RSPB Arne

We were really excited to be asked to design a unique structure to interpret the ecology of the rare ladybird spider - one of many stunning species found at the RSPB Arne reserve. With help from the project lead at Buglife, we thoroughly researched the species to ensure that our design helped visitors to enter the world of this amazing spider. We designed a large scale ladybird spider web and nest tunnel supported by large oak branches. Our expert carvers created large realistic wooden spiders that were painted to resemble the real thing. The male spider was positioned to show how the male would approach the females nest with front legs raised. The female was positioned and sculpted to look like she was emerging from her tunnel.

The spiders can be touched and climbed on, the signage interpreted the lifecycle of the spider and rubbing plaques sunk into the wood, illustrated the lifecycle of the spider. The whole nest was covered with a light fleece that looked very much like the ladybird spiders' web. We planted heather around the path and spiders to create the feeling of being in the spiders habitat.

The project was a great success and it was a wonderful way to engage visitors with a species that they are highly unlikely to se in the wild. This highlights the fragilty of nature and how important the RSPB's work is in conserving rare habitats and species.

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