People and businesses will be marking World Wildlife Day on March 3rd, 2026, and while this year’s theme highlights the vital importance of specific flora, it also underscores a broader necessity – the preservation of natural spaces where these plants, and the wildlife that depends on them, can thrive.
But what on earth has signage got to do with the natural world?! Well, read on…
At Morgans Consult, we believe that the way people interact with these spaces is fundamental to their protection. Through our expertise in wayfinding, visitor experience, and interpretation signage, we are proud to support some of the UK’s most significant nature reserves and natural spaces.
We’re fortunate to get to spend time working in these environments, and we’ve learned a lot about the natural world in the process. They’re our favourite projects to work on, and here’s an overview of a few of those projects.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience at Cosmeston Lakes
Located in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park has been a sanctuary for wildlife and a beloved destination for visitors since 1978. Covering over 100 hectares, parts of the park are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). With approximately 250,000 annual visitors, the challenge lies in balancing high footfall with the preservation of a delicate ecosystem.
Working alongside wetland conservation experts, Morgans Consult implemented a comprehensive signage overhaul designed to modernize the visitor journey. The project focused on:
- Seamless Wayfinding: From threshold monoliths to directional finger posts, the new system ensures that visitors can navigate the vast site safely and intuitively, reducing the likelihood of straying into protected habitats.
- Educational Interpretation: Beyond simple directions, we installed signage that educates visitors about local biodiversity. This includes creative, wood-based games that engage younger audiences, fostering a love for nature through play.
Sustainable Innovation at Stover Country Park
Our work at Stover Country Park in Devon demonstrates how technical innovation can align with ecological sensitivity. As a lead contractor for this SSSI site, Morgans Consult delivered a wayfinding and interpretation scheme that is as sustainable as it is functional.
A key priority was the use of eco-friendly materials. We utilized FSC-certified British oak and EcoDura recycled panels, ensuring that the physical structures of the signs have a minimal environmental footprint. Furthermore, we integrated digital activations, including the Stover Country Park app, to provide a multi-layered experience. This allows visitors to discover the park’s heritage and natural history at their own pace, using their own devices to access deeper layers of information without the need for excessive physical infrastructure.
Safeguarding Wildlife and Educating Visitors at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoir in Cardiff, a Victorian landmark covering 110 acres, is a vital green and blue space home to diverse flora and fauna. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for overwintering birds and waxcap fungi, and a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), its redevelopment by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water aimed to protect habitats while creating a community hub.
Morgans Consult collaborated with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, ecologists, and the Dam Safety team to implement a comprehensive wayfinding, interpretation, and visitor engagement scheme. This involved:
- Brand Integration: Supplying 3D brand signage and welcome monoliths, including a stone monolith recognizing the Reservoir Action Group’s contribution.
- Complex Wayfinding: Designing a system that clearly directs users around diverse areas for water sports, education, walking, and hospitality, including an engaging Story Trail for children and birdwatching hides.
- Conservation Education: Integrating educational interpretation and health and safety signage that communicates important messages about wildlife, conservation, and safety.
- Sensitive Placement: Ensuring the most appropriate materials and fixings were used, positioning signage in visible yet least invasive locations to protect sensitive habitats.
Partnering for Environmental Stewardship: Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
Morgans Consult has been a long-standing framework supplier for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, a not-for-profit organization serving 1.4 million homes and businesses. This partnership extends beyond individual projects to a broader commitment to environmental stewardship across their vast corporate and operational estates, which include numerous visitor centres, reservoirs, maintenance sites, offices, and regional hubs.
Our role involves ensuring brand continuity and implementing suitable signage and branding solutions in diverse settings, from corporate offices to remote reservoir locations. Notable improvements have been made to wayfinding at sites like Llandegfedd and Elan Valley, where signage was designed to mirror the beautiful natural surroundings while remaining highly functional. This comprehensive approach ensures that visitors to Welsh Water’s sites are not only well-directed but also subtly educated about the importance of water conservation and the natural environment.
Summary of Key Projects and Impact
The following table summarizes the strategic impact of Morgans Consult’s work across these vital natural spaces:
| Project | Location | Key Focus Areas | Sustainability Features |
| RSPB Reserves | UK-wide | National branding, accessibility, and inclusivity. | Responsibly sourced British oak; recycling of old signage. |
| Stover Country Park | Devon | SSSI protection, digital integration, and heritage. | FSC-certified oak; EcoDura recycled panels. |
| Cosmeston Lakes | Vale of Glamorgan | Visitor education, wayfinding, and SSSI preservation. | Natural wood materials; educational interactive games. |
| Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoir | Cardiff | SSSI/SINC protection, complex wayfinding, visitor engagement. | Environmentally sensitive material and placement; collaboration with ecologists. |
| Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water | Various sites across Wales | Brand continuity, functional wayfinding, environmental education. | Signage designed to mirror natural surroundings; long-term partnership for stewardship. |
Designing Signage for Nature Reserves: What We Prioritise
- Protecting wildlife first: We position signage away from nesting areas, roosts and sensitive habitats, ensuring minimal disturbance.
- Using sustainable, durable materials: FSC timber, stone, recycled plastics and weather‑resistant finishes that sit comfortably within the landscape.
- Clear, accessible messaging: Simple wording, high‑contrast design, readable fonts and universal symbols suitable for all visitors.
- Positive behaviour cues: Signage that encourages responsible actions such as sticking to paths, keeping dogs under control and respecting seasonal protections.
- Engaging interpretation: Concise stories, strong visuals and optional QR codes for visitors who want to explore further, without overloading panels. In some cases, digital resources enhance the visitor experience and allow for limiting physical signage.
- Intuitive wayfinding: Consistent and on-brand trail markers and maps that guide people naturally without cluttering the environment.
- Built for UK weather: Robust construction that withstands rain, frost, UV exposure and high footfall, with modular parts for easy maintenance.
- Local voices included: Content shaped with reserve teams and community partners to reflect local ecology, heritage and priorities.
- Balanced safety messaging:Clear but unobtrusive guidance that supports a sense of escape and tranquillity.
A Future for Wildlife and People
On this World Wildlife Day, we reflect on the fact that conservation is not just about protecting species in isolation; it is about managing the relationship between people and the planet. By providing clear, sustainable, and educational wayfinding systems, Morgans Consult helps ensure that visitors leave nature reserves with a deeper understanding of the environment and a smaller ecological footprint. We remain dedicated to creating meaningful connections between brands, environments, and the people who cherish them.
