New Public Artwork Creates a Sanctuary for Wildlife and People at Cribbs Causeway
PRESS RELEASE
6 May 2025
Image credit Charles Emerson
New Public Artwork Creates a Sanctuary for Wildlife and People at Cribbs Causeway
A striking new public artwork Cribbs Canopy is emerging at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, where artist-designers Denman+Gould are transforming a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) into a vibrant, multi-layered habitat for both people and wildlife.
Produced by Ginkgo Projects and commissioned by Baylis Estates Ltd. to form part of their wider leisure and retail development in north Bristol, Cribbs Canopy comprises multiple site-specific works of art that enhance biodiversity and appreciation of this new naturalised greenspace. Set within a landscape of meadow planting, newly created pond, and existing trees, the work invites visitors to appreciate the richness of urban nature.
Working closely with ecological experts and local conservation groups including the RSPB, Avon Wildlife Trust, and Butterfly Conservation Trust, Denman+Gould have developed a collection of sculptural elements designed to support British native species. The centrepiece is a towering nest-like form inspired by organic geometries found in nature. Clad in locally sourced cedar shingles, it contains handcrafted boxes offering shelter and nesting opportunities for birds, bees, butterflies and moths.
Using ethical materials such as Robinia timber and English oak, the project blends craftsmanship with environmental function. Every aspect has been developed with wildlife in mind, from micro-habitats for invertebrates to corridors for birds and pollinators.
The design also responds to the site’s existing ecology, extending the habitat value of mature trees across the new landscape. In consultation with experts, the artists have embedded nesting opportunities for at-risk bird species such as sparrows and starlings, whose populations are facing colossal declines across the UK.
Cribbs Canopy reflects both Ginkgo Projects and Denman+Gould’s commitment to public and place-based art that fosters deeper connection to environment and community. Built in Denman+Gould’s Dorset studio, a former chapel beneath Scots Pines and oaks, the installation is the duo’s largest to date.
Cribbs Canopy will be a lasting landmark within the Cribbs Causeway development, demonstrating how public art can shape inclusive, biodiverse and beautiful spaces for future generations.
“Artists help us reimagine the world around us, from city streets to natural landscapes. Denman+Gould’s Cribbs Canopy offers a powerful vision of how both built and wild environments can support diverse forms of life." said Tom Littlewood, Director of Ginkgo Projects.
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Link to download press images (Dropbox)
For more information, to arrange a site-visit or to request interviews, please contact Jane Faram jane.faram@ginkgoprojects.co.uk. Communications, Ginkgo Projects
Site location: What3Words: https://w3w.co/moth.chief.bits
About Denman+Gould
The practice of Denman + Gould is deeply informed by the use of place-specific materials, embedding these in work that communicates thoughtful, expressive craftsmanship and making techniques.
About Ginkgo Projects
Ginkgo Projects is an independent public art and cultural producer. We create opportunities for artists and designers to work closely with clients and communities to build and reveal places that have a sense of narrative, distinctiveness and identity. From large to small-scale projects, our team connects people with place by taking a holistic approach to strategy development, cultural partnership building, art curation and public realm design. We produce projects that are distinctive and memorable, working with clients including developers, local authorities, architectural practices, arts and environmental organisations.
