Forest Signage for Advertising: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever gone hiking in the wilderness and seen particular signs indicating trails, dos and don’ts, and several other instructions? Well, these are forest signage set up to clearly warn and inform people.

They are arguably effective ways to secure safety, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the place. But not just for precautionary measures, forest signage is also important in advertising.

Most people think that advertising only takes place in retail and high streets, but little do they know the wilderness can also be a perfect place to raise brand visibility and awareness.

This comes to our mind upon seeing these forest signage ideas from The Outwoods. Therefore, we will make them examples as we discuss the different types of forest signage, how to design signage for advertising, the materials to use, proper installation and how your business can benefit from them. So, let’s get started.

The Outwoods, located south of Loughborough, spans 110 acres and is considered to be one of the most ancient surviving woodland areas in Charnwood.

It became a popular recreational area for the local community, and today, it is a well-loved destination for walkers, runners, and nature enthusiasts. The woodlands are managed by the Woodland Trust, a national conservation charity, and are open to the public year-round.

What is Orienteering?

Orienteering is a sport that involves navigating through a terrain using a map and a compass. The aim of orienteering is to reach a series of checkpoints in the correct order, as quickly as possible. It can be done individually or in teams, and it can be done on foot or on skis.

Orienteering requires a combination of physical fitness, navigational skills, and strategy. Participants must be able to read and interpret maps, use a compass to find their way, and make decisions on the best routes to take.

Orienteering is a popular recreational activity as well as a competitive sport. It is often enjoyed in natural environments such as forests, parks, and wilderness areas, but it can also be done in urban settings. The sport is practised in many countries around the world and has various levels of difficulty, from beginner courses to advanced competitions.

Types of Forest Signage

A. Entrance Signs

An “entry sign” is a sign that indicates the location or use of specific forest components but does not include any advertising text or insignia. Just like any other signage, they are installed to allow visitors to find their way in.

B. Regulatory Signs

Regulatory forest signs are signs that provide important information and instructions to forest visitors regarding rules and regulations that must be followed while in the forest.

These signs are typically posted at entry points to the forest or along trails and roads and are designed to promote public safety, protect natural resources, and ensure that visitors adhere to specific rules and regulations.

Examples of regulatory forest signs include signs that indicate hunting or fishing regulations, speed limits for vehicles, restrictions on camping or fires, warnings about hazardous conditions such as high water or slippery trails, and instructions for proper disposal of trash and waste.

These signs may also include contact information for forest rangers or other officials who can provide further guidance and assistance to visitors.

C. Wayfinding Signs

Wayfinding forest signs are signs placed in forests or other natural areas to help guide visitors and hikers along trails or paths. These signs provide important information such as trail markers, directional arrows, and distance indicators. They may also include maps of the area, safety warnings, or other relevant information.

1. Directional Signs

Directional forest signs are physical signs or markers placed along hiking or walking trails in a forest or natural area that help guide visitors and hikers in the right direction.

These signs typically display directional information such as trail names, distances to different destinations, and arrows pointing the way.

The purpose of directional wayfinding signs is to provide clear and concise information to visitors about the trail system, its features, and its destinations.

They help hikers navigate the forest or natural area, stay on the designated trail, and prevent them from getting lost.

2. Informational Signs

Informational forest signs are signs that provide information to hikers and visitors in a forest or park setting to help them navigate their way through the trails and reach their desired destinations.

These signs typically provide information about the location, direction, and distance to various points of interest, such as trails, scenic viewpoints, campsites, and other attractions.

They may also provide safety information, such as warnings about potential hazards, rules, and regulations for the area, and emergency contact information.

D. Interpretive Signs

Interpretive forest signs are informational signs placed in forests or other natural areas that provide visitors with information about the natural environment and cultural history of the area. These signs are typically designed to be visually appealing and easy to understand, and they may include text, images, and other graphics.

1. Educational Signs

Educational interpretive forest signs are signs found in forests or other natural areas that provide information and interpretation about the ecology, history, and cultural significance of the area.

These signs are typically designed to educate and engage visitors, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural environment.

2. Historical Signs

Historical interpretive forest signs are signs that provide information about the historical significance of a particular area within a forest.

