Increasing awareness and access for many people in a peatland: practical work
Do
Site
Magoar-Penvern
Access work
Creation and restoration of a 3.4 km footpath, assisted by students, to cross various habitats, especially areas of peatbog.
Works details
- 34 m of 'talus' rebuilt
- 4 to 5 small ponds restored
- A retractable timber bridge built to link two bits of 'talus' and able to let machinery and livestock pass
- A timber bridge built to cross the river at the back of the site
- 150m of boardwalk (made of wood) installed where there is not a 'talus'
- a car park (500m²) constructed for cars and buses
- the herd of Highland Cattle (10 cows and calves) that already grazes in Magoar moved into the north part that will be mainly managed and opened to the public (in Penvern). The farmer is a local farmer, neighbour of the site and interested by this project.
- small numbered wood posts erected, their numbers explained in a site-interpretation brochure
- The path work was done by vocational school students within the framework of BEPA AE EAENR (Brevet d’Ensignement Professionel Agricole, Aménagement de l’Espace, Entrenien et Aménagement des Espaces Naturels et Ruraux). They attended training periods on the site under the supervision of school staff and site managers.
Interpretation
Themes developed were interesting species on the site, local history, uses of the 'talus', role of the 'bocage' (typical man made landscape, network of pastures enclosed by hedges and/or 'talus' and small woods).
A brochure will be produced, selling for 1€. The brochure made for interpretation of another Breton peatbog - "Les Marais de l'Enfer" (the marshes of the Hell) - is an inspiring example.
The decision to have a sold brochure and numbered wood posts was made in order to be low-maintenance on-site and to reduce impact in the landscape. Posts can easily be replaced and moved and the content of the message can easily evolve. By selling the brochures (1€ each) it is hoped that people will keep them and that none will be thrown away on the site.
Access for all abilities
See information about the 'Joëlette' in 'All-abilities opportunities'
 |
 |