Hainault Ancient Forest

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ZMMA are the designers for the Interpretation at Hainault Ancient Forest.  A new interactive space is designed to appeal primarily to younger children, however, a layered approach to the delivery of information will make the display accessible to all ages. Located within an ancient barn, it provides a hands-on and engaging space in which to learn about the landscape, designed to inspire all who visit to go out, explore and seek to understand this precious forest and farm on the edge of the city with fresh eyes.

The design responds to one of the core aims of the Hainault Forest Restoration Project to ‘restore the heritage of the forest and animate its history to visitors and the local community.’ It will also contribute to the goal of supporting the community’s health, education and recreation needs and is part of the bid to provide a sustainable income for the future running of the forest.

In the adjacent café, stories of people who have formed part of the history of the Forest will be told through images and first person testimony.