treetop walkway by glenn howells architects winds through westonbirt arboretum

treetop walkway by glenn howells architects winds through westonbirt arboretum
all images by rob parrish

designed by glenn howells architects in collaboration with engineers buro happold, the longest treetop walkway in the UK has opened to the public in the national arboretum at westonbirt. the elevated route starts and ends at ground level, rising to a total height of 13 meters (43 feet) as it follows the valley floor. the sinuous 300 meter pathway meanders through the arboretum, offering visitors the chance to directly experience the native trees, and observe sweeping views across the historic downs landscape. at four key points, the walkway increases in size to form points where guests can better engage with their natural surroundings.

the walkway rises to a total height of 13 meters (43 feet)

the project has been developed through the use of advanced computational parametric principles, and uses materials that seek to complement the surrounding landscape. the distance between each pair of legs is the same (10.5 meters) – allowing for a continuous visual flow. meanwhile, foundations have been carefully located to avoid impact on existing trees. the lightweight steel balustrade minimizes the amount of structure required, again reducing the impact on the environment.

the sinuous 300 meter pathway meanders through the arboretum

‘we are very proud to have designed this unique treetop walkway for the historic and internationally renowned arboretum at westonbirt,’ says architect glenn howells. ‘the walkway allows all visitors, regardless of age or ability, to experience the site from the treetops for the first time. focusing on visitor needs and materiality, the walkway is designed to disappear as a sinuous silver ribbon that meanders between trees and canopies. the aim is that this new feature will greatly enhance visitor experience and help to ensure westonbirt’s popularity for many years to come.’

the scheme offers visitors the chance to directly experience the historic trees

andrew smith, arboretum director added: ‘this landmark addition transforms the visitor experience with incredible views, which have never been seen before. it also provides a family friendly and fun way for visitors to engage with the world of trees! the STIHL treetop walkway is the start of an exciting new chapter in westonbirt’s history and can be enjoyed as the seasons change throughout the year. we’re incredibly proud of it and would like to thank all the trusts, foundations, companies and individual donors who have given their time and money to make this project a reality.’

in 2014, glenn howells architects also completed the site’s welcome center

the westonbirt arboretum was laid out by three generations of the holford family from the early 1800s, and has been recognized by english heritage as a grade I registered landscape and garden of special historic interest. the friends of westonbirt raised £1.9m so that the walkway could provide visitors with a better understanding of the arboretum and its landscape, containing the ancient woodlands of silk wood and the downs. in 2014, glenn howells architects also completed a curved, timber-clad building that serves as an entrance to visitors of the arboretum.

the lightweight steel balustrade minimizes the amount of structure required

the distance between each pair of legs is the same – allowing for a continuous visual flow