These signs are typically placed in areas that have cultural or historical importance, such as sites of former settlements, logging camps, or Native American villages.

Designing Forest Signage for Advertising: What to Consider?

Be Specific with the Design.

It’s always important to consider the purpose of your forest signage before designing one. Case in point, you’re using it to guide visitors and advertise your business.

For this matter, you should put the images and graphics into priority. Though your purpose is to market your brand, still, you should be careful when adding your logo. Make sure the graphics that guide visitors are larger than your branding. In that way, your signage would not be too salesy or your not doing hard marketing.

Choose the Right Typeface.

For optimum legibility, simple, clear, easy-to-read typefaces should be utilized. Most professional typefaces come in a variety of weights, such as regular, bold, extended, and black. Use these to your advantage by giving particular elements of your message more importance or precedence.

It is a common misconception that because ALL CAPITAL LETTERS are “bigger” than lowercase letters, they are simpler to read from a distance. However according to eye testing, Upper And Lower Case Text is more legible from a distance than all upper case letters. Using fewer capital letters can make your sign easier to read because viewers might only have a few seconds to absorb your message.

Since your signages intend to guide people, it is crucial to make them visible and legible even from afar.

Pick the Perfect Colour and Contrast.

Colour contrast is one of the most important considerations when deciding on colours for signs. Your colours will be more noticeable and eye-catching when used together the higher the contrast. For text, logos, and directional indicators on signs to be read from a distance, highly contrasting colours are advisable.

Since your forest signage are used to assist trekkers, whilst marketing your brand, it is better to avoid low contrasting colours. These colours are difficult to read and uncomfortable to look at.

Plan the Size and Placement.

There is no given particular sizes for safety signs and tag, however 7″ by 10″ is a good starting point. Always remember that “the signal word shall be readable at a minimum distance of five feet.

When it comes to placement, your outdoor signage displays should be placed in a highly visible location, ideally at eye level, and should not be obscured. Likewise, it is important not to place too many safety signs together in close proximity, as this can lessen their visual impact and make it harder to communicate the most relevant information.

Be Consistent with the Branding and Messaging.

Forest signage should represent your branding and be able to effectively convey your message while also being intended for safety. If you have present signage at the entrance, make sure that the succeeding signage displays are also branded and customised based on the first one.

Indeed, being consistent with your branding and messaging makes guests more familiar with your brand, making your business more memorable for them.

Different Materials for Forest Signage Displays

Outdoor signage must be readable, well-designed, and simple to maintain whether it is used to advertise a company, produce public art, or inform the general public. Yet, the ability of any type of signage to survive anything mother nature may dish out may be the most crucial factor to take into account.

With that said, we listed below some of the best materials to consider when deciding what to use for your forest signage ideas.

Wood

Beautiful, strong and renewable; wood is an extraordinary natural material with endless uses. They are hard-wearing and with proper care can last for years. Wood is the perfect signage material for country parks and gardens as well as nature trails and paths.

Wooden forest signage can be routed with chosen information and can even have logos, emblems and badges engraved. It’s also possible to add colour to the sigs for that little bit of additional detail.

Metal

There are many options on the market, but metal is one that really stands out on many levels. Its versatility, durability and customizability are some of the reasons this material is one of the favourites.

Unlike signages made from other materials, custom metal signs never look cheap. They look sleek, professional, and of high quality. Metal outdoor signs can represent the ideas you want your brand to represent.

Acrylic

Another perfect material to add to your list is acrylic. It is resistant to wear and tear, with colours and texture withstanding even the toughest of conditions. The material creates striking signs that help you express your creativity through the use of different colours, typefaces, and designs.

Furthermore, they fit well into your budget because they are so reasonably priced.

High-Pressure Laminate (HPL)

Durable and impact, scratch, and abrasion-resistant, HPL make an ideal material for your forest signage for advertising. It has low heat conduction and is heat resistant. Likewise, it is easy to maintain, stylish and versatile as it can be used on different types of surfaces vertically or horizontally—also on curved or cylindrical surfaces.

Things to Consider in Forest Signage Installation

Site Preparation

Conduct an ocular visit to places where you plan to install the signage displays. To ensure everyone’s safety, always have experts join you. Preparing the site can help you find the right place to set up the forest signage.

