Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway

sara says

11/01/2013 3:18:15 AM | Report abuse

Thank you so much for the information you have shared with us!

Tim Morris says

13/08/2012 4:56:01 PM | Report abuse

Good Afternoon I am currently researching a project in a large area of woodland in Wiltshire where the Client is looking at a possible woodland tree top walk. I know you have a fantastic example in Kew designed by Marks Barfield but do you know or can you give me the name of the actual builders of them?? as I am struggling to find a suppliers etc. We would off course use an Architect for design but a contact of the builder would be a huge help. Many thanks Tim Morris Woodland Liaison

Anon. says

03/07/2012 7:56:06 PM | Report abuse

The tree top walk is very cool and amusing seeing the top of tree tops and wonderful fowers the only thing is it can be slippery when it's wet and can have a few loose pieces of flooring. Moderator response: Thanks for your comments. We've passed these on to the team who manage the Xtrata Treetop Walkway.

Kew feedback team says

05/03/2012 11:33:35 AM | Report abuse

Hi Caroline, yes, the Treetop Walkway has now reopened.

Caroline says

04/03/2012 10:17:59 PM | Report abuse

Has it reopened?

Feedback team says

17/10/2011 5:16:04 PM | Report abuse

Hi Jo, thanks for your question. The Xstrata Treetop Walkway is designed to flex slightly in the wind as this ensures it would not break at high wind speeds. It has been designed to the highest safety standards, and is inspected regularly with all components also thoroughly checked before being incorporated into the structure.

Jo says

16/10/2011 7:37:12 AM | Report abuse

Does the walk way move around as people walk on it? I think my 4 year old might find that scary. Or is it a stable , fixed bridge?

Piers says

12/10/2011 3:21:09 PM | Report abuse

Xstrata walkway looks awesome, please install a lift for wheelchair users but in keeping with the environment!

Susan says

06/10/2011 6:32:17 PM | Report abuse

I do love Kew and for a number of years we were Friends of Kew. I was always sad that I couldn't access the Xstra Walkway and used to wait at the bottom while my family enjoyed the views. I was just looking online with a view to rejoining but won't be doing so as the lift is still not available. Obviously there are many other reasons for a visit to beautiful Kew, but I'll wait and take my limited funds elsewhere until it's sorted out.So sad.

Heather Lynn schrock says

02/10/2011 5:24:55 PM | Report abuse

Wow, this treetop viewing walkway inspirers me to visit sometime I'm my lifetime. My mom was from England, war bride after WWII, so I always wanted areason to visit besides the castles and now this is just spectacular. I live in Texas and promote conservation of waterbthrough landscape techniques and rain catchment, wildlife way stations for migrating monarch butterflies and birds are one of my specialities, but Kew is new me, I love knowing I now have a destination in London for my deep passionate drive to change the way people look st yards in North Texas! cheers, HLS

Jane says

24/09/2011 9:57:48 PM | Report abuse

I look forward to the Xstrata Treetop Walkway being accessible again to disabled visitors. It looks a wonderful place.

Celia Duncalf says

21/09/2011 10:55:43 PM | Report abuse

The Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales has some great ideas that would be worth looking at, the lift up to the centre is operated by water.

Digital Media Team says

16/09/2011 2:10:06 PM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment and suggestion Rohit. We have passed these on to Kew's feedback team - info@kew.org.

Rohit Nayar says

15/09/2011 7:21:19 PM | Report abuse

Why don't kew ask local schools and colleges to come up with an solution using only natural materials. My idea would involve water and a counter balance system to get people to the walkway. I would be happy to devote my free time to manage a project like this. I have worked in construction for over 5 years. Its just a shame some people cannot get to the top its such a lovely view.

Kew Feedback Team says

15/08/2011 2:03:16 PM | Report abuse

Thank you for your comment Rhona. The Xstrata Treetop Walkway lift has proved unreliable since it was brought into service. After exhaustive investigation it has been decided that an alternative solution to the current lift will need to be found. Investigations are underway as to what the options are. The lift and the walkway structures were provided to Kew by two different contractors. We were assured that these two structures would work well together but this has not proven to be the case. As a result we have spent the last two years identifying and testing possible solutions to the problem, unfortunately with no success. We now accept that the current lift design is not compatible with the Walkway structure and are in the process of identifying alternative lift solutions. The reason we are not able to comment more fully on the situation is that Kew is currently involved in contractual negotiations with the lift suppliers. In the meantime we thank you for your patience and assure you that we are doing everything we can to rectify this serious problem. We sincerely apologise if this affects your visit.

