Forest Walkway

The Forest Walkway exhibit takes full advantage of the steep slope that separates the top half of the site from the lower portion, and allows visitors a privileged view of the canopy of the existing trees of the ancient woodland. This exhibit complements the messages of the ancient woodland exhibit by considering the woodland ecology that usually humans would not be able to experience.

The entrance to the Forest Walkway branches off from the main visitor route on the upper plains. The first experience is one of entering the woodland gradually, with the foliage increasing in density as you make progress along the boardwalk. Messages carved into fallen trees make it clear that the visitor is on an ancient existing route that has formed a natural clearing into the woodland. As the you walk further along the path, the canopy becomes more dense as the forest closes in around you, making you realise that you are leaving the modern day world far behind.

Ahead you can see the timber handrailed walkway wind itself into the woodland canopy, and as you walk along it you feel yourself rising into the canopy as the steep woodland escarpment falls away beneath your feet. Existing foliage grows beneath your feet, some almost in touching distance; the sun is almost blocked out by the tree canopy above your head.

The timber observation tower comes into view through the shadowy world that lies ahead. The entrance into the first level observation deck is defined by a space in the vertical handrail supports and the timber stair structure that is wrapping around in the tower above. From here you can have almost 360º views of the forest at high level; a mixture of tall tree trunks, smaller tree crowns and the remaining woodland tree canopy running down the escarpment. Specific features of interest are interpreted through the handrail and other media.

From here, visitors will be able to hear the sounds of the canopy and its wildlife, heightening their understanding of the importance of this beautiful ecosystem.