NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Nottinghamshire County Council ’ s Ceren Clulow walks us through a digital dreamworld , where technology and nature connect in unexpected , transformative ways
idden amid a copse showing the early signs of spring – newly-sprouting leaves , green shoots and a morning chorus of birds – is a scene so tranquil and seemingly untouched , you wouldn ’ t imagine that it could be the site of one of the most innovative , far-reaching digital projects in the UK showcasing the true extent of 5G capabilities .
But there ’ s one woman who could see the scope of potential being overlooked in natural spaces such as Sherwood Forest and Rufford Abbey Country Park in Nottinghamshire .
“ In one of my visits to Sherwood Forest , I realised that it has so much potential but
“ I said , ‘ I have an ambition . After doing some research , I ’ ve found that there is not a forest in the world that has 5G connectivity . Do you think this is possible ? Do you think we can test if 5G works in a forest ?’”
CEREN CLULOW DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY MANAGER , NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL doesn ' t have any connectivity to do anything – for social media sharing , to connect people , to enhance the visitor experience ,” explains Ceren Clulow , Digital Connectivity Manager , Nottinghamshire County Council ( NCC ), and Ericsson ’ s ‘ 5G Trailblazer ’.
Imagining a world where nature and technology could be inextricably linked together , Clulow set about turning her ambitious vision into reality . She embarked upon a state-of-the-art digital connectivity project in and around the world famous Sherwood Forest area , located in the north of Nottinghamshire , in early 2020 .
Clulow beams with pride as she elaborates on her fascinating journey : “ I was looking for some funding opportunities and came across one from the Department for Digital , Culture , Media & Sport [ DCMS ]. In the briefing event I attended , I said , ‘ I have an ambition . After doing some research , I ’ ve found that there is not a forest in the world that has 5G connectivity . Do you think this is possible ? Do you think we can test if 5G works in a forest ?’. So , I got the push from DCMS to go for it – ‘ Let ' s try , don ' t stop ’.”
And that ’ s how the 5G Connected Forest was born – the first of its kind .
30 May 2022