A Norfolk nature reserve has revealed plans for a raised island walkway, which would enable visitors to view it from a fresh perspective.
Tourist attraction Pensthorpe, near Fakenham, has submitted a planning application to North Norfolk District Council for the proposed development, which could see work start in 2024.
The Pensthorpe Island Walk would consist of a series of high bridges, decks, walkways and boardwalks raised into the tree canopies, with vistas stretching across its lakes and beyond.
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The experience, which would be more than 130 meters in length, would connect the different islands at the nature reserve.
The plans also include a wheelchair-accessible rope bridge, with a height of almost three metres.
The materials used to create the walkway would be cedar shingles and waney edge cladding to give it a contemporary yet rustic feel.
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Ben Marshall, general manager at Pensthorpe, said: "Our mission has always and will always be to bring visitors closer to nature, both physically and mentally.
"The proposed Island Walk is the ultimate way to show visitors a previously inaccessible area and give them a real-life bird’s-eye view of the reserve that is teaming with wildlife."
There will also be interactive and educational elements such as ‘nature tubes’, which will bring the noises of the water and wildlife closer.
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Habitat walls and insect houses will allow explorers to view usually unseen creatures throughout the seasons.
Creating Adventurous Places Ltd (CAP.Co), the Norwich-based attractions and luxury playground developer, is behind the new scheme and its other clients include BeWILDerwood and the Sandringham Estate.
Simon Egan, head of project development at CAP.Co, said: "It is paramount that the new structure sits beautifully within the woodland and doesn’t impact the trees and habitats around it."
You can view and comment on planning applications submitted to North Norfolk District Council at north-norfolk.gov.uk
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