Living Wetland Theatre Shortlisted in Awards
We're delighted to have had our Living Wetland Theatre shortlisted in this year’s Landscape Institute Awards 2023.
We're delighted to have had our Living Wetland Theatre shortlisted in this year’s Landscape Institute Awards 2023.
The Living Wetland Theatre was up for the ‘Excellence in Small Landscape’ award alongside Glenkinchie Distillery, Wraxall Yard and The Bowline.
The Living Wetland Theatre and Waterscapes Aviary at WWT Slimbridge were designed by B|D Landscape Architects. It was the largest exhibit created as part of the Slimbridge 75 project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Living Wetland Theatre and Waterscapes Aviary provide an open-air venue with amphitheatre seating for live and interactive presentations or talks and bird flight demonstrations on stage. The aviary adjacent, included the creation of a new lagoon fed from a new stream connected to the wider wetland, providing a rich natural habitat for a variety of wetland bird species and includes trees, wildflower, reed and aquatic planting to provide opportunities for natural places to perch and shelter.
Reclaimed groynes were installed to create a backdrop to the stage and house the large screen and their use is repeated throughout the aviary as part of the interpretation signage.
The exhibit is accessible with hard landscape materials used to provide even and stable routes to allow movement through the sloping landscape, with a path winding its way from the entrance to the event space and on through the aviary. Bridges are located to provide routes across the stream, enhancing visitor experience.
B|D worked with Kay Elliott architects, Hoare Lea and David Dexter Engineers alongside WWT Slimbridge on detailing the project from concept to site.
This season join us in our 360 seat open air Living Wetland Theatre; watch birds flying overhead and discover how each bird is adapted to the wetlands they live in. Then immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Waterscapes Aviary, always a calming spot to relax.
Winners of the Landscape Institute Awards 2023 were announced on 3 November 2023, we didn't win this time but were delighted to be a finalist.
The judges commented;
The scheme has crafted an inspiring and fantastic visitor attraction that's both enjoyable and educational. It emphasises WWT's conservation values, addresses climate change and biodiversity loss. The design offers habitats for wildlife, visual appeal for visitors, and safe pathways that consider wildlife's space requirements.
The scheme has admirably embraced many sustainable design principles, with a particular focus on the dedicated area for wildlife and nature conservation. This deliberate commitment to sustainability sets a commendable example for responsible and forward-thinking design. In the realm of wildlife and nature conservation, the scheme shines as a beacon of conscious intent. Through a strategic and thoughtful approach, the design seamlessly incorporates elements that cater to the needs of various species and ecosystems.
