Solar Audio Post Electronics – Ebbw Fach Trail

The Ebbw Fach Valley was once an industrial centre for both the coal and iron industry, however that changed leading up to the 21st century leaving behind a multitude of industrial scars on the surrounding land.

Thanks to a number of reclamation schemes and environmental improvements the Ebbw Fach Valley now boasts a 16km long trail that links Beaufort Hill Woodlands to Llanhilleth, passing through and connecting 14 community green spaces along the way.

Solar Electronics

Smith and Jones were commissioned to design interpretation signs along the Ebbw Fach Trail providing various points of interest for walkers using the paths. The resulting creations are 2 meter tall monolith type posts which share interesting information regarding the industrial history of Ebbw Fach Valley and the various forms of wildlife that now call it home. Built into these signs are engraved brass discs which children can use with ‘rubbing sheets’ available online to collect rubbings along the trail. They also wanted to add some audio interpretation to the signs turning them into audio points, which led them to us and our very useful Solar Electronics.

Lacking access to mains power along the installation sites smith and jones took inspiration from our Solar Audio Post and determined solar power was the right direction to go. Our Solar Electronics have been developed to offer incredible efficiency (something that is required on those overcast days in Wales!) and power an audio device that usually plays 2 messages via the push of 2 buttons (there are bespoke options available).

The monolithic posts coupled with interesting signage and our Solar Electronics really add something to the Ebbw Fach Trail and have proven a big hit with visitors, people are often surprised to find that these striking structures are also audio points.