Earlier this year we were thrilled to swap our laptops for wellies and head out into the Somerset countryside to work with two of our favourite charities – the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust. As a branding agency with the name Design Hive, we’ve always had a soft spot for pollinators, so getting to create an interpretation panel for the village of Kingsdon felt like fate. We didn’t just design this panel – we manufactured and installed it too, using an oak frame and legs that feel right at home in the meadow.
A partnership that buzzed from the start
The brief was to craft a panel that tells Kingsdon’s wildlife story in a way that’s informative, inviting and utterly charming. The panel had to withstand the elements and encourage walkers, families and budding naturalists to stop and explore. Our team worked closely with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust to select the right materials and refine the content. Oak was chosen for its durability and natural warmth, while the board itself features a map of the area surrounded by illustrations of local species including bumblebees, bats and hedgehogs. We kept the typography clear and friendly, and selected a palette that complements the beautiful artwork. The finished panel is the bee’s knees – and we couldn’t be prouder.
The illustrations are the star of the show, so our design uses soft greens and blues to let them sing. We added informative call‑outs around the map to highlight local habitats and conservation tips. The layout encourages visitors to walk around the panel, read the stories and plan their own adventure. Installing the board ourselves meant we could ensure it sits at the perfect height for children and adults alike.
Bringing back the human touch
This project embodies a wider trend we’re seeing across the design industry. As Creative Boom recently noted, “The faster technology moves, the more we’ll see a counter‑trend emerge: a return to handcrafted, human‑centred design” (creativeboom.com). In other words, people are craving real‑world experiences to balance their screen‑heavy lives. Our oak‑framed panel offers exactly that: a tactile, handcrafted piece that connects visitors with nature. It was a joy to get hands‑on, from sketching concepts to sanding the frame, and we think the result feels all the more special for it.
The timing couldn’t be better. The Design Museum’s More Than Human exhibition explores how humans can relearn to design with and for the natural world (newdesigners.com), and our project echoes that ethos. We chose sustainable materials, collaborated with conservation experts and created something that celebrates local biodiversity. It’s a small but meaningful example of how thoughtful design can support environmental stewardship.
A lasting legacy
Working with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust reminded us why we started Design Hive in the first place. We believe in design that sparks curiosity, fosters connection and leaves a positive mark – and we’re buzzing to do more projects like this. Next time you’re in Kingsdon, keep an eye out for our interpretation panel and let us know what you think. And if your organisation needs a countryside sign or exhibition display with a human touch, you know where to find us.
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