A planning application has been submitted by a Boston architect for an extension to a popular nature reserve.
Neil Dowlman Architecture, of Main Ridge, Boston, has submitted a planning application to Boston Borough Council on behalf of RSPB for construction of a bird hide, toilet block and extension to existing car park at Frieston Shore Nature Reserve.
The application states: “The proposal seeks permission for the erection of an amenities block and bird hide with accompanying footpaths and vegetation, as well as the extension of the existing car parking and addition of a designated picnic area, and associated landscaping. These proposals support the previous RSPB approved application for a new saltwater lagoon within the nature reserve, and together the new lagoon and proposed facilities will greatly improve the Nature Reserve both for the wildlife habitat and visitors.
“All features have been designed to be vandal proof and deter anti-social behaviour, such features include timed automatic locking doors for the WCs, sufficient space between the existing retaining wall and the roof to ensure no climbing as well as not creating tight alleys which could entice loitering.
“The purpose of the amenities building is to provide safe and clean sanitary and baby changing facilities for all visitors and is an integral part of the ongoing management and improvements to the Freiston Shore Nature Reserve by the RSPB. However, it was our mission to make it more than just a plain toilet block, the proposal is a piece of art that represents the significance of the Nature Reserve and its visitors’ support to the RSPB, it is a way of showing gratitude to the visitors’ ongoing support.
“The bird hide was designed by Norwegian Specialists in designing for birdwatching and combining architectural design with caring for nature. The hide has been designed to create an open and inviting architecture aimed at connecting people and nature, achieving a careful balance between the need for visibility and shelter to attract visitors, and maintaining sympathetic to the sensitivities of the birds and their habitats. Durability, wind stability, and minimal maintenance are further are key qualities of the Bird Hide.
“The bird hide will provide a unique outlook over the lagoon, as the hide will be partially submerged underwater, therefore the viewers have the possibility to be eyelevel with the birds sitting in and around the water.
“The bird hide will share the same exterior cladding and some of the design features of the amenities block, ensuring cohesion across the site. The majority of the bird hide will be clad in timber, with some accent walls clad in Carten Steel.”
Toby Collett, Site Manager, RSPB Freiston Shore, said: “We have applied for planning permission as part of an ongoing habitat creation project at RSPB Freiston Shore which will add new visitor facilities and improve 17 hectares of dry grassland, including creating a new lagoon. Visitors will be able to enjoy views of nesting and resting birds from a new accessible viewing hide and further improvements will be made through an upgraded and extended car park and toilets.”
This is exactly what is needed at Frieston Shore, hope it all goes through quickly, perhaps in future a refreshments area could be considered.