around farm

operations and other potentially hazardous work

areas.

There are four styles of signs, in different colour ways to indicate the type of message. Blue is mandatory Red is prohibited Yellow is a hazard warning Green indicates a safe route or instruction Recommended supplier Signs and Labels Ltd Latham Close Bredbury Industrial Park Stockport Cheshire SK6 2SD Tel: 0161 494 6125

Key points

• Use in public buildings and work areas.

• Do not use in the countryside.


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Symbols A range of standard and easily recognisable

symbols are available for use on signs, for example

no entry, no dogs, dogs on leads. Use these

standard symbols on signs wherever it is practical

to do so. They are particularly useful when wanting

to give a negative instruction, eg no entry.

No dogs Guide dogs Dogs on leads admitted

Parking No parking Picnic area

Access by No bicycles No entry steps only

Warning To comply with new safety regulations warning

triangles should be black with a yellow centre.

When ordering routed signs with symbols use the

specification sheets provided. Symbols without a

coloured background will appear as white on the

timber background. The recommended suppliers

have the templates for all the appropriate symbols.

Key points

• Symbols are universal.

• They are useful when having to convey negative messages because they are friendly or neutral in tone.


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Plaques These are engraved bronze plaques to thank donors.

They are fixed to outdoor seating, hide doors or within visitor centres. Where displaying more than one plaque, group them on a timber background. Specification Six millimetre capital letter height using upper and lower case letters engraved and filled white on 16 swg (standard wire gauge) thick aluminium, bronzed and stoved, with a clear lacquer ground. Fixing Three millimetre diameter counter-sunk holes drilled in each corner, to take 12 mm brass screws with dipped heads. Recommended suppliers Malby’s Designs Imperial House Old Shoreham Road Shoreham-by-Sea West Sussex BN43 5TW Tel: 01273 461527

Key point

• Use only on ‘furniture’ (such as hides) or inside buildings.


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Tourist Sign This is the Department of Transport prescribed

direction sign for public highways. It is the only

style allowed. Planning permission must be

obtained for this sign.

Specification Aluminium sign with brown vinyl background with white vinyl lettering applied and heat adhesive laminated. In Scotland the background is blue and only one symbol appears – the Scottish thistle. Typeface is Transport Alphabet, a variant of Helvetica specially developed for use on road signs. The size depends on the road designation and speed of traffic, and site sensitivities. RSPB logo

In no circumstances must the logo be reversed to

face to the left.

Maintenance Don’t trust the local authority to keep the sign clean! Recommended supplier Only obtainable from your local authority.

Key points

• Planning permission must be obtained before installation.

• This is the only style allowed on the public highway.


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standards for signs

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