Signage at RSPB's Tetney Marshes reserve leaves a fair bit to be desired says council report

 

The RSPB's antiquated signage at its Tetney Marshes reserve needs to be removed says council

 

DOG-management signage at the RSPB's Tetney Marshes reserve  has come under fire from North East Lincolnshire Council.

Says a report to councillors: "The dog management signage lacks consistency of style, message and presentation to maximise efficacy.  

"The only  signage relating to the beach area requires dog owners to pick up faeces." 

The document continues: "Old signage should be removed.  

"It serves no useful purpose.  

"It may even downplay the importance of issues in readers' minds if the messages appear to relate to the past rather than the present."

The report then advises as follows:

* Signage should elicit a desired behavioural outcome.  Messages should be targeted to key users, and be simple, clear, and concise.  

* Supporting educational text and wider strategy should be provided elsewhere with a link to further information on the sign.  Message tone should be appropriate.  Unduly authoritative messaging may elicit a negative or inappropriate response. 

* Signs should be location specific 

* Signs should be repeated at all key access points to a sensitive location 

* Signage change should be supported by advertising/marketing campaigns to increase general awareness 

* Where possible messages should be supported by enforcement or advisory personnel. 

* Where multiple messages need to be provided at the same location, they should all be equally clear and targeted to appropriate user groups.  

* Messages could also be provided by apps on mobile phones and on websites

There are also some more recent signs paid for by a donation from the Grimsby and Cleethorpes branch of the RSPB after its leader, Martin Francis, gave a talk to members of Probus, the club for retired businessmen.

Unfortunately, along with the other signs, these are quickly  showing signs of deterioration. Also, some refer to Tetney Marsh rather than the correct name, Tetney Marshes.

The Tetney Marshes reserve seems to have low status among the powers that be at the RSPB. 

It has long ceased to be wardened, even on  part-time basis, and it is no longer included in  the society's handbook of 200-plus reserves in Britain.