A long term partnership helping a local community group to market themselves
Moor Pond Woods are located between Papplewick, Hucknall and Linby. Steeped in history, the area is a fantastic place for walking and has fantastic views of woodland life including a stunning waterfall. The woods are important for their wildlife and archaeology and are looked after and improved by volunteers from the local community, who have formed the Friends of Moor Pond Woods group.
When we initially started working with the Friends of Moor Pond Woods, they had a very basic website which was unable to support a lot of the content that they had to offer. They wanted help with reaching a larger audience, as raising their profile would help to increase the funding that was available to them and in turn allow the volunteers to continue their work. The website needed to be able to allow the meetings of the group and its committee, as well as other records, to be documented in an organised fashion. The group also needed to be able to upload digital content such as an interactive audio trail that could be used by visitors to the woods.
Over the years, the group has required continued support in terms of their digital presence; for example the website underwent a redesign in 2016.
Initially, we designed and built a new website for the group, which included a virtual tour, a records archive and audio trail. The website allowed the group to attract a wider audience, particularly when coupled with a new presence on Facebook, which has also allowed them to advertise their events. In 2016, we redesigned their website, putting it into the WordPress content management system, which then allowed more members of the group to be actively involved in updating the website, which in turn has kept the content fresh and relevant. We also optimised the website for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) purposes, making it more visible on search engines through the use of metatags, page descriptions and other features.
Throughout our working relationship, Vitty have provided support on a number of digital and marketing matters such as liaising with the group’s hosting company, as well as supporting bids for new funding which will expand the digital offering of the project.
Throughout our working relationship, Vitty have provided support on a number of digital and marketing matters such as liaising with the group’s hosting company, as well as supporting bids for new funding which will expand the digital offering of the project, as well as improving the woods and allowing more research to be undertaken on its natural and historical context.
The website has attracted new visitors, and the Facebook page is thriving with over 100 ‘likes’ and regular content posted and shared.
Vitty provided excellent backup, advice and support to help The Friends of Moor Pond Woods remodel their website. The finished product is functional, attractive and easy to maintain.
Dr Stephen Walker Chairman of the Friends of Moor Pond Woods