Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership
A mobile-first WordPress website development project designed for a publicly funded heritage team, built to showcase community initiatives, integrate mapping features, and provide a transparent public archive.
Client: Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership
Visit Site: discoverdearne.org.uk
The Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLP), a publicly funded initiative, needed a new website to highlight its wide-ranging projects, engage with the local community, and provide a transparent record of public investment. Prior to this, DVLP only had a basic WordPress blog, which limited visibility and made it difficult to demonstrate the real impact of its work across the Dearne Valley region.
New Website, Clear Objectives
When working with a client like DVLP high performance WordPress websites are important and we were given clear objectives to deliver a mobile-first user experience.
This meant integration of mapping and geolocation features to help users discover nearby projects, ensure transparency with a clear navigation structure, and remain lightweight and fast-loading for use in the field on mobile devices.
Just as importantly, the platform needed to be simple for DVLP’s team to update independently, ensuring the public could access accurate, up-to-date information without barriers.
Make Do approached the build with a browser-based, mobile-first design process. This collaborative approach meant that DVLP stakeholders could see and test the site as it evolved, with feedback shaping design decisions in real time.
Google Maps integration provided a dynamic way to locate projects across the Dearne Valley, while an intuitive content management system ensured that the DVLP team could update project details, upload reports, and build an archive of achievements without requiring technical expertise.
Performance and accessibility were central to the implementation
The process of developing our new website was clear, constructive, positive and actually enjoyable.
The Make Do team was able to translate what we wanted from a website into the building of it. We weren’t bombarded by jargon and terminology.
Richard King, DVLP Development Manager
The site was designed to load quickly even in areas with poor connectivity, with a streamlined structure that ensured ease of use for all audiences.
By focusing on speed, usability, and scalability, we delivered a platform that worked equally well as a promotional tool, an educational resource, and a transparent public record.
From launch, the results were immediate. The new DVLP website improved search engine visibility, achieved a 200% increase in web traffic, and became the central hub for community engagement. It successfully demonstrated the value of the partnership’s work and provided a strong digital legacy for the future.R
Expertise used…
WordPress Specialists, Design & UX, API & CRM System Integration, Custom WordPress Themes
Services used…