Rhona Tridgell says

10/08/2011 10:26:56 AM | Report abuse

Coming to visit on Saturday and cannot believe that there is still no disabled access to the Walkway. I also note the despite a lot of comments there has been no update on progress. What is the latest news please?

Maxine says

17/07/2011 9:08:45 PM | Report abuse

I so want to go on the walkway. I am so sad to hear that the lift is not working. My 4 year old son is disabled and in a wheelchair. I also have a 2 year old daughter that walks. It would be way too challenging to leave my son's wheelchair in the buggy park and carry him all around it plus up the steps. Please sort the lift out.

says

09/05/2011 3:11:02 AM | Report abuse

Motidevi says: 118 steps is also too much for older people with arthritis. Please sort out the lift.

Mrs Fruitcake says

08/04/2011 7:00:24 AM | Report abuse

My children loved the Treetop walk and we plan to visit again this Easter. When we visited last year, it rained all day but the children were still filled with wonder at the nature all around. Kew is a wonderful place to bring children!

john says

04/04/2011 1:34:46 PM | Report abuse

It is totally unacceptable that the lift should be out of action for the disabled for so long. Why is it taking so long to find a solution? We have to keep delaying our visit with wheelchair users, bearing in mind the level of public investment in this project it should be for the enjoyment of all.

Ameena says

11/03/2011 4:43:51 PM | Report abuse

Very disappointed to find out that the treetop walk is still not accessible to wheelchair users. I have wanted to visit this since it opened. Surely a solution could have been found by now. I was hoping to visit this weekend with friends from abroad. I think we will have to find something else to do instead.

Wendy and Henry says

12/02/2011 7:41:07 PM | Report abuse

We visited the walkway today - absolutely fantastic, aided by beautiful weather. When we came down we noticed there was a bird nesting in the fork of one of the uprights of the walkway. We tried to get a look at it but couldn't see clearly. We're thinking it might have been a sparrowhawk. Has anyone else seen it?

jack hickling says

06/01/2011 1:08:06 PM | Report abuse

hawwwwwooooooooooooooo!!!!!

Kew Feedback team says

19/11/2010 9:19:07 AM | Report abuse

Hi Shannon, thanks for your query. The wood used for the Walkway handrail is laminated sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), and the walkway is approx 1.5 metres wide. You can find out more about the sweet chestnut tree here: http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Castanea-sativa.htm

Shannon says

18/11/2010 2:56:22 PM | Report abuse

What is the overall width of the walkway? and what wood was used to make it? I am currently working on a school project and this would really benefit my project. Thank you

Digital Media Team says

03/11/2010 12:17:52 PM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Paul and Lesley. We've passed it one to Kew's Feedback Team and will post any update in this thread.

Paul & Lesley Manito says

02/11/2010 11:48:09 AM | Report abuse

We have been reading the comments from visitors regarding the tree top walk way. As long term supporters of Kew Gardens we were pleased to hear of this new experience and eagerly awaited it's opening! We watched it's construction through many months, and upon it's completion we were eager to try out this new experience of being able to walk among the tree canopies, we noted from the start that the lift was never open to the public and in all our visits since the opening the situation unfortunately has never changed! We wondered if there was ever an idea to incorporate a much longer and slow gradual meandering walk way which could have been used by all visitors, including wheel chairs and push chairs ! ! ( Could this have ever been possible )! !

Rhona Tridgell says

12/10/2010 4:16:32 PM | Report abuse

I cannot understand why this is taking literally years to sort out. It is a great feature of the park and yet it remains totally inaccessible to a lot of visitors. What on earth is taking so long?

Jonathan Gantley says

11/10/2010 1:48:35 PM | Report abuse

Why, Why, Why has the lift not been serviced to find out the problem?, I have been in hospital for sometime and I thought by now the lift would be working. It is unfair on those who are wheelchair bound who want to go on the walkway. Please Hurry Up!

sarah says

09/10/2010 11:21:57 AM | Report abuse

Was due to visit Kew Gardens but due to the lift not being in use I have missed out on a great birthday treat.I hope you will find a solution soon so I can truly enjoy this magical place.

