RSPB Lakenheath Fen have installed an Info Point Solar to provide digital interpretation for visitors at the far end of their reserve where there is no power or internet connectivity.
The Info Point Solar’s ‘webpages’ provides visitors with navigational information and allows them to explore seasonal guidance on the best wildlife to look for (both from the viewpoint and at other landmarks on the reserve). It also includes historical information about the site. A virtual, interactive sightings board and visitor feedback form allow visitors to share what they have seen.
Live barn owl feed
Another exciting development is a live webcam feed to a nearby Barn owl next box. This is achieved by using a solar-powered Info Point Extender to share the footage from an area where the public aren’t allowed and ensure the birds do not get disturbed.
At RSPB Lakenheath Fen we were very pleased to recently install our Info Point out on the nature reserve.
At our furthest viewpoint, Joist Fen, roughly 2km from the Visitor Centre, our Info Point is now providing a very useful service to visitors who can use their smartphone to find out information about our site. Whilst we do our best to inform and prepare visitors upon their arrival at the Visitor Centre, the Info Point enables us to extend our support physically to the other end of the reserve!
We have 11 different webpages for visitors to explore, ranging from navigational information, seasonal guidance on the best wildlife to look for (both from the viewpoint and at other landmarks on the reserve) as well as a historical background to the site for those who are interested. Certain other features, such as a virtual, interactive sightings board and a visitor feedback form, as well as connection to the live feed from a nearby Barn owl nest box camera are other exciting features we are working on.
Throughout the project- from the early stages of beginning to find out about what Info Points were, to learning how to build and edit content, through to installation, we have found WildFi and its co-founder Dan Boys to be extremely professional, helpful and supportive. When learning how the software and hardware work, Dan showed himself to be a superb teacher- explaining things clearly,
simply and always open and willing to answer questions and provide extra support when needed. It is clear that not only is the physical Info Point computer very well made, but it is supported by knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, too.We would be very happy to recommend an Info Point to others looking to improve the visitor experience at a public attraction, and also to endorse the customer service and support provided by WildFi, which- in our opinion – has been without fault.
Heidi Jones, RSPB Lakenheath Visitor Experience Officer
Partnership scheme
The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme—set up to conserve and celebrate the unique heritage of the Norfolk and Suffolk Brecks—has funded the installation of four Info Point devices in the local area: Ancient House Museum, RSPB Lakenheath, BTO Nunnery Lakes and West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, along with training for staff at each site to create and add content.
It also gives schools more access to heritage education content, and make it easier for site managers to share information with visitors.
Relevant case studies
Nunnery Lakes Info Point Solar
An exciting new addition to the Nunnery Lakes Reserve is an interpretive Info Point device, allowing visitors to discover more…
Union Chain Bridge
The world-famous Union Chain Bridge connecting England and Scotland has re-opened with solar-powered interpretation.
Avalon Marshes
Solar-powered visitor experiences have been installed at two flagship Somerset Wildlife Trust reserves.
