Green Way Signage Design Guide - Design Guidelines

3.1 This chapter provides guidance on the detailed design and specification of interpretation panels and signage for the Green Way projects.

Interpretation Panel

Purpose

3.2 A standard interpretation panel will be expected to be provided at each Green Way space or commencement of route - normally in a lectern frame. The number and locations of these panels are to be agreed with NFDC prior to commencing works to ensure consistency and simplicity.

Materials

3.3 The printed panel itself should be robust, long lasting and resistant to vandalism, UV light degradation and delamination. Its materials should be suitable for reuse and/or recycling when it reaches the end of its useful life.

3.4 Material choice should be determined by graphic content requirement, but options are:

• Polycarbonate reverse printed (minimum 3mm thickness),
• Aluminum (durable material but may limit graphic content),
• Stainless Steel (minimum 304 grade, 316 grade in coastal areas), with etched and colour filled text / graphic details.

3.5 All surfaces should be matte finished to reduce glare when viewing the signs.

Contents

3.6 Interpretation panels will be individual and bespoke to each site. However, there is general information, applicable to all sites, that needs to be conveyed:

• Green Way logos and tags: should be incorporated with the frame (see Appendix A of this document, for an example of how this could be achieved).
• Green Way standard text: explaining the principle behind the mitigation strategy at NFDC. This is expected to include:
  • NFDC Logo: artwork for each standard element will be provided on request.
  • Place name: the site may have an existing local name or require a new name in conjunction with the new residential development.
  • Local history or wildlife facts: as a way of capturing an audience, provide snippets of relevant information and the supports in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and public open
  • Instructional and behaviour messages: the mitigation strategy is reliant on members of the public being able to access and use the Green Way spaces freely and spontaneously, but there is also a need to remind users to behave considerately. In addition to the text in Appendix B at the rear of this document, each site may have a specific aspect that needs further information.
  • Contact information of the site manager: usually NFDC but may also be the local town, the parish council or the management companies.
  • Illustrative map of the site: showing context, access, site features, walking routes and links to off-site walking routes.

3.7 Further details of the expected content of the panel are set out in Appendix B of this document.

Graphic Style, Layout and Colour

3.8 Illustrations and mapping need to be site specific. Generally, a soft, hand drawn style creates an easy to read and familiar imagery and is often used for this type of publicity material. However, the graphic content is an opportunity to create an identity for, and of, the place. Providing the standard and corporate requirements are met, there are no further prescriptions.

3.9 Other than using the NFDC standard colour for the Green Way and NFDC logos (see Appendix C), there are no prescriptions. However, background colour should be considered carefully, for example, white is often too bright while neutral tones and colour are more visually accommodating within a rural context.

3.10 The graphic content and text must be printed in true scale, checked and signed off by the relevant NFDC officer, prior to manufacturing.

3.11 The layout should be determined by content - the example at appendix A is not fixed.

Size

3.12 The minimum size of the board requirement is A1. However, this format may not fit the graphic content comfortably (for example where a wider route map is needed). Therefore, alternative formats may be suitable.

3.13 The minimum font size for all signage information should be minimum 16 points.

Method of Display and Fixing

3.14 The detail below sets out the materials and frame details for interpretation panels, in lectern style.

3.15 The site information will be supplied on an encapsulated GRP board and framed with a standard frame mounted on two Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited oak or similar hardwood posts (On occasions different materials may be considered, but this would need to be checked and signed off by the relevant NFDC officer, prior to manufacturing). Each site should be considered individually to provide the correct size, format and location of the information boards, within the parameters set out below:

• Post: 100mm x 100mm FSC oak or similar hardwood posts, top chamfered and weathered to rear. The length of lectern boards should be between 900mm to 1200mm above ground level to achieve the best visibility for all (as recommended under British Standard 8300:2001 for Disability Rights Commission). There should be at least 600mm driven into firm ground, or backfilled by ramming earth, or with concrete anchor. It is recommended to have 50mm wide shingles around the post to minimise decaying caused by poor draining.
• Frame: 100mm x 65mm nominal. seasoned and oiled hardwood, mitred joints with bullnose edge to internal aperture. The final dimensions are determined by the information required, but in general, no larger than A0 or smaller than A1, oriented to landscape.
• Place Name: to be recessed in panel, 5mm - 10mm deep, centrally located on the top of the frame, either engraved or sandblasted to achieve a relief or intaglio effect.
• Green Way logos and tags: to be recessed in panel, 5mm - 10mm deep, centrally located at the bottom of the frame, either engraved or sandblasted to achieve a relief or intaglio effect.
• Mounting: fix the frame to the posts with 8no. marine grade stainless steel M12 countersunk coach bolts, two in each corner. Nuts to be covered or rendered to tamper proof. The frame should overhang the posts by 140mm each side.
• Drainage: to avoid excessive water accumulating at the bottom of the frame, drainage / holes channels should be created to allow water to pass through. This is usually already taken into account by manufacturers. The base of the post should include a free drain material. The signage will be maintained regularly as part of the land management plan (see paragraph 4.2 of this document).