Pat Baron says

06/10/2010 3:05:43 PM | Report abuse

Good page lots of information and really makes you want to visit. Thanks

Roger says

01/10/2010 3:10:22 PM | Report abuse

A brilliant addition to Kew. At the moment the Sweet chestnuts are in fruit and from the walkway you can see the Green Parakeets feeding only metres away from you.

Oliver Pinny says

14/09/2010 11:31:54 AM | Report abuse

Kew Gardens Is Amazing

joe says

14/09/2010 11:06:09 AM | Report abuse

i love kew gardens

Kew Feedback team says

23/08/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Apologies for any confusion - the handrail is indeed enclosed, as you can see illustrated in the picture at the top of this page. We hope you enjoy your visit to Kew.

AP says

23/08/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

You haven't answered claire's query. A handrail, whatever the height, does not provide an enclosure - there can still be an open gap under it! Are the sides of the walkway fully enclosed to make them safe for small children or not? My 3-year-old grandson would love to go on the walkway, but if it isn't safe for him we won't even consider going to Kew this weekend.

Claire says

10/08/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Are the sides of the walkway enclosed so it is safe for a toddler to walk / run along as I guess with the lift out of action we wouldn't be able to take a pushchair up there?

Kew Feedback team says

10/08/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Claire, thanks for your query - the Walkway has a 1.3m handrail all around it, and there is a buggy park at the bottom for pushchairs.

Randolphe Palmer says

09/08/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

..too many items not functioning: .. regarding the 'walkway', surely the original architects must shoulder some responsibility for creating a design that continues to malfunction! Perhaps 'Kew' might consider biting the bullet and seeking a design team that can deliver: (hope the last guys wern't RIBA...!)

says

09/08/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

..well thank you Marks Barfield Architects for designing such a crumby 'walkway' (not much walking going on it appears..): and not to mention all of the other closures implemented by Kew' - the list goes on: is it worth coming along...? Think I will stay at home and watch it on the telly'...!

samantha Thornton says

25/06/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

On Wednesday we took a group of 30 children onto the Treetop Walk, all enjoyed. But I must ask Is it normal for the walk way to be moving so much as visitors walk around?

Kew Feedback Team says

10/06/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Claire. You'll be pleased to hear that the Xstrata Treetop Walkway is a permanent attraction at Kew Gardens.

claire says

09/06/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

hi i was just wondering if this will be a permanent fixture or is it moving at some point thanks

D.A. Cohen (Mr). says

23/05/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I cannot believe that the lift to the Treetop walkway is once again out of order. It has been so since the very beginning, and I hope that the people who were responsible for this second rate effort will be sued for the installation costs. Meanwhile, what does one do, if they (like me) are heart cases, and climbing the many stairs is too much effort? Just too bad I suppose?!

Mrs Harrison says

22/05/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Dear Kew, My husband, son and I plan to visit Kew Gardens on Monday, mainly to experience the walkway.....I am a little concerned to read from other posts that it appears to be closed frequently. Why does the walkway close? Is it due to weather? Can you confirm whether it will be open this coming Monday? Many thanks, Mrs Harrison

Feedback Team says

21/05/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Hi Claire, thanks for your comment. Pushchairs are not allowed on the Walkway. They can be left at the bottom in the designated area, at the owners discretion.

Claire says

20/05/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I am presuming that with the lift out of action it will be difficult getting a pushchair up there?

Feedback Team says

18/05/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Beth. There are no restrictions on expectant mothers going on the Xstrata Treetop Walkway. Mums-to-be can make their own choice to go up. There are 118 steps to climb with 8 landings.

Beth says

17/05/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Hi! I was wondering whether there were any restrictions on expectant mothers on the walkway? thanks

Jonathan Gantley says

14/05/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Hi it's me again,I am still waiting for the lift to be mended.Yes it is not your fault it is out of action but I would of thought it would be mended by now. I have been in hospital so I was not able to get to Kew Gardens anyway but can you please hurry up and fix the lift for me and all the other disabled/mobility impaired visitors it's unfair for them.

Zoe-Beth says

14/05/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Hi there. I was just wondering how tall the handle rails are? My mother is afraid of going on bridges unless the handle bars are quite high. Looking forward to visiting.

