64
C. Heeps . V. May
they have found themselves rather than always relying on the availability of a member
of staff or centre volunteer. A small aquarium provides a living display about the rich
marine life to be found in the waters of Lyme Bay today and is accompanied by a CD
photo display which visitors can work through at their own pace. The computer-based
projects have been developed with undergraduate computing students from Bournemouth University, thus demonstrating that productive relationships can be nurtured
between universities and the public as well as providing important opportunities for
students to work on "live" projects.
6.7
"Sharing the Secrets of the Sea" - Dorset Coastlink - A Case Study in
Networking and Promoting Public Understanding of Coastal Science
Individual centres, however, can benefit from sharing the information. It also helps
manage visitors to a very popular coastline. In 1994, therefore, educators from each of
the Dorset sites met to discuss the range of educational and interpretation resources
available. This informal meeting resulted in the formation of a unique voluntary networking group called Dorset Coastlink, bringing together the individuals and organisations involved in providing education and interpretation. With the shared aim "to
raise awareness of Dorset's marine and coastal environments", the network provides a
much more coordinated approach to the protection and promotion of Dorset's coastal
waters and in so doing has taken a national lead. A countywide interpretation and education strategy is currently being developed which will make use of advances in electronic transfer of data - not only between sites themselves but also to other organisations such as schools, universities and tourist information centres, many of which may
be outside the county. It is hoped that this technology will allow potential visitors to
become better informed before their visit and plan accordingly. Alternatively, education groups will be able to study the Dorset coast throughout the year rather than during a I-week field visit, or without having to visit at all! Each centre within the Dorset
Coastlink network is able to develop its own interpretation, education and research
projects, but is doing so within a local framework rather than as an isolated site-based
approach. The network facilitates the exchange of information and sharing of expertise and skills within the group and each centre's community; all have a growing army
of volunteers who receive training for interpretative and research projects.
Another good example of the benefits of a more strategic approach to the provision
of interpretative opportunities for visitors is Marine Week, an annual event organised
by the Charmouth Heritage Centre. Marine Week encourages the general public to take
a fresh look at the marine environment, with activities ranging from boat trips and
using remote underwater cameras, to fossil walks and slide shows at various locations
within the locality. Many different organisations are involved, ranging from the local
NGOs, businesses and industry through to trade associations, thereby facilitating a closer
working relationship between the different interest groups. Being part of the Coastlink
network means that the other centres along the Dorset coast can schedule their own
activities and events around this special week to avoid clashes or to help promote the
Charmouth events.
In Dorset, stimulating and innovative education and interpretation coupled with a
strong network approach is:
C. Heeps . V. May
they have found themselves rather than always relying on the availability of a member
of staff or centre volunteer. A small aquarium provides a living display about the rich
marine life to be found in the waters of Lyme Bay today and is accompanied by a CD
photo display which visitors can work through at their own pace. The computer-based
projects have been developed with undergraduate computing students from Bournemouth University, thus demonstrating that productive relationships can be nurtured
between universities and the public as well as providing important opportunities for
students to work on "live" projects.
6.7
"Sharing the Secrets of the Sea" - Dorset Coastlink - A Case Study in
Networking and Promoting Public Understanding of Coastal Science
Individual centres, however, can benefit from sharing the information. It also helps
manage visitors to a very popular coastline. In 1994, therefore, educators from each of
the Dorset sites met to discuss the range of educational and interpretation resources
available. This informal meeting resulted in the formation of a unique voluntary networking group called Dorset Coastlink, bringing together the individuals and organisations involved in providing education and interpretation. With the shared aim "to
raise awareness of Dorset's marine and coastal environments", the network provides a
much more coordinated approach to the protection and promotion of Dorset's coastal
waters and in so doing has taken a national lead. A countywide interpretation and education strategy is currently being developed which will make use of advances in electronic transfer of data - not only between sites themselves but also to other organisations such as schools, universities and tourist information centres, many of which may
be outside the county. It is hoped that this technology will allow potential visitors to
become better informed before their visit and plan accordingly. Alternatively, education groups will be able to study the Dorset coast throughout the year rather than during a I-week field visit, or without having to visit at all! Each centre within the Dorset
Coastlink network is able to develop its own interpretation, education and research
projects, but is doing so within a local framework rather than as an isolated site-based
approach. The network facilitates the exchange of information and sharing of expertise and skills within the group and each centre's community; all have a growing army
of volunteers who receive training for interpretative and research projects.
Another good example of the benefits of a more strategic approach to the provision
of interpretative opportunities for visitors is Marine Week, an annual event organised
by the Charmouth Heritage Centre. Marine Week encourages the general public to take
a fresh look at the marine environment, with activities ranging from boat trips and
using remote underwater cameras, to fossil walks and slide shows at various locations
within the locality. Many different organisations are involved, ranging from the local
NGOs, businesses and industry through to trade associations, thereby facilitating a closer
working relationship between the different interest groups. Being part of the Coastlink
network means that the other centres along the Dorset coast can schedule their own
activities and events around this special week to avoid clashes or to help promote the
Charmouth events.
In Dorset, stimulating and innovative education and interpretation coupled with a
strong network approach is: