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.
We have obtained a £3000 grant from Cambridge City Council
(Sustainable City Project Grant) and much of the structural timber free of
charge. Some smaller donations have also been gratefully received,
but we need more funding or help in kind (such as timber cladding and
roofing materials) before we can start building the hide (total cost is
estimated at £10,000). We would like to have the hide
built by autumn 2007.
If you would like to support the project we will be pleased to send
you some more information about the appeal please call Janet Cornish in
the Cambridge Past, Present & Future office on 01223 243830 or
e-mail.