Kew Feedback Team says

14/05/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Hi Zoe-Beth. The handrail is approximately 1.3m in height. We hope this helps.

Feedback team says

27/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your question Susanna. There is a buggy park at the bottom of the Xstrata Treetop Walkway, but it is unmanned. Parents leave prams at their own risk.

susanna says

23/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

We're hoping to visit Xstrata this weekend. We will have a buggy but understand that the lift is not in use. Is there a buggy park at the bottom so we can all enjoy the attraction?

Digital Media Team says

09/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Wendy. Kew's Feedback Team posted a more detailed response about the lift in this thread. You can see the comment posted on 25th February 2010. We hope this helps.

wendy says

08/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I am disabled and would love to access the treetop walk. What exactly is the problem with the lift?

Feedback team says

06/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Sarah. There are no age or height restrictions on the Xstrata Treetop Walkway. At the moment, buggies cannot be taken up to the walkway because the lift is out of order.

Feedback team says

06/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Sophie. The Xstrata Treetop Walkway is always open during Garden visiting hours. The Walkway is only closed when the Gardens are closed. Visitors use the stairs to reach the top as the lift is currently out of service. More information - http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/visit-information/opening-times/index.htm

Jo says

03/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Hi,I first tried the treetop walk when it first opened with my children and we all loved it. Unfortunetly, years on my friend (a wheelchair user) who was with us this day still awaits this experience! What an incredible disappointment to an otherwise enjoyable place for all, regardless of their mobility status.Maybe its time to start boycotting Kew altogether and not just the gift aid until the treewalk is accessible for all. In 2010 there are no real excuses not to have resolved this by now!

Sarah Brown says

29/03/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Are there any height or age restrictions for the Treetop Walk Xstrata?

Sophie says

27/03/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Will the walkway be open tomorrow? Every time I go to kew (This will be my 4th time ) it's always shut so I want to check before I set out this time Thanks

Jonathan Gantley says

14/03/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Dear Kew, I think the gardens are wonderful in all weathers. Right I am disabled with moblity problems, I can walk up stairs but now I find it harder due to the fact I have a tracki and this makes me need to take breath more often than I did before. I know it is not your fault that the lift is 'out of working order', I think if I remember right the whole Tree Top Walkway was made and built by the same company that built the 'London Eye' So I find it diffiult to understand why who ever put the lift in left the wires etc open to the elements, so when it rained water got into the workings of the lift. I am still waiting to get up! I was on the Access Forum who helped revamp Kew Palace to how it is today, so I will put my thinking hat on and see if I can come up with a solution to the lift problem. Regards, Jonathan Gantley Member of Historic Royal Palaces (Hampton Court Palace) Access Forum

ray daniel says

09/03/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I have a disabled son in Wheelchair who loves trees and I hope you can give this some priority as for probably 2 nearly 3 years the same message has been on the web site. It' ssuch a great Idea would love to see it work. Ray

Digital Media Team says

09/03/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Hi Bob, yes that's right. The Xstrata Treetop Walkway is open at Kew Gardens. The 18 metre high walkway is accessible via a stair case. The lift is not in service at the moment.

Bob says

08/03/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Hello. I want to make sure I understand. The walkway is open (there are stairs that can be climbed); it's the lift that is not working. Is this correct?

Digital Media Team says

01/03/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

As soon as the Treetop Walkway lift is working we will update this page with the information, so please check back before your visit.

gill leatherday says

28/02/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I intend to visit london this summer with my disabled mum,is access to the walkway likely to be up and running by then

Kew Feedback Team says

25/02/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Dear Leah, we can assure you that Kew shares your frustration at both the severity of the problems with the Walkway lift and the length of time it is taking to resolve. The lift and the walkway structures were provided to Kew by two different contractors. We were assured that these two structures would work well together but this has not proven to be the case. As a result we have spent the last two years identifying and testing possible solutions to the problem, unfortunately with no success. As our previous statement suggests, we now accept that the current lift design is not compatible with the Walkway structure and are in the process of identifying alternative lift solutions. The reason we are not able to comment more fully on the situation is that Kew is currently involved in contractual negotiations with the lift suppliers. In the meantime we thank you for your patience and assure you that we are doing everything we can to rectify this serious problem.

