Award-winning timber framing specialists, Carpenter Oak, welcomed primary students in for a behind-the-scenes exclusive access tour of its South Devon Yard, giving the next generation a chance to witness the traditional craftsmanship behind one of its most exciting current projects – a Gorilla Gym which is planned to open in spring 2026 at Bristol Zoo Project.
The new home for the zoo’s gorilla troop is part of a new habitat, African Forest, which is set to home some of the world’s most threatened species. It will be the first time in a UK zoo that critically endangered western lowland gorillas will live alongside endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys in one habitat – which will be four and a half times the size of the gorilla troop’s current home, at the former Bristol Zoo Gardens.
Months of careful design and planning by Carpenter Oak’s structural timber designer, Rob Griffin, have been followed by meticulous craftsmanship from the team’s skilled carpenters; who have been handcrafting each piece of wood using their knowledge of timber with modern engineering techniques – to build a structure that will be suitable for such large and strong animals.
The habitat has been designed to complement the natural landscape and character of the existing site at Bristol Zoo Project, in keeping with the dense forest and landscape of Equatorial Guinea, where the Society runs a number of conservation projects.
The unique educational visit gave primary school pupils from three classes – across years 3, 4, 5 and 6 – the chance to step into the world of timber framing, meeting carpenters and seeing first-hand how ancient building techniques are being used to create a world-class enrichment structure for Bristol Zoo Project’s troop of gorillas.
Made with sustainably sourced timber, British-grown English oak and sweet chestnut trees were chosen for both their strength, durability and character. All wood has been sourced from nearby local Woodmanship Sawmill, which supplies sustainably grown and managed woodlands from the Haldon Hills – reflecting Carpenter Oak’s long-standing commitment to eco-conscious building and conservation.
Working with Woodmanship Sawmill on the project not only meant trusted British timber but also allowed Carpenter Oak to reduce transport miles for materials, being located under a 30-minute drive from the woodland and sawmill.
“We were thrilled to welcome St Mary’s students into the workshop and share a glimpse of the incredible craftsmanship that goes into a project like the Bristol Zoo Project Gorilla Gym,” said Luke Copley-Wilkins, managing director at Carpenter Oak. “Our hope is that moments like this inspire young people to consider careers in making, engineering or environmental design and show them how traditional skills can still shape the world in innovative, exciting ways.”
Planned to be installed later this summer ahead of the troops move and settling in period, the Gorilla Gym has been designed with primate well-being in mind, encouraging climbing, swinging, and social interaction in a stimulating natural environment.
The gorilla troop will move across to their new habitat later this year, and the cherry-crowned mangabeys will then be carefully introduced, with time set aside for them to integrate and acclimatise to their new homes. African Forest is due to open to the public in spring 2026.
