60
c. Heeps . V. May
discovery which has the added benefit of encouraging them to become more actively
involved at specific sites through volunteer or "Friends" groups. At a more strategic
level educational strategies and networking initiatives are also developing; marine educators within Dorset have established their own voluntary network, called Dorset
Coastlink, in order to take marine interpretation and education into the next millennium. However, their continued success will depend heavily upon adequate financial
resourcing which has yet to be secured.
6.6
Providing thel/Public Window to the Marine Environment"
Situated midway along the English Channel coast, the inshore waters and coastal geology of Dorset are internationally renowned. The coast is a popular destination for tourists, recreational users and educational groups. This south-western area of the English
Channel contains many marine species at the northern limits of their geographical
range; it is also one of the busiest shipping areas in the world and an area that is extensively fished. More recently, oil and gas exploration has been carried out in close proximity to the shore, raising environmental concerns along the Dorset coast which is a
proposed World Heritage Site. Yet most of its splendour is hidden from the view of the
many people that work these waters or rely on them for leisure and recreation. To remedy this, a number of visitor centres along the Dorset coast are making the marine
environment accessible to all. By investing in high technology equipment these centres
are capturing the imagination of visitors by providing the "public window to the marine environment". The key sites are (Fig. 6.1): Durlston Marine Research Area, Kimmeridge Bay Voluntary Marine Nature Reserve (Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve), Lulworth
Cove Heritage Centre, Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve and the Charmouth Heritage
Centre. Table 6.1 summarises the techniques used to present marine information at each
site. The methods used to facilitate improvements in the public understanding of science
at three of those sites (Durlston, Kimmeridge and Charmouth) are described below.
A Marine Research Area and Coastwatch Project is located at Durlston Country Park.
Sheer limestone cliffs prevent access to the shoreline, but the cliffs and the sea around
the headland have become accessible using modern technology. The colony of guillemots (Uria aalge) at Durlston Country Park is normally hidden from the direct view of
visitors walking the clifftop path. Until recently only boat passengers had an opportunity to view them at relatively close quarters, but not without some level of disturbance.
In 1993 a real-time video camera was installed on the cliff enabling live pictures of the
guillemot colony to be transmitted back to a TV screen in the visitor centre. Visitors are
able to witness the "private lives" of parent birds and their young throughout the spring!
summer breeding season. The clarity of the pictures and the ability to view the colony
without disturbance provide a superb opportunity not only to enhance visitor enjoyment but also to help manage visitors more safely and effectively. Introductory sessiohs with visiting parties before they explore the park and its clifftop walks allow
centre staff to explore a wide range of coastal topics using the camera. Live pictures
from the cliff are used to explain ecological and conservation issues, whilst pictures of
the sea and marine traffic including ferries, military vessels, cargo carriers, fishing boats,
lifeboats and recreational craft illustrate the economic importance of the sea as well as
the hostile nature of coastal waters in storm conditions.
c. Heeps . V. May
discovery which has the added benefit of encouraging them to become more actively
involved at specific sites through volunteer or "Friends" groups. At a more strategic
level educational strategies and networking initiatives are also developing; marine educators within Dorset have established their own voluntary network, called Dorset
Coastlink, in order to take marine interpretation and education into the next millennium. However, their continued success will depend heavily upon adequate financial
resourcing which has yet to be secured.
6.6
Providing thel/Public Window to the Marine Environment"
Situated midway along the English Channel coast, the inshore waters and coastal geology of Dorset are internationally renowned. The coast is a popular destination for tourists, recreational users and educational groups. This south-western area of the English
Channel contains many marine species at the northern limits of their geographical
range; it is also one of the busiest shipping areas in the world and an area that is extensively fished. More recently, oil and gas exploration has been carried out in close proximity to the shore, raising environmental concerns along the Dorset coast which is a
proposed World Heritage Site. Yet most of its splendour is hidden from the view of the
many people that work these waters or rely on them for leisure and recreation. To remedy this, a number of visitor centres along the Dorset coast are making the marine
environment accessible to all. By investing in high technology equipment these centres
are capturing the imagination of visitors by providing the "public window to the marine environment". The key sites are (Fig. 6.1): Durlston Marine Research Area, Kimmeridge Bay Voluntary Marine Nature Reserve (Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve), Lulworth
Cove Heritage Centre, Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve and the Charmouth Heritage
Centre. Table 6.1 summarises the techniques used to present marine information at each
site. The methods used to facilitate improvements in the public understanding of science
at three of those sites (Durlston, Kimmeridge and Charmouth) are described below.
A Marine Research Area and Coastwatch Project is located at Durlston Country Park.
Sheer limestone cliffs prevent access to the shoreline, but the cliffs and the sea around
the headland have become accessible using modern technology. The colony of guillemots (Uria aalge) at Durlston Country Park is normally hidden from the direct view of
visitors walking the clifftop path. Until recently only boat passengers had an opportunity to view them at relatively close quarters, but not without some level of disturbance.
In 1993 a real-time video camera was installed on the cliff enabling live pictures of the
guillemot colony to be transmitted back to a TV screen in the visitor centre. Visitors are
able to witness the "private lives" of parent birds and their young throughout the spring!
summer breeding season. The clarity of the pictures and the ability to view the colony
without disturbance provide a superb opportunity not only to enhance visitor enjoyment but also to help manage visitors more safely and effectively. Introductory sessiohs with visiting parties before they explore the park and its clifftop walks allow
centre staff to explore a wide range of coastal topics using the camera. Live pictures
from the cliff are used to explain ecological and conservation issues, whilst pictures of
the sea and marine traffic including ferries, military vessels, cargo carriers, fishing boats,
lifeboats and recreational craft illustrate the economic importance of the sea as well as
the hostile nature of coastal waters in storm conditions.