Case Study 1

Project: The River Parrett Trail, Somerset and Dorset

Client: The River Parrett Trail Partnership (multi-agency)

Outline: The River Parrett Trail is a 50 mile way-marked walk following the river from its source in west Dorset to its mouth near Bridgwater in Somerset. The development of the trail was a focus for an innovative European Union funded community-based demonstration project aimed at involving artists and craft-workers with local communities to work together on innovative means of interpreting the area's landscape and culture (for the benefit of both local people and visitors).

This included the production of uniquely hand-crafted trail furniture (stiles, seats, gates etc); artist created "clues" featuring local culture carefully sited along the route; environmental sculpture; photography and new music from the area's young people; video projects; community celebrations; and poetry, as well as more traditional interpretation boards and centres. The project also promoted local produce and agriculture. The River Parrett Trail has been regarded nationally as a model example of sustainable tourism and was awarded the 'England for Excellence Walking Holiday Award' in 1998.

Our Approach: Our consultant Paul Greatorex was responsible for the project management of this work including developing the initial concept and funding proposal to the EU. The approach was based upon the active involvement of local people in both the management and implementation of the trail and its associated cultural interpretations. We were also careful to involve local town & parish councils, and all official agencies. The River
Parrett Trail Partnership was 17 strong and comprised of representation from:

• British Waterways South West Arts
• Cannington Agricultural College English Nature
• Country Landowners Association Countryside Agency
• Dorset & Somerset County Councils Environment Agency
• The Trail's 4 District Councils National Farmers Union
• RSPB Somerset Wildlife Trust
• Take Art!

Benefits: Over 4000 Parrett Trail guidebooks have been sold and it is estimated that over £1.3 million has been generated by the trail for the local economy. In an environmentally sensitive area the trail has effectively managed a balance between environmental and economic interests. An ongoing Partnership has been created beyond the life of the EU funding and local people continue to be actively involved.

References: the Parrett Trail has a website at http://www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/ete/rpt/