As winner of the “In our element” design prize, Helen’s design for a unique, nature inspired bird hide was built by Lloyd Turner Ltd. This was the first of many projects we worked on together. The walls are built from rammed earth found locally and the roof based on the spiralling leaves of Phragmites is constructed fom oak laths. The reed head is sculpted from copper.
As winner of the “In our element” design prize, Helen’s design for a unique, nature inspired bird hide was built by Lloyd Turner Ltd. This was the first of many projects we worked on together. The walls are built from rammed earth found locally and the roof based on the spiralling leaves of Phragmites is constructed from oak laths. The reed head is sculpted from copper.
The internal space continues our attention to detail and features beautiful dappled light through the oak laths above, a rammed earth floor, a carved moth larvae in the central reed stem, reed leaf benches and bespoke murals.
This design for Wood Lane Nature Reserve features a 2 storey structure with a bird hide at water level and a 6m dia. circular learning space above which we fitted out. Their is a unique peatland roof on the bird hide (accessible from the learning space) complete with its own water source and a sedum roof on the learning space.
This design for Wood Lane Nature Reserve features a 2 storey structure with a bird hide at water level and a 6m dia. circular learning space above which we fitted out. Their is a unique peatland roof on the bird hide (accessible from the learning space) complete with its own water source and a sedum roof on the learning space.
Inspired by the bud of a water lily, this 3m dia. structure was one of two hides we built for Radley Lakes. The second was a much smaller, low budget leaf hide with a turf roof. The inside of the Lily Pod was clad with spiralling laths creating a beautiful internal space. The door was carved from layers of ply and varnished.
Inspired by the bud of a water lily, this 3m dia. structure was one of two hides we built for Radley Lakes. The second was a much smaller, low budget leaf hide with a turf roof. The inside of the Lily Pod was clad with spiralling laths creating a beautiful internal space. The door was carved from layers of ply and varnished.
Inspired by the bud of a water lily, this 3m dia. structure was one of two hides we built for Radley Lakes. The second was a much smaller, low budget leaf hide with a turf roof. The inside of the Lily Pod was clad with spiralling laths creating a beautiful internal space. The door was carved from layers of ply and varnished.
This hide was commissioned in memory of Colin Tuerena for Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s Wood Lane Nature Reserve. The rear cordwood walls are great habitat for insects and the cedar shingled roof, eaves and overlapping waney edge on the front are designed for bats. The oak leaf door was carved from layers of ply and varnished.
This hide was commissioned in memory of Colin Tuerena for Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s Wood Lane Nature Reserve. The rear cordwood walls are great habitat for insects and the cedar shingled roof, eaves and overlapping waney edge on the front are designed for bats. The oak leaf door was carved from layers of ply and varnished.
Whilst I was designing and managing the fit out of this new visitor centre as Head of Interpretation for WWT, Lloyd had completed the major civils work under Cinnamonds, creating the wetland habitats and came back self employed as Lloyd turner Ltd to help with the detailed landscaping and design and build a series of sedum roofed bird hides around the centre. We have continued to use sedum on many of our roofs due to its light weight and low water maintenance qualities.
This bird hide is nestled between two artificial Sandmartin banks offering fantastic views of birds coming and going from their nests. The lower half is block construction as the area floods regularly.
We designed and built this stunning bird hide for Sinker Fields, part of Natural England’s Whixall Moss Nature Reserve. The face of the hide features 15m length of feathered wings shaped from cedar planks.
The Otter Holt Hide was designed and built for Aston Locks Nature Reserve in Shropshire. Built into the bank, viewing over one of the lakes, the entrance and internal spaces are sculpted in concrete as an Otter Holt, including cutaway tunnels and 3D fibreglass Otter models made by Roger and Jane Oakes. Visitors are immersed in a magical underwater world.
The Otter Holt Hide was designed and built for Aston Locks Nature Reserve in Shropshire. Built into the bank, viewing over one of the lakes, the entrance and internal spaces are sculpted in concrete as an Otter Holt, including cutaway tunnels and 3D fibreglass Otter models made by Roger and Jane Oakes. Visitors are immersed in a magical underwater world.
Standing on 5m high on 5m of peat, the views from this tower across Whixall Moss are amazing. The design and construction of this tower is testament to Lloyd’s engineering skills!
