In the heart of South Kensington, London, the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project is a pioneering initiative that redefines how we connect with the natural world in the urban landscape. This remarkable transformation of the Museum’s five-acre gardens into a living laboratory and public green space is a tribute to British innovation, sustainable design, and ecological responsibility. As part of this broader vision, Millboard Enhanced Grain Decking in Burnt Cedar was chosen for key walkway areas of the garden—providing a practical, visually appealing, hard-wearing and low-maintenance surface that supports the project’s goals of accessibility and long-term environmental responsibility.
A Vision for Nature in the City
The Urban Nature Project, led by architectural studio Feilden Fowles and landscape architects J&L Gibbons, was born from a bold ambition: to reawaken public engagement with the natural world — particularly in cities, where biodiversity faces growing threats. At its core, the project aims to inspire curiosity, foster environmental responsibility, and create space for communities, scientists, and visitors to interact with nature in meaningful, lasting ways.
It’s significant that this is the Natural History Museum’s garden. The Museum’s mission is to get people excited about nature and engaged with the outdoor world. The project has been about trying to reenergise this whole surrounding landscape around the museum and tell the story of time and change over the last 2.7 billion years.
Transforming previously underused gardens into a rich urban oasis, the design tells the story of our planet’s evolution — from the origins of life to the environmental challenges of today. Through thoughtfully designed habitats, the site becomes a living laboratory, where scientists can monitor, record, and study urban wildlife in real time. From wetlands and meadows to woodlands and scrub, the project introduces diverse ecosystems that allow nature to thrive — right in the heart of London.
The design team worked in close partnership with the Museum’s scientists to develop a series of outdoor living galleries — spaces that invite exploration and learning through interaction with nature. Sustainability and accessibility are embedded throughout, from the planting schemes to the materials used. Complementing the landscape are two carefully integrated buildings: the Nature Activity Centre, which provides facilities for learning, research, and volunteering, and the Garden Kitchen, a café and flexible space designed to support both the gardens and the community that surrounds them.
The Story Behind the Decking
Originally specified to feature oak timber decking, the design team made a pivotal shift to Millboard’s Enhanced Grain Decking in Burnt Cedar for key walkway areas, including those in the Nature Discovery Garden and Evolution Garden. The decision was driven by a need for durability, ease of maintenance, and exceptional anti-slip properties, essential for year-round public access, even in unpredictable British weather.
While the beauty of natural timber is undeniable, Millboard decking delivers the rich, natural grain and authentic look of real oak, yet it won’t rot, splinter, or fade like traditional wood. It also does not require staining, sanding, or sealing — just occasional light cleaning — a perfect match for the low-maintenance requirements of the Urban Nature Project.
A Natural Fit for a Natural Mission
Sustainability lies at the heart of both the Urban Nature Project and Millboard’s ethos. Manufactured in the UK using a unique resin-mineral composite, Millboard decking