What was the project brief?
Whitemead Forest Park in Parkend, Gloucestershire wanted to add a dining canopy to its new terrace area. They wanted a model with a polycarbonate roof, as they had heard about the disadvantages of fabric shelters offered by other companies, such as mildew, being less robust and the risk of roof replacement due to tears. They also required a large, bespoke design that would add something special to their already impressive facilities and shield their valued guests from the rain, so they could eat or relax outside in all weathers while on holiday. A&S Landscape was brought on board to manufacture and install the perfect canopy.

What was the canopy solution?
Following talks about the various possible approaches for this project, Whitemead Forest Park decided to add a bespoke Motiva Duo™ to their site. The original model is ideal for outdoor dining areas so it was a fantastic choice and, for the bespoke aspect of the design, A&S Landscape used their expertise to create a unique structure with a durable, straight polycarbonate roof, plus extensive coverage of 12000mm X 9100mm. This all came together to provide the holiday park with a fantastic canopy that allowed visitors to dine in any season, which revolutionised their restaurant terrace. Also, the Opal roof and Slate Grey steelwork looked sleek and modern, making the area an even more inviting place to spend time.

What was the result of the dining shelter?
Everyone at Whitemead Forest Park has fallen in love with the bespoke dining canopy. It is a fabulous addition to the facilities and has been invaluable in building the new outdoor space. Visitors can enjoy eating and socialising outdoors throughout the year, thanks to the sturdy shelter that will offer excellent protection from the elements for years to come. Whitemead Forest Park was impressed with the dedication that A&S Landscape showed towards tailoring their product to meet their specific requirements, and they look forward to making their guests’ holidays even more rewarding, thanks to the shelter.

About the client
Whitemead Forest Park is a woodland resort that offers camping, caravanning, glamping, lodge, cabin and apartment holidays. Whether guests want to relax for a weekend in nature or take the whole family away for a week of fun in the outdoors, this site can accommodate everyone’s needs. There are some wonderful local walking routes and cycling trails, plus on-site activities such as a nature trail, Go Quest, falconry, archery and circus skills. The leisure facilities also include a spa, gym and pool, so anyone spending time at this resort has plenty to choose from to make their holiday their own. We thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff on this project and wish them all the best for the future.

Whitemead Forest Park is situated in Parkend, a thriving village in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. Although it has a historical coal mining background, today it is well-known for the RSBP Nag’s Head Nature Reserve and for being on the route of the Dean Forest Railway, a steam heritage line. Parkend boasts listed buildings and quaint pubs among its stunning woodland surroundings, and it hosts the popular Parkend Carnival on August Bank Holiday Monday every year.

How can public attractions make use of shelters?

Holiday resorts aren’t the only public attraction that can benefit from installing canopies. Many other venues can use them to improve facilities and their offerings to their customers.

1. Zoos
Covered viewing areas and platforms can be incredibly useful at zoos because they allow visitors to get a glimpse of their favourite animals and shows, in any weather.

2. Theme parks
Covered walkway systems between attractions, buildings and car parks can ensure that guests are kept cool and out of the sun – or protected from the rain – while queuing as they spend the day at these often complex sites.

3. Play attractions
Adding a shade sail to an outdoor play area extends facilities, maximises available space and offers children some much-needed shade when enjoying time on equipment outside with family and friends.

4. Parks and gardens
At attractions that typically have extensive grounds, dining shelters allow visitors to have picnics at their leisure throughout the year while getting out in nature.

These are just some of the sites that can use canopies to make their guests’ experiences even more memorable. If you’d like to discover how shelters can enhance your public attraction, call A&S Landscape today on 01743 444100.

Where does A&S Landscape install its canopies?
A&S work to offer and execute innovative shelter solutions for a range of organisations and businesses across the UK. Whether you represent a secondary school in London or a park in Yorkshire, they can supply you with a canopy to meet your needs. Contact A&S now by emailing sales@aandslandscape.com or calling 01743 444100 to start your project with A&S Landscape, the canopy and shelter specialists.