Ancient Avalon Marshes dwellers inspire new visitor centre plans

The Iron Age inhabitants of Somerset’s Avalon Marshes might have thought prehistoric architects were at work if they could see designs for the striking thatched visitor centre proposed for their old homeland.

The conical thatched buildings have been dubbed a “flotilla of coracles” by the partnership, including Natural England, which is planning the scheme.

Inspiring: An artist's impression of the centre

The marshes are a network of wetlands of international importance for wildlife and archaeology. The remains of Iron Age houses lie under bumps in fields near Glastonbury, while an ancient log boat, pelicans’ bones and prehistoric wood and hurdle roads still lie in the peat.

The area receives more than 70,000 visitors each year. The new centre, which would be built on a former cafe and garden centre site at Shapwick Road, would include a cafÃ© and shop promoting local food and craft products. As well as space for local businesses and dedicated education areas for activities being developed through a Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership project.

Taunton firm, Mark Richmond Architects, has drawn up the scheme, after being selected through a design competition. They are working with Devizes-based engineer Mark Lovell.

The round, timber-framed buildings are linked together and rest as lightly as possible on the peat.

Mark Watson, on behalf of the partners, said: “Our inspiration was to try to create a contemporary yet ancient shelter found in the marshlands of the Somerset Levels. The materials we are using are also sustainable, from the green oak frame to the lime plaster walls and ceilings. And from the sweet chestnut rain screen cladding to the water reed thatched roofs.

“The buildings will be an attractive and inspiring destination, and we expect the centre to serve as a hub from where people can explore the wider area of the Somerset Levels and Moors. We also want to provide new economic opportunities for local people.” There will be an open day at the Lifelong Learning Centre at Shapwick Road, from 10.30am-2.30pm on Saturday, January 8. At 12.30 there will be a presentation.