Beckingham Marshes is a rare wetland habitat, home to important birds, flora and fauna. The RSPB worked with Barker Langham to develop a comprehensive and detailed Activity Plan, using a highly collaborative and interactive approach.
We created a consultation process involving close engagement with RSPB staff and the local community, on the basis that the site’s core audience for the future was to be predominantly local. The consultation took a number of forms. We liaised directly with local businesses, charities and volunteers, using focus groups across a number of different parishes. We also attended events in the local area to promote the project, this approach providing us with a real insight into the value of the Marshes for local people.
The project encouraged local groups to develop new activities for learning and participation. Barker Langham produced a detailed action plan for these activities which was a key document in a successful submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding.
“Barker Langham’s work is excellent,” says the RSPB’s Sue Baxter. “They worked with us to produce a programme that is innovative, and an example of new practice in the organisation.”
