Overview
Three Rivers District Council appointed Fitzpatrick Woolmer to refresh the interpretation and visitor information across Chorleywood House Estate, a much-loved 170-acre green space combining historic parkland, woodland, formal gardens and areas managed for wildlife. Managed in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service, the project aimed to create a more coordinated visitor experience, helping people navigate the Estate while discovering more about its landscape, wildlife and character.
Building on our previous work at the Estate, Fitzpatrick Woolmer developed a cohesive family of interpretation that complemented the established Three Rivers District Council house style, bringing together creative mapping, original illustration, wayfinding and specialist manufacture.
The brief
The project called for refreshed interpretation and visitor information that could work seamlessly across the Estate, providing visitors with a clear and engaging introduction to its many different landscapes, routes and features.
A central part of the brief was to update the Estate’s hand-illustrated 3D watercolour map, carefully reflecting changes across the site while making it easy and enjoyable for visitors to understand their surroundings. The map was designed to provide an engaging overview of the Estate and encourage people to explore further.
Our approach
Original illustration played an important role in bringing the character and biodiversity of Chorleywood House Estate to life. Our illustrators created detailed watercolour artwork depicting wildlife associated with the Estate, including a rich composition featuring twelve different species. Integrated with the mapping, interpretive content and graphic design, the illustrations added warmth and personality while helping visitors discover more about the wildlife around them.
The scheme extended across a wide range of visitor touchpoints. Fitzpatrick Woolmer designed and manufactured orientation and interpretation displays using our Fusilier™ system, alongside Musketeer™ lecterns for wildlife interpretation. Durable n-Viro™ graphic panels with anti-graffiti protection provided a robust and practical solution for the outdoor environment.
The wider scheme also included a Fusilier™ interpretation and noticeboard display, routed oak entrance markers, grazing information displays, waymarking discs and a visitor leaflet, creating a consistent experience from the moment visitors arrive through to their exploration of the Estate.
The result
The completed scheme brings together creative mapping, original illustration, graphic design, interpretation and wayfinding to create a unified and welcoming visitor experience across Chorleywood House Estate.
By combining engaging visual storytelling with carefully considered signage and durable manufacture, Fitzpatrick Woolmer has helped visitors explore the Estate with greater confidence while developing a deeper understanding of its landscape and wildlife. The result is a scheme that feels at home within this much-loved green space and encourages people to pause, discover and connect with the place around them.
