Audience Development
Winnall Moors offers an experience of "wilderness in city", with the potential to be an accessible space where people can escape from the noise and pace of city life. The mix of habitats makes for a varied visual and sensory experience, while the presence of water and the opportunity to walk or sit beside it enhances the appeal of the site, adding to its gentle, reflective qualities.
Not all potential visitors are familiar with such places and may not be confident countryside users who visit most Wildlife Trust reserves. Therefore, special consideration has been given to how the site communicates with and welcomes visitors.
Prior to the onset of this project the audience development consultation had concluded that the two entry points to the reserve had a somewhat uninviting and abandoned air. Some of the overgrown areas were inhibiting views and may have deterred lone visitors, while the reserve had become used to low-levels of vandalism, rough-sleeping and anti-social behaviour. The condition of the path prevented low-mobility users or families with young children, from utilising this unique area of countryside.
To encourage a wide spectrum of visitors to explore the Moors and inspire them with the values of nature conservation and enjoyment of the countryside, it is important that the Trust addresses these key messages. Carefully planned access improvements (physical and intellectual) ensures that the reserve now offers an inspiring and safe environment in balance with the sensitive wildlife communities that inhabit the reserve.
