The brand new nature reserve was created from the abandoned remains of a quarry near Preston, England. Owned by Lancashire Wildlife Trust, the 67-acre reserve and visitor centre was made possible with a sizable grant of £8 million from the North West Regional Development Agency. Landscapes and new habitats, like the wetlands, a hay meadow, and woods were created to showcase wildlife and visitors are encouraged to explore the trails for bird watching, recreation and more (sorry, no pups allowed).

The highlight of the new reserve though, is the beautiful floating eco-village with decks for visitors to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The tall roofed buildings feature oak shingles, newspaper insulation and other reclaimed materials in their construction. Floating on a large pontoon made from hollow concrete, the village need not worry about seasonal fluctuations in the wetlands water level. In this way, the village minimizes its impact on the environment and reduces the risk of damage from flooding.

+ Brockholes Nature Reserve

+ Adam Khan Architects

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