The brief for the refurbishment and extension of the entrance building to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust called for the external landscape to complement the building, provide safe access for visitors and extend the Durrell experience beyond the point of entry to the park. 

The Durrell experience starts as visitors approach the visitor centre along the dedicated walkway. Strategically placed speakers hidden in the foliage and bollards transmit animal noises and information boards begin to tell the Durrell story. The walkway is finished in resin bound gravel, selected for its natural colours and tones which complement the feature granite wall.

Improved access to the park has been achieved by incorporating a gentle ramp on the park side of the building, replacing the steep access that existed previously. 

Restricted parking for coaches, disabled drivers and other specific users is organised around walkways clearly identified with timber sleepers, timber bollards and surface finishes. Bollard luminaries along the walkway and through the car park illuminate the pedestrian route without the need for intrusive street lamps.

In keeping with the existing site aesthetic and the Durrell sustainable ethos, all the timber used has been sustainably sourced. A mature Lime forming part of an avenue of trees emerges through the timber dining terrace to create a dynamic interaction with the natural environment of the park. The new planting reflects the concepts adopted within the park to introduce rare and exotic species associated with the resident animal’s countries of origin.