---
title: "Attraction Design Case Study: Slimbridge Living Wetland Theatre"
description: Kay Elliott, expert attraction architects, created the immersive Living Wetland Theatre and walkthrough Aviary for Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Funded by the Heritage Lottery, this flagship project enhances visitor interaction and education, celebrating wildlife conservation through engaging and immersive experiences.
---

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![immersive walkthrough wetland aviary](https://www.kayelliott.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/bd-landscape-architects-living-wetland-theatre-10.jpg?width=300&name=bd-landscape-architects-living-wetland-theatre-10.jpg)

 Slimbridge

 ATTRACTIONS | CULTURAL | DESTINATION

# Living Wetland Theatre

**Client:** The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust  
**Construction budget:** undisclosed  
**Completion date:** 2021

 

Landscape: BD Landscape

Structure: DDA

Services: Hoare Lee

 

**Awards:**

Landscape Institute 2023 finalist

 

##### The Living Wetland Theatre and Walkthrough Aviary form the centrepiece of Slimbridge 75 - a series of Heritage Lottery funded projects celebrating the legacy and work of Sir Peter Scott and the creation of the WWT. 

The project features a dramatic 2,000 square meter walk-through aviary with an undulating wetland landscape allowing visitors to immerse themselves into the sights and sounds of a UK wetland. *The aviary also features a unique diving duck tank where you can watch ducks diving underwater.*

![immersive landscaped visitor attraction](https://www.kayelliott.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Waterscapes%20Aviary.%20Credit%20Amy%20Alsop.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=Waterscapes%20Aviary.%20Credit%20Amy%20Alsop.jpg "immersive landscaped visitor attraction")

![Ducks in wetland aviary attraction](https://www.kayelliott.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Ducks%20in%20aviary%202000.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=Ducks%20in%20aviary%202000.jpg "Ducks in wetland aviary attraction")

## "The scheme has crafted an inspiring and fantastic visitor attraction that's both enjoyable and educational."

Judges CommentsLandscape Institute Awards

Attached to the aviary is the Living Wetland Theatre, an intimate 360 seat open air amphitheatre designed for viewing live and interactive demonstrations. The ‘floating’ stage area allows visitors to get close to beautiful wetland birds such as free-flying pelicans and diving whistling ducks. The theatre will also offer a platform for live debates on conservation and environmental issues with researchers, scientists and TV experts taking part. 

 

Image Credits: Amy Alsop

![Open-air amphitheatre attraction](https://www.kayelliott.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Living%20Wetland%20Theatre.%20Credit%20Amy%20Alsop%20(2).jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=Living%20Wetland%20Theatre.%20Credit%20Amy%20Alsop%20(2).jpg "Open-air amphitheatre attraction")

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