London’s world-famous Natural History Museum’s new wildlife gardens are now open to the public.
Situated within the Museum complex in the heart of bustling South Kensington, the Nature Discovery Garden and the Evolution Garden are both designed to blend history and horticulture. Delivering an immersive experience with interactive exhibits to educate young people on the evolution of British habitats over the past 2.7 billion years, the gardens also feature a network of 25 environmental sensors. These constantly gather environmental data to create a ‘data ecosystem’, helping scientists to understand the adaptation of nature and species to the urban environment in the face of the climate emergency.
Spanning a five-acre area, the gardens have created a trail through natural history, culminating in a life-sized bronze replica of a diplodocus named “Fern” to capture the imagination of visitors and embeds the diversity of ancient life. As the gardens move into the Anthropocene period, the paving stones incorporate crushed glass, pottery and plastic to symbolise humanity’s increasing impact on the natural world. In a recent statement, Museum Director, Dr Doug Gurr called the gardens “a national learning, science and public engagement initiative to make our towns and cities healthier and more sustainable places to live.”
Sustainability was central to the gardens’ design and operational ethos with a carbon budget in place, seeing this become a diesel free site using only peat-free fertilisers, with zero waste sent to landfill. To support the project, our structures specialists were responsible for detailing the below ground concrete elements which enabled the creation of the stunning design. In addition, they had design input on the curved stone walls that serve as an entranceway from South Kensington Tube Station, creating a pathway into the Jurassic world of nature which opens as you venture through the space.
Reflecting on the recent official opening, Waterman’s Director for Structures, Joe Smith, said: “It has been a privilege to help shape the future of this world-famous museum and a great experience working in conjunction with Carey Group PLC. This is certain to become a popular addition to an internationally renowned attraction and look forward to seeing visitors from around the globe enjoying these stunning gardens for many years to come.”
To find out more about how we’re shaping visitor experience at world-famous sports facilities, museums and theatres, head to our dedicated Arts and Leisure webpage.
