Define the estuary
The Severn Estuary is a large geographical area, covering many types of habitat, demographic, several local authorities, two countries and over a million people. To ensure that the interpretation audit should not become too large and unfeasible the following definitions were applied to what constituted as within the remit of the toolkit.
Interpretation – “interpretation is an educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by firsthand experience, and by illustrative media."Freeman Tilden – Interpreting our Heritage (1977)
Information- regarded as facts and knowledge required to navigate, travel and experience the estuary in a safe way.
The Severn Estuary- Defined as the area in the Severn Estuary Strategy, that being from Hurlstone Point and Nash Point on the seaward side to Gloucester where the tidal bore loses its power.
A topic is the general area being interpreted.
Themes- A theme is the central message of a piece of interpretation, which helps the meaning and relationships be revealed. It is the idea which is presented rather than the topic covered, and represents the thoughts that should be left in the mind of the audience.
Outdoor interpretation- Interpretation carried out or present on the site being interpreted- e.g. a panel, guided walk, walk leaflet
Indoor interpretation- Interpretation separate from the site being interpreted- e.g. Museum exhibit, visitor centre.
Published interpretation- Interpretation in published form- leaflets, pamphlets, online.