Word of Water, our new eco-friendly attraction on the fringes of historic Romsey has been granted planning permission.
Led by EnergyPro Ltd in collaboration with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Strata Design, the World of Water development will turn a former aquatic nursery into a site of signifiant ecological value, boosting local ecotourism. Bordering Fishlake Meadows nature reserve, the unique attraction includes a visitor centre, walkway, viewing hide, cafe, retail and community space.
Adopting sustainable and biophilic design principles, elements include micro-habitats, an artificial otter holt, sculptural bird hide, bat and bird nesting boxes and a sand martin nesting bank. Swales, rain gardens, wildflower meadows, vegetated parking surfaces, native species shrub and tree planting, green roofs and facade greening also strengthen the green infrastructure of the site.
This project was shortlisted in the Landscape Institute Awards 2022 Building with Nature category.
