crich tramway village

RECREATION & LEISURE
crich tramway village
INTRODUCTION
Work at the National Tramway
Museum in Crich, near Matlock,
was grant aided by the Countryside
Agency through the Aggregate Levy
Sustainability Fund. The project
involved the restoration of land to
provide a stimulating range of visitor
attractions based on the local natural
history of the Derwent Valley, which
is a World Heritage Site. The aim
of the works was to provide a more
diverse range of features at the
museum to broaden its family interest
and complement the tram-based
experience, whilst bringing the rest
of the site into beneficial use.
OUR INVOLVEMENT
The masterplan co-ordinated the
existing informal access routes,
creating a series of installations,
facilities and art along them. Access
for all was a key requirement, and
provided its own challenges within
land that had previously been used
for quarrying. We also sought to
minimise interference with the natural
landscape except where it required
restoration.
DESIGN
New features included this wide
range of sculptures, many related
to the site features, a leaf trail with
brass rubbing plates, stone labyrinth,
two viewing platforms including one
high over the Derwent Valley, a large
picnic and play area with various
bespoke seats and shelters and an
outdoor performance space. The
woodland character of much of the
site was enhanced by new native tree
and shrub planting, and the creation
of new wild flower meadows.
A wide range of local artists were
commissioned to undertake the
various sculptures and installations,
with one artist relocating to site to
provide demonstrations within the
museum on a long term basis.
IMPLEMENTATION
Sustainability and interaction with
the natural environment was key to
the project. Removed trees were
used for chainsaw sculptures, and
materials donated from the adjacent
quarry allowed for the creation of the
new pathways. An eco-friendly worm
composting toilet designed to look
like a signal box was an important
new facility for visitors.
Illman Young Landscape Design Ltd. 6 Tebbit Mews, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham, GL52 2NF
t. 01242 521480 f. 01242 228849 mail@illman-young.com www.illman-young.com