Slimbridge Wetlands Centre

entering the space from the west, the walkway is slightly raised, and cuts through delicate grasses. stone walls in a traditional style break out of the grass and onto the path, defining the three zones.

a collection of images bring the design to life, describing timber walkways, swathes of grasses, waterways and timber structures.

a timber walkway flies through native woodland, over a stream with terraced banks and into a viewing area abundant with swathes of grasses. a newly designed timber hide features a green roof, and surrounds a multifunctional amphitheater.

1/4

SLIMBRIDGE WETLANDS CENTRE

This project looks at the redevelopment of land leading to and surrounding a well-used hide, looking out over expansive views of wetlands that are busy with birdlife.

The design solution for this public space is to settle the area into the natural environment, allowing visitors to feel that they are observing wildlife from deep within a natural space, rather than looking out onto it from a human-made space.

Natural materials are key, with timber used to construct a newly designed hide and floating walkway; dry-stone walling used to define boundaries and a green roof installed on the hide.

Planting is approached with an ambition to re-wild spaces that have previously been filled with non-native plants and concrete. UK native grasses are introduced in broad swathes; native deciduous trees shelter a woodland walkway and the stream side is terraced and planted with a range of water loving local reeds and flowering perennials.

portfolio

view along the walkway

concept images

master layout plan