Digital Media Team says

19/02/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your question Ami. Yes, there is a set of stairs providing access to the Xstrata Treetop Walkway.

Ami says

18/02/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

And is there a alternative to the lift? Are there stairs people can use to get to the walkway? Planning a visit and would love to see the treetop walkway.

Leah says

17/02/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Please could you explain exactly why it is taking so long to fix the problem with the lift, instead of just saying it is being attended to. It is quite puzzling as to what could be taking so long - maybe you would find people were more understanding if you could explain it a little more. Who knows if it's a money problem you might even find people will donate so that others that are less able can enjoy the view. Just a thought.

Digital Media Team says

15/02/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your question Noémie. The Xstrata Treetop Walkway is open during Garden opening hours. Have a wonderful time on your visit.

Noémie says

14/02/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

is the treetop walkway always open then? even with the lift out of order? I'd like to visit this week and this is one of the main things i wanted to see. thanks

noe says

02/02/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I am really impressed with the architecture of the walkway and its view.please make sure that lft is fixrd son so that ca tke my grndmoher up here. thnkds.

Kew Digital Media Team says

21/01/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Dear Alison, The Treetop Walkway is open to visitors, although the lift is currently out of order. We hope you enjoy your visit!

Alison says

19/01/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

When will the tree top walkway be open again please? I'd like to visit at the weekend. Thanks.

Tim says

12/01/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I like bugs.

Matt says

04/01/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Why is the apostrophe on the end of 'Xstrata Treetop Walkway' on a whole separate line from the rest of the sentence!? (at the top of the comments section) It seems rather stupid!

Digital Media Team says

04/01/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for pointing this out Matt. This seems to be a bug in the system that we are now looking at.

Digital Media Team says

17/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your question Susan. Kew Gardens is 326 acres and depending on the season, you can see most of our beautiful landscape from the top of the Xstrata Treetop Walkway.

Georges says

25/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Wow! what a great idea. Looking forward to my next visit to Kew to explore the walkway. Not a canopy raft, but it should give us some of the feeling.

Susan says

24/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

How many acres do the Gardens actually cover? and can you see it all from the walkway?

phil bainbridge says

24/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Fantastic a must for all tree lovers

Michelle says

24/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I like trees.

Feedback team says

19/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Bernard. The latest update on the status of the Xstrata Treetop Walkway lift is published above on this page. We will update this notice as soon as new information comes through.

Bernard says

18/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I came here the other day with my grandson and unfortunately was unable to get onto the walkway itself due to my back problems. Surely the lift should be fixed by now, why is it taking so long?

Kew Feedback team says

12/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Abi. We welcome constructive feedback. We're sorry to hear about this incident though and would like to assure you, and others, that steps are being taken to improve communication about accessibility to school groups. As a result of your feedback the education team have revised the documentation sent to teachers to include information about accessibility. We've also added a notice to this page.

Abi Young says

05/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I took my class on a trip to Kew this week and we had a fantastic day, despite the rain! The highlight of the day for the children was definitely the Xstrata walkway. Unfortunately a disabled boy in my class was very disappointed that he was unable to join in the learning experience at the top with his friends because the lift was out of action. Perhaps the information about the lift problem should be communicated in a more high profile manner to schools as this message on your website is fairly discreet? The booking department were fully aware of the needs of our party.

Jason says

27/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I climbed it this weekend and was rewarded with an amazing view of autumnal coloured trees stretching off into the distance. One young guy at the bottom said that it was the scariest thing he'd done all year! I saw lots of older people too but it's a shame that the lift isn't working yet for those whose legs aren't good enough for the ascent. Hopefully it'll be fixed soon.

Kew Digital Media Team says

09/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thank you for your comments. We have forwarded these on to our feedback team.

marilyn Leach says

08/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I totally agree with Roger Kirby about the lift I am waiting to bring my elderly mother!

Roger kirby says

08/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I have been on the walkway several times, but unfortunately I cannot bring my friend who is in a wheelchair, as the lift is not working, surely after nearly 18 months the problem should have been sorted out and accese available to everyone, not only those are "fit and able".

julie says

04/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

brilliant experience i took my dad 84 years we loved it

Duncan says

30/09/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

I went on this walkway and it was ace.