Wetland pop-up in city centre like 'mini oasis'

Bristol's Millennium Square has been transformed into a wetland

Organisers of what they say is the first ever pop-up wetland to be built in a UK city centre has said it is "like a mini oasis".

A large section of Millennium Square in Bristol has been transformed into an immersive wetland experience ahead of the Festival of Nature this weekend.

The popup features reeds, wildlife sounds and sculptures of warblers, water voles and kingfishers.

"We want to widen people's awareness of wetlands and the beauty of them and their importance," said principal designer Jez Clarke.

About 200 years ago, the areas around Millennium Square like Canons Marsh and Queen Square lay on marshland, according to the charity for wetlands and wildlife (WWT).

But wetlands are vanishing at a crucial pace, said the charity, with 75%of inland wetlands lost in the last 300 years.

"They're a crucial eco-system", Mr Clarke added.

"They're just incredibly bio-diverse and hugely important for sustainability".

The 8x8m installation is part of the Festival of Nature

Mr Clarke said he hoped the popup will help to draw visitor attraction to wetland centres like Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.

"We're focusing on indigenous species to Slimbridge whether that be birds, frogs, butterflies or dragonflies", added Mr Clarke.

"The idea is once you're in here, in the festival, it is like a little mini oasis".

"The ultimate aim is that people suddenly feel that they are just down the road at Slimbridge".

The Festival of Nature, which runs from 7 to 15 June, is celebrating the theme of water this year.