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New treetop attraction for Kew Gardens
The latest new addition to Kew Gardens in London, UK has opened to the public.
Designed by Marks Barfield’s, the Rhizotron and Xstrata Tree Top Walkway takes visitors underground, and then 18m high into the tree canopy for a different perspective on Kew Gardens.
Visitor’s journey starts in the Rhizotron, taking them through an apparent crack in the ground, and allowing them to explore the world of tree root biology.
They then climb the main stairway to the Xstratra Walkway, a 200m-long string of 12 modular walkway trusses at 18m-high, connected by 10 circular platforms. A larger platform at the walkway’s mid point provides space for school groups of up to 35 and a bench for visitors to rest.
Once in the canopy, visitors may spot birds including tawny owls, woodpeckers and kestrels, as well as insects and bats at dusk.
According to a spokesperson, Marks Barfield wanted to create a design that would complement the natural environment, and created a walkway with a “discreet presence”.
Weathering Steel was used for the walkway’s supporting structure, chosen both for its longevity and low maintenance, and its gritty, robust appearance. A laminated sweet chestnut timber capping piece finishes the handrail section of the walkway.
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