Local sawmill supplies teaching shelter to RHS Garden

Norbury Park Wood Products (NPWP), which is managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust on behalf of SCC, has designed, built and installed a stunning new teaching shelter for the RHS gardens at Wisley. The shelter is located in the fruit orchard and will be used by groups of up to 30 school children visiting the gardens on educational trips. It has been named ‘Pippin Lodge’ following a children's competition, with the winner receiving a wooden bowl turned from an off-cut of the central post that supports the roof.

The timber structure was designed and manufactured at NPWP’s sawmill to the requirements of the RHS's property and education departments. The building, which is 16 feet in diameter, comprises a green oak structure of roof trusses, larch wall panels and a double height western red cedar roof. It is a prime showcase of the great work coming out of the sawmill, which is now in full swing making a variety of wood products from sawn timber to high quality bespoke benches and buildings.

A spokesman from NPWP said: “This was an extremely challenging project, the unique design required a considerable amount of detailed planning and technical innovation. We are very proud of the outcome."

There will be an open day at NPWP sawmill and workshops on Sunday 27th May, with demonstrations and various products on display for visitors. Staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions on the day.

For more information about NPWP and its open day, or to view its collection of wood furniture, visit www.norburyparksawmill.org.uk