Proper Installation Techniques

It is very important to install forest signs consistently and correctly. The effectiveness of a sign can be compromised if it is used inappropriately or if it is installed incorrectly. A confusing sign, or one that cannot be seen in time, is useless.

Therefore, you have to place signs where they are visible and provide adequate time for proper viewer response. Of course, you don’t have to do it without proper guidance and expert approval.

Maintenance and Care

Regular signage maintenance provides businesses with peace of mind, as they know their signs are in safe working order. Keeping them in good condition ensures people’s safety. Similarly, maintenance can also support the high-quality representation of your brand,

Benefits of Forest Signage for Advertising

Whether you are producing your own forest signage or sponsoring your business partner, you can take a lot of benefits from them. Here are the perks of using them in marketing your brand.

1. Attracting Visitors

Creative and exceptional displays can invite more visitors to your place. It gives them the impression that there is much more that awaits them beyond what they see on the signs.

2. Enhancing Visitor Experience

Another good thing about signage is that it allows visitors to enjoy and have a quality experience within your place. For instance, they don’t have to go on a circle once there are signs installed in your area, allowing them to maximise their time.

3. Promoting Safety

Even though you want to promote your brand through your forest signage, these are also effective in ensuring the safety of your visitors. These signs will serve as a guide, and prevent possible accidents from happening.

4. Educating Visitors

Aside from giving warnings, forest signage are also useful in educating your visitors. Educational signage displays may include a place’s history and origin. Using these kinds of displays helps guests to become more familiar with the background of your place.

5. Increasing Brand Awareness

The best thing about using forest signage for advertising is that it can help increase brand awareness. As your logo can be printed on them, people tend to see them often.

But not just for your brand, signs can also help increase people’s awareness about safety and the importance of following precautionary measures.

Check out how The Development Bureau of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Greening, Landscape & Tree Management Section has included QR codes on tree-labels as a component of their Community Outreach program.

The aim is to encourage individuals to pause and observe the trees in their surroundings.

5 Lessons to Learn from Tree Labels With QR Code Campaign in HK

Forest Signage for Advertising: Who Can Use Them?

Aside from forest signages, we also spotted this custom forest bench inside the woodland. We love how this offers comfort and fantastic sight because of the carvings. Learn more about it and how custom forest benches transform outdoor spaces in this blog:

How Do Custom Forest Benches Transform Outdoor Spaces?

More outdoor promo ideas to add to your list:

This particular light is made from ABS material. Solar-powered, you can ensure that it has the power your customers need during night camping.

Power Up your Next Outdoor Marketing Gimmick with Custom Solar Lights!

The custom solar backpack is designed for men and women. It has adjustable sternum, waist and shoulder straps for maximum comfort for the person using the bag.

Custom Solar Backpack: 4 Surprising Ways It Elevates Your Brand

This handheld alarm has 130 DB and can reach 600 ft. away, which is absolutely enough to call people’s attention. This safety alarm is also called a sound grenade.

Be Heard! Branded Keychain with Alarm for Advocacy Campaigns

Built with high-quality material, this promotional survival kit is definitely crafted for performance. Consumers can go ahead with their trip with peace of mind as they are equipped with this kit.

Promotional Survival Kit: Gear Up for Your Next Outdoor Marketing!

Final Thoughts,

The forest is a natural environment and you should be prepared for possible dangers that may come along the way. Indeed, a perfect place to enjoy, reflect and be with nature, it is also a good place to market your brand.

Thus, forest signage displays are not just simple warning and precautionary signs. You may also utilise them to increase your brand visibility and promote your business.

After discussing the different types of forest signage, the ideal materials to use, things to consider in installing them, their benefits and who can use them, may this article help you decide whether to use forest signage in marketing or not.

How Can ODM Help?

If you still have questions about using forest signage for advertising, feel free to connect with our team. We can help you design and produce the right marketing material to use for your outdoor campaigns.

Aside from outdoor marketing ideas, we also manufacture quality sports promotional merchandise, seasonal promotional products, branded corporate giveaways, on-pack premiums, promotional freebies, and gift-with-purchase ideas.

ODM and Mindsparkz work together to provide our clients with all the promotional products they need for their businesses. Browse our website to learn more about the products and services we offer.