BROADLEAF
WOODLAND ENTERPRISE HAS ARRIVED......
Finally,
after months of tense negotiations, plans, measurements,
and consultation, the dream of having a focal point
for the management of the local woodlands has been realised.
Planning
permission has been granted for BWE's open-sided turf-roofed
structure in our 'yard' at the site in Norton Leisure
Gardens.
If
you have driven along the Mumbles Road just by Castle
Acre over the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed
the wooden frame growing up between the trees as they
drop their leaves and open up the view into the woodland.
What
started as a disused allotment area has now become
part of a new social enterprise company for Mumbles,
which will look after woodlands, create products from
the local wood, and be a base for environmental projects
and workshops.
The
building has been designed by Matt Carroll, and constructed
by Gower Woodland & Charcoal. The frame, which is
made from larch and oak in the traditional style using
curved braces and oak pins to give the building strength,
was prepared off-site. Work started on October 30th.
Above:November
8th - The frame is starting to take shape.
Above:
November 8th - This photo taken from the rear shows
the sloping roof.
Now
the larch roof planks are being fitted.
Above:November
8th - The building is really taking shape, the roof
looks finished from below but there is still a lot to
be done.
Above:
November 15th - Up on top of the roof, the planking
is finished, and the area is ready for soil and turf
to be added.
Above:
November 20th - The final stage, only 3 weeks after
construction began, soil is put onto the roof area.
Now you can begin to get an idea of how unique this
building will be.
Above:
November 21st - The turf is laid, and the wooden guttering
is in place, now Mumbles has its first turf-roofed structure.
Above:
November 21st - The final touches, Matt Carroll and
his team have done a fantastic job; the building is
an impressive addition to the area.
Matt
Carroll, Gower Woodland & Charcoal. www.gowercharcoal.co.uk
tel: 01792 874500
BWE
and The Mumbles Way Walk (c) are now part of
the
BBC Breathing Places website, use this link then type
Swansea in the search bar. You will find both entries
listed. link
to the site...
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