Eden Project designer signed up to transform zoo’s grounds
THE AWARD-WINNING landscape architect behind designs at Cornwall’s celebrated Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan will be creating a new vision for grounds at Twycross Zoo.
The zoo has commissioned Dominic Cole to reinvent planting and landscaping across the 88 acre site, improving the experience for visitors as they travel between enclosures to view the animals.
While perhaps not at the forefront of people’s expectations, planting plays an important role in creating a welcoming environment at Twycross as well as providing a suitable environment for the resident animals.
Plants serve a range of functions, from being grown as food, enrichment or bedding for the animals, to helping recreate native habitat and providing a pleasant backdrop for visitors to enjoy.
Dominic brings more than 30 years of experience in the landscape design industry.
He said: “It is great to be working with the enthusiastic team at Twycross Zoo to help them realise their vision of changing the feel of the zoo, from looking at animals in artificial environments to creating more natural habitats and settings that feel right for animals and visitors.”
Claire Oldham, director of discovery and learning at Twycross Zoo, added: “There are lots of exciting developments for animals and visitors alike happening at Twycross Zoo.
“We recognise some of our infrastructure, such as the landscaping, needs to change in order to provide visitors with the best possible experience and we are delighted to be working with Dominic to make some of those improvements.”
The landscaping plans will integrate with Twycross Zoo’s £55 million masterplan which aims to transform the zoo over the next 20 years into one of the region’s and the UK’s, leading visitor attractions.