Inauguration of the Wandlebury Country Park Birdhide- the conclusion of an experiment in sustainabil
See images and more about our sustainable agenda on the Sustainability page of this website
In a context in which more than half of the world’s irreplaceable rainforests have been destroyed in the last 50 years and 50,000 wildlife species a year become extinct because of deforestation, the event organised by State of Design and Forests Monitor at the Corn Exchange as part of Architecture Week and Cambridge Environment Week 2006 with help from numerous local business, institutions and artists, was intended to increase awarenes on the devastating effects that illegal deforestation has on indiginous communities and ultimately on all of us. The goal of the event was to help the general public source and think responsibly about the use timber.
The art installation at the heart of this event was itself designed as an example of how timber can be sourced and assembled responsibly with future reuse in mind, and the mobilisation and involvement of so many passionate individuals and organisations was to demonstrate that, with will and determination, sustainable development is indeed achievable with the right support from local government and local communities for their own benefit and education.
The Cambridge City Council has indeed awarded two Cambridge Sustainable City Grants towards the exhibition and the birdhide project but also offered other forms of much needed support and encouragement. As architects and organisers of the event almost 6 years ago, we are now delighted to see that the structure designed by us has not only met its original purpose but has also been adapted for long-term use as a birdhide in its wonderful new setting at Wandlebury Country Park.
In doing so, Cambridge Past Present and Future has helped us meet our ultimate goal of creating a truly sustainable product for the enjoyment of many generations to come.
An extract from Cambrige Past Present Future press release:
A two storey timber structure designed by Cambridge based architecture practice, State of Design Ltd., for an exhibition held at the Corn Exchange as part of Architecture Week 2006 has been donated to us. The architect, Sabin Anca, has worked with us to adapt his structure and produce the plans for a bird hide. As well as re-using the timber frame, sustainability principles will be applied where possible in building the hide - timber is to be sourced from managed woodlands, an environmentally friendly paint finish will be used, part of the roof structure will be a 'green roof' and rain water run off will be collected into a water butt to top up a birdbath/drinking pool. The ground floor will be fully accessible for disabled people. Outside there will be an information board - detailing birdlife, habitats and sustainability issues and listing the hide sponsors.As well as providing a hidden observation point for birdwatching for visitors and school groups, the hide, will also provide a shelter from the elements in the depth of the Park, and a lookout from which to enjoy views over woodland and meadows. The site for the hide in the woodland copse on the northern edge of Varley's Field, just off the main perimeter path, has been carefully chosen to provide an observation point for the Park's woodland and meadow bird species.It will look out over a hazel copse, woodland edge planting, the 'Arable Patch', and the grazed chalk-rich grassland of Varley's Field. In time log piles, dense shrubby areas and climbing plants screening the building and fencing, and nest boxes will attract birds to feed and, hopefully nest at a suitable observation distance.
More about Wandlebury Country Park:
http://www.cambridgeppf.org/wandlebury-country-park.shtml
