Schönow Heath nature reserve 

In the Schönower Heide (Schönow Heath), a nature reserve that lies partly in Berlin and partly in Brandenburg, gewerkdesign has redesigned an educational nature trail. We developed our new concept for creatively guiding visitors along the trail as a cross-state joint project between the Berliner Forsten, the Schönower Heide-Verein and the Naturpark Barnim. We were supported in the didactics of biology by teaching scientists from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Leibniz Universität Hannover.

The creation and preservation of this special landscape and its biodiversity are only possible through active measures, as the ecosystem has evolved over the centuries through changing, partly human-made influences on nature. When designing the trail, it was essential to direct visitors' attention to the special features of the landscape and not only to show it to them, but also to raise their awareness of the ecological connections. The signage thus offers a variety of suggestions for consciously looking at nature and to perceive the flora and fauna with a keener eye.

There are three circular trails in the nature reserve, ranging from 1.6 to 5 kilometres. Nature facts and positively worded rules of behaviour are encountered by the side of the trails, on small viewing platforms and at picnic spots. Information boards encourage visitors to solve small tasks or do things that make the learned information applicable in a playful way. At the same time, the aesthetics of the signage are very spacious and clear, it is pleasant to read and the colours harmonise with the landscape. Particularly unique are the artistically drawn animals and plants presented on the signs.