New Media Awards 2007 Atos Origin

Countryside Council for Wales

http://www.ccw.gov.uk

Nominated in Modernising government award category.

The CCW website provides information, interactive tools, and advice about the Welsh landscape. It targets all users including hard to reach groups with particular access needs – fulfilling the mission to promote the environment as a vital and valued part of everyone’s life.

Designed to meet AAA accessibility standards the site acts as a beacon and leader for environmental heritage projects encouraging active participation and learning. It also communicates to Government and other agencies regulating activities critical to maintaining a healthy and rich environment.

Easy navigation and beautiful design creates an excellent user experience to this information rich resource. User focus groups have made sure the site is fully inclusive.

1 nomination from readers

  • Launched just over one month ago, the site has already attracted over 137,700 page views from 10,757 visits made by over 7,600 visitors – that’s almost 300 visits a day!

    A range of interactive features such as ‘Dig and Discover’, latest news, the ‘countryside code’, online publications and research, and a vast array of information on the landscape, wildlife and environmental change, is helps educate the user. Interactive Mapping, designed to meet Double A accessibility standards, allows people of all abilities to explore walking routes and plan their Welsh countryside adventure, all from their own computer!

    The website creates a great educational user experience which broadens knowledge and understanding on the environment. Aimed at users of all abilities and regardless of ages, the site is designed from the readers point of view and will be continuously updated as news becomes available.

    Rob Owen, Head of Communication at CCW explains “As the site develops, our emphasis will be on ‘where you live’ – we will strive to highlight places, natural features and nature conservation projects near towns and cities, so that people can enjoy, and get involved with nature directly - without the hassle of travel.”

    The site is also currently in the process of obtaining RNIB ‘See it Right Certification’ so it is officially recognised for its inclusiveness achievements – ensuring education about the Welsh countryside is available to all.

    Nominated by Stel Grekos, 31 May 2007