By 2017, printed copies of the old A2 format Explorer Guide had run out and Cheshire West and Chester Council no longer supported funding a re-print. FoAM recognised that, although there was a growing trend towards on-line information, there was still huge demand from visitors for a printed map. The Council’s old A2 format map was unwieldy to open whilst walking and the path layouts on the old map were confusing in some places, so FoAM decided to fund a new design for the map leaflet.
To fill the gap whilst the new leaflet was designed, Graham Walker produced an interim version printed in the much smaller A4 format, and FoAM paid for printing 1,250 copies to meet visitor demand.
FoAM wanted the map on its new leaflet to have a more ‘natural’ appearance, rather than using stylised graphics. We had worked with artist Nigel Vaughan in the early part of 2015, when he created a hand-drawn map of the southern part of Northwich Woodlands for the Saltscape Project. We were delighted with that artwork and commissioned Nigel to produce a hand drawn map of the whole site, which was used for the main notice board at Marbury, but could also be used as the basis for the new Explorer map leaflet. As well as the map, the new leaflet contained information about what might be seen during each season. It was printed in tri-fold A3 format, making it easy to carry and open whilst out in the Park.
The project was completed in July 2018 when 5,000 copies of the new Explorer leaflet had been printed. FoAM’s investment in the project was around £3,000. Graham Walker, Mary Jeeves, Frances Findlay, Dave James and Alan Redley helped with layout ideas and proof checking.