British Ancient Woodland

This exhibit keeps our visitors close to home and, instead of taking them on a journey to other parts of the world, will transport visitors back in time to when magnificent animals roamed our native forests.

The overriding principle of this exhibit design is to minimise any adverse impact on the existing site whilst still allowing for an enchanting visitor experience, accessible by all. A careful and detailed approach with a sympathetic and systematic appreciation of its ecological and arboricultural components and systems has been adopted from early concept stages through to detailed designs.

The concept of time is a core feature throughout this exhibit. The past, present and future are all explored at various stages of the journey, allowing the visitor to learn about human and animal relationships with the forest. A contained reintroduction of those animals that previously inhabited these forests will bring a further layer of the time concept to the exhibit. 

As visitors pass the wide path that curves around the amphitheatre, they see an ancient tree standing in their path with subtle signage pointing them towards a winding meadow path. This path in engraved with signs and dates and passes under artistically woven willow archways before reaching the edge of the gloomy woodland. Entering the forest onto a timber walkway that floats over the ground level vegetation, visitors become aware that the forest continues to grow naturally, unaffected by the footsteps of many visitors. 

From this path is it possible to glimpse a mysterious thickening of the vegetation as the path winds down the slope, which reveals itself to be a large pod made of living willow. Inside, a little dappled sunlight filters through breaks through into the structure indicating three gateways: present, past and future. Beautifully engraved handrails depict stories of the forest and the whispered sound of voices and forest noises immerses you in the world of the forest.

On taking the Past route, visitors wind through the ancient woodland on the timber boardwalk, taking notice of the trees and native species all around them. From symbols, pictures and stories along their route, visitors begin to appreciate the age of the forest and the importance of the flora it contains. In Spring visitors can view the spectacular display of bluebells that carpet the floor of the woodland. 

At a widening of the path, visitors may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, apparently free to roam in the woodland and quietly foraging in the distance. Going deeper into the forest, and further back into the past, visitors pass rickety bridges, fun short cuts and fallen logs as they encounter some of the tallest trees in the woodland before breaking out into a clearing where wolves stalk past rocks where another bear lies basking in the sun. The walkway leads out over the slope but is enclosed by curving walls of woven willow screens. Visitors can peek through gaps for glimpses of the views before reaching a wide open viewing area. Continuing on the journey, the walkway begins to rise up the escarpment once more, with bears and wolves on both sides and for a moment, you appear to be entering their unconfined world.

Continuing along the ancient pathway, you can rest on logs and rough benches and watch two actors debate woodland issues of old: a huntsman is concerned about the threats posed by the animals whilst a villager argues the benefits that woodlands provide. 

Moving on from the ancient path, visitors leave the past behind them and find out how such magnificent wild animals died out from our native shores. On reaching a number of rustic buildings, visitors enter the Ranger Station which is a hub of activity and attractions. A living sculpture forms the focus of the area and a woodcraft artist completes the final touches. A charcoal burner gently smokes in the background. Here visitors find out about what is happening to our woodlands now, what may happen in the future and how they can influence the survival of such a precious resource.