Illustrated pond nature board with illustrations of plants and animals by a pond in a forest setting

Beautifully Illustrated Wildlife Interpretation Boards Made for Nature Reserves

Tell your visitors a story of the area, habitat, or history, or highlight specific wildlife to educate and help them appreciate where they are. 

Illustrated Panels Designed to Teach and Inspire

Illustrated Interpretation signs are a powerful tool to add to a variety of outdoor environments. A visually engaging and memorable way to connect people to the place and inform visitors of the area through creative storytelling. 

Where to See Interpretation Boards I have made

  • Willsbridge Mill, Bristol

    Illustrated scene of the nature reserve's wildlife that live in and visit the brook. A half-and-half scene to see both the species above and below the water. Visitors can see this board on the path down to the Brook platform.

  • COMING SOON - South Downs National Park

    In progress is some brand new signage coming soon to South Downs National Park.

  • Illustrated pond nature board with illustrations of plants and animals by a pond in a forest setting

    Willsbridge Mill, Bristol

    The Bristol Nature Reserve built a bigger, new pond, and to highlight the species recorded there, I created a species guide scene both above and below the waterline. The board is based at the pond and used by visitors and the forest school that takes place on site.

After a recent referbishment to our popular wildlife pond, we wanted to add new signage to educate our visitors on the diverse animals that use the habitat.We sent Ferne a list of the wildlife and were amazed at the results. Ferne was able to offer us a modern solution, whilst maintaining the formal design needed for educational signage. The creativity and detail included in the work is amazing, and we’ve had a lot of compliments of the signs since they’ve been installed. We will definitely be using you again Ferne!

Tom Baker - Board Member | Willsbridge Mill, Bristol

  • What are Illustrated Information Boards?

    Outdoor interpretation boards are a powerful tool that can help visitors connect and understand a site more deeply. They can offer insight into the history, wildlife and landscape either through bite-sized information or striking visuals. Typically, the outdoor panels are printed on weather-resistant materials to withstand long-term exposure to the elements. 


    Illustrated display Boards can contain a range of content, dependent on the sign's purpose. By combining colourful illustrated visuals and clear text, they can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The display panels can include map artwork to show walking routes and trails and wildlife guides to identify local species, or they can serve as information points to explain unique features or historical landmarks. 

  • Where Will You Put Your Interpretation Board

    Nature reserves, Country parks and National parks

    Rewilding sites

    Habitat-specific sites like Woodlands, Meadows, Estuaries, Lakes, Ponds and Wetlands

    Bird hides, Field study sites and School nature areas


    Botanic gardens and Arboretums


    City or community parks


    Zoos and Wildlife sanctuaries


    Allotments and community gardens


    Greenways and nature trails


    Visitor car parks or entrances


    Walking and cycling routes


    Wetland Boardwalks


    Picnic areas and rest points


    Walking and cycling routes


    Boardwalks through wetlands


    Historical gardens, Country estates and manor grounds

  • Inspiration for Your Next Nature Interpretation Board

    Wildlife identification boards with key local species and Seasonal sightings or behaviours to look out for. These can also have fun facts or ID tips


     Maps and route boards for walking, cycling, or nature trails and a “You are here” marker. These can also have key information on route distances and difficulty levels, as well as accessibility and safety information.

     Specific Habitat or Ecosystem Boards with conservation value and management information. It could explain how the habitat was formed over time or the species found there. 


    Historical or cultural interpretation boards with a timeline, historical map or photos of past landscapes or people. Get creative with comparisons between “then and now” and interesting stories.


    Geology or Landscape Boards with cross-sections or diagrams of rock layers or landforms with explanations of how the landscape was shaped (glaciers, rivers, etc.) Showing how these link with the local wildlife.


    Welcome / Orientation Boards that give an overview of the entire site or reserve with key routes and main attractions. Perfect for displaying information on rules, safety notices, opening hours and facilities.

    Educational boards on focus topics like pollinator areas or rewinding. Simple infographics with clear messages. 

Designer and Avid Sign Reader

 I spend my free time exploring nature reserves, woodlands and trails - always stopping to browse the interpretation boards for species I can find or reading the history of the area or heritage site. I know how much a well designed panel can add to a walk and help people realise what is around them, simply from sparking interest and excitement to spot that species from the board. I’ve been illustrating professionally since 2019, after years working as a designer, and I combine both skills to create panels that educate and inspire. 

Your Next Sign Starts Here!

FAQ's: Everything You Need to Know About Commissioning a Board

How does the commission process work?

Every relationship and commission is different, but typically we have initial chats via email until a brief is supplied and I can provide a quote. I prefer to speak via email so I can look back on everything we have discussed for the drawings. After the quote, I like a deposit, partial or full payment, before I get started to cover my artwork time, and I often send out a document to sign about usage and permissions. Once all that boring stuff is out of the way, I can get drawing, where I like to start with a very ugly scribbly sketch to work out the drawing and text layout. From this point you can make changes or give the go-ahead to go into detail. I have a detailed style of drawing,, so timescales are great so I can make the most of my time. Once I have finished, I will send over more proofs to be approved, and once you are happy and payment has been paid, all the print-ready artwork can be sent over.

What kind of information do you need from me to start?

First things first – drop me an email!

I am happy to discuss initial ideas if you need any help coming up with a plan, but a brief is great. To get started with a quote and draft, I will need a brief containing any information you would like me to illustrate or portray on the board, and make sure you supply any maps to workfrom andd any text and brand logos.

Do you create custom illustrations for each project?

Each board is unique to you! Some artists might be faster, but I go into detail, drawing each species individually as well as the individual backgrounds. This means everything has been drawn specifically for you. Lots of clients are happy for me to use these individual wildlife drawings on my own products as well as their boards, but never for another client's work.

Do you provide printed panels or just the artwork?

At this moment in time I only provide the print-ready artwork to you or a printer to create the boards. I do not organise the printing and manufacturing/installation of the boards.

Can I include my own branding or logos?

Sending over your branding guidelines, fonts, and logos is very helpful with the design process. Adding branding to your boards makes them look very professional.

How much do interpretation boards cost?

As each illustrated board is unique, I do not have any blanket costs. These vary in size, the number of illustrations within the board/time it takes to complete. I can provide an obligation-free bespoke quote, so please get in contact.

If you have a set budget in mind, this is also helpful, and I can see if this is something I can work within.