An important part of the interpretative programme are off-site talks on the work of the Trust or aspects of natural history for interest groups such as natural history societies, Trust area groups, photographic societies and local organisations like the Lions, Round Table, Women’s Institute etc.

Throughout the year, education and reserve staff arrange a range of public events.  These usually have a specific theme such as “Starnight” or tie in with national events like “World Oceans Day”, “National Moth Night”, etc.  Most are organised and led by Trust staff, but external expertise is also called upon for specialist events.  Most events are targeted for Sundays, in line with peak weekly visitor numbers.  However, staffing resources have to be carefully balanced between weekend events and weekday education groups, which can be intense.  Conversely, volunteer availability may be higher at weekends.  For the most part, public events are free and therefore staff costs are not recovered.  However, charges must be levied to cover provision of refreshments or costs of specialist event leaders like the Starnight event.  A nominal charge is made to cover expenses for off-site talks.

The Trust has provided a visitor information facility at Gibraltar Point since the 1960’s when an information kiosk was maintained in the South Car Park.  The Visitor Centre was built in 1974, with an extensive set of interpretation panels depicting the varied habitats of the reserve.  Whilst changes and alterations have been made to improve the centre and its layout, these illustrations remain relevant today.  Improvements have included better access for wheelchair users and the installation of an interactive bird migration display.  From here, a range of reserve information can be obtained.  A visitor information board is updated on a daily basis to provide news on latest weather, wildlife sightings, forthcoming events etc.  A membership display area is designed to raise the profile of the Wildlife Trusts and encourage recruitment.

The LWT web site devotes considerable space to Gibraltar Point.  The range of information includes weekly wildlife news, seasonal updates on species to look for, updates on projects, press releases and event details.

In common with other bird observatories, an annual report is produced.  This report however, aims to provide details of a broad range of the flora and fauna of the NNR and provides an opportunity to publish the details of survey and research work.  Thus it provides a useful data resource for those studying the site or a more general indication of what to see and where to see it for the casual visitor.

Visitor liaison is carried outside of formal duties, staff and volunteers have much contact with the general public on an informal basis particularly when patrolling the site during busy periods or dealing with office based enquiries from visitors or via the telephone.

A programme of guided walks is arranged for members of the public on weekday/weekend afternoons during the main holiday period, late July-Sept.  Walks last up to two hours and concentrate on aspects of natural history/site history etc.  The kids- gang programme runs one to two days per week during the same period.  Children are accompanied by a parent and a range of outdoor activities includes, pond-dipping, mini- beast hunt etc.

Recent funding has enabled the replacement of all old, weathered and out-dated display panels on the reserve.  The project was completed in spring 2001.  New information panels have been designed and instated at both major access points to the reserve i.e. North and South Car Parks. In addition, two display housings have been instated at two major visitor access points onto the NNR at the northern boundary at Seacroft.  The latter two have addressed a long-term gap in the provision of information here and assist with the recognition of the boundary.  A suite of interpretative lecterns have also been provided along the main visitor routes.  These displays provide information and illustrations of the key habitats and species.  Orientation panels are also a new feature and have been placed at major path junctions to enhance visitor navigation around the site.  Outside of the interpretation project, the Wash Viewpoint requires a display refit after a vandalism incident.  This provides a suitable opportunity to provide a display highlighting the importance of the Wash, its habitats and species.  The provision of interpretative panels around the reserve and main access points has been fully addressed under the ‘Tracks and Signs’ project, funded by WREN and Leader II.  Careful consideration has been given to all signs in relation to their siting, so as not to be obtrusive on the landscape and height, particularly with the setting of lecterns for use by wheelchair users.  Guidelines have been taken from the BT “Access for All” handbook.

A range of site-specific interpretative/information publications has been provided by the Trust for the NNR.  These include a walkabout guide to guide visitors around a two mile nature trail, featuring extensive habitat and wildlife information, although this is now out of date and out of print.  Funding will be sought to enable production of a new guide.

A free reserve leaflet is available and provides simple site information for visitors.  Similar information can be found in the reserves handbook.  There is a need to update this leaflet, expand upon the current provision of information and overall quality.  A leaflet has also been produced for dog walkers to illustrate the necessary code of conduct, with particular regard to the seasonal dog ban on the beach.

The visitor centre also houses one of Lapwings three gift shops.  Trust volunteers staff the centre. The voluntary visitor centre manageress oversees day to day management of stock and volunteer rotas.  The Centre is open daily from May to October and at weekends outside of this period. Interpretative staff are responsible for the upkeep of interpretative facilities.  Duties include keeping displays and interpretation boards in good and clean order, keeping information up to date and assisting in the Visitor Centre.  The Visitor Centre is one of the Trust most important interpretative assets and the day to day running is reliant upon a voluntary manageress and a team of volunteers.

An annual training day is organised for visitor centre volunteers by site staff and the visitor centre manageress.  It is essential that all volunteers are well informed on Trust policy and procedures and high levels of communication are maintained in order to deal with emergency situation for example.  The Field Station and Visitor Centre health and safety manual addresses such issues and is kept under review.

Dealing with the public is covered in the induction process for new staff and volunteers, training with guided walks, dealing with children etc.  The Trust is fortunate in being able to draw upon local key volunteers whose skills are diverse; including practical and people skills.  Where possible, such volunteers should be encouraged to participate in the guided walks programme to enable a wider programme to be delivered.  Volunteer recruitment is ongoing and essential to ensure compliance with opening times without drawing too regularly on staff to fill the rota.  The visitor centre is the focal point for events.  An events team comprising Gibraltar Point staff and local Trust volunteers was a most successful initiative during two seasons.  The re-establishment of such a team should be strongly considered; particularly where membership would dovetail with the Skegness area group (SKAG) and events the team could oversee the SKAG annual programme with the Gibraltar Point countryside events.  This would also help to maintain close liaison with SKAG.