Electrek Explorer Launches New Web App to help Visitors Recharge in Nature
Visitors to the South of Scotland can now enjoy its nature and wildlife using low carbon travel
A new Web App will provide information about charging points for electric cars and bikes alongside beauty spots, walks and trails, and areas of natural interest.
It’s a new piece of technology from Electrek Explorer delivering a pilot Recharge in Nature initiative in the South of Scotland through a partnership with NatureScot and the Southern Uplands Partnership with funding from South of Scotland Destination Alliance, Destination Net Zero and South of Scotland Enterprise.
Elaine Ford, Director at startup Electrek Explorer said it was a fantastic opportunity for wildlife fans.
“This app shows new ways to engage with nature and explore a beautiful part of the country,” she said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to help promote nature-based tourism, whilst accelerating the transition to low carbon, electric travel in the drive towards Net Zero.”
What the App will offer
The WebApp will help guide people along curated electric car and bike routes. As a part of the wider programme, the team is creating a new E-bike data atlas in the South of Scotland to improve access and usability along cycle routes, which will highlight businesses and locations that are electric vehicle (EV) and E-bike friendly.
The pilot hopes to encourage active travel and make nature sites more accessible to all, as a part of the Just Transition. It will also connect people with EV-friendly accommodation, local businesses, wildlife hotspots, walks, adventure activities, voluntourism and community groups.
NatureScot Strategic Planning Manager, Simon Brooks said, “We’re delighted to be part of this pioneering initiative to promote the natural world of South of Scotland in such a new and engaging way. We’re looking forward to seeing people getting out and about, and enjoying all that nature has to offer - whilst addressing the climate emergency through low-carbon travel and nature-based responsible tourism.”
The pilot hopes to minimise ‘range anxiety’ by providing integrated EV information alongside nature-based tourism information and route planning. Ultimately, this will support people in the use of low carbon travel options.
Pilot and Further Development
The Web App is being piloted across the South of Scotland recognising this is a region with outstanding natural heritage assets and a clear ambition for EV and e-bike development for touring and exploration. Its proximity to the Central Belt of Scotland and the north of England provides access to 14 million people within 2 hours travel time and considerable scope to influence sustainable travel choices. Subject to the outcome of the pilot the plan is to then develop the Recharge in Nature WebApp across Scotland.
Call to Action - Get Involved with Electrek Explorer
A call to action - Electrek Explorer is focused on active engagement with local communities and businesses, as a part of inclusive economic development. The team encourages anyone in the South of Scotland or interested in the project to email explorer@planetrewild.com.
If you want to be included as an EV-friendly business and displayed on the web app.
You are interested in User Testing and informing the web app’s development
Have a nature-based Citizen Science or Voluntourism project in the South of Scotland that you would like to promote on the new web atlas.
Recharge in Nature is one of four nature-based tourism recovery programmes being piloted by NatureScot. This digital innovation seeks to encourage more people to engage with nature by accessing nature sites while recharging their EV by identifying opportunities to engage with nature-based activities whilst waiting on their EV to charge, such as providing information on walks nearby and bookable experiences. It also seeks to encourage more people to use e-bikes to explore the great outdoors and immerse themselves in nature.