3.16 General notes:

• All units are millimetres unless otherwise stated.
• Do not scale dimensions from this drawing.
• Timber shall be free from splits and twists.
• Units weighing in excess of 20kg must not be handled by a single person. A risk assessment must be carried out to ensure safe handling.

An example of lectern interpretation board

Lectern Information board panel size 1:20@A4 and an example of the interpretation board (Not to scale)

Lectern Information Board front elevation 1:20@A4 and Lectern Information Board Side Elevation 1:20@A4

Information Board Front Elevation & Section 1:10@A4

Green Way Waymarker Post

Purpose

3.17 Waymarker Posts are a simple visible waymarker to be set at intervals alongside paths to aid legibility of circular walks and connections, to enhance the sense of place and to reinforce the Green Way message.

Design

3.18 Standard Waymarker Post numbers and locations are to be agreed with NFDC. Where a few paths or routes are close together, or can create valuable circular walking routes, colour coding is required to define each route, or to indicate routes of various lengths. This needs to be explained on local interpretation boards.

Method of Displaying and Fixing

3.19 The design of the waymarker post should sit within the parameters set out below:

• 100mm x 100mm square section of Forest Stewardship Council accredited FSC oak or similar hardwood (On occasions different materials may be considered, but this would need to be approved by the Council).
• The post should be between 900mm to 1800mm high above ground level.
• The top of the post should be chamfered and weathered to the rear of the post.
• Use recessed painted bands as required to waymark various circular walking routes, as detailed on an interpretation artwork, band to be set 200mm from top to post, 30mm wide and 5mm - 10mm deep. Panel to be 50mm x 300mm.
• Typeface shown here is 'Filson Pro (regular)'.
• Digital artwork can be supplied if required.
• The end grain of the post should be either capped or profiled to allow water to run off.
• Text and logo should be coloured or black infilled etched.
• The minimum font size for all signage information should be minimum 16 points.
• The base of the post should include a free drain material.

Information Board Front Elevation & Section 1:10@A4

Greenway Waymarker Roundel

Purpose

3.20 Waymarker roundels are designed to augment waymarker posts along routes or to add to existing posts and features where additional posts are not needed or may be inappropriate. They may be plain markers or directional where needed.

3.21 NFDC Environmental Design Team will hold a stock of roundels for use on all schemes.

Materials

3.22 The printed disc waymarker roundel should be robust and long lasting and resistant to vandalism, UV light degradation and delamination. When they are no long performing properly, they should be easily removable. Its materials should be suitable for reuse and/or recycling when it reaches the end of its useful life.

3.23 Material choice options are:

• Polycarbonate reverse printed (minimum 3mm thickness),
• Aluminum (durable material but may limit graphic content),
• Stainless Steel (minimum 304 grade, 316 grade in coastal areas), etched and colour filled text / graphic content.

3.24 A sticker version of the waymarker roundel can be made available for temporary use.

Size and Installation

3.25 The requirements of the Waymarker Roundels are set out as follows:

• The minimum size requirement is 76.2mm diameter.
• Landowners or occupiers should be consulted about any new waymarking.
• Old waymarks which are no longer relevant should be fully removed before new discs are attached.
• Waymarkers should not be attached to trees.
• The printed roundel disc detail shall be installed to existing street furniture or fingerposts using stainless steel secure screws.
• Where a sticker roundel is more appropriate to use (for instance, due to the availability of a metal surface) this should be affixed to a clean surface with the appropriate type of adhesive for the surface to be used.

Waymarker Roundel Graphic (Not to Scale)

Dog Activity Area Signs

Purpose

3.26 Such signage will identify areas and features specifically created for the use of dogs within the wider Green Way space e.g. identifiable off-lead areas and provision of dog specific agility equipment. The signage will also set out the expected behaviour and control of dogs in these areas.

Materials

3.27 The sign should be robust and long lasting by being resistant to vandalism, UV light degradation and delamination. Its materials should be suitable for reuse and/or recycling when it reaches the end of its useful life.

3.28 Material options are:

• Aluminum Composite Materials (minimum 3mm thickness),
• Aluminum, or Stainless Steel (minimum 304 grade, 316 grade in coastal areas), etched and colour filled text / graphic content.

3.29 A sticker version of the waymarker roundel can be made available for temporary use.

Size

3.30 The size requirement for posts is 150mm x 150mm x 900mm.

3.31 The minimum font size for all signage information should be minimum 16 points.

Dog activity area sign post sections (Not to Scale) and an example of dog activity area signs

3.32 The standard graphic details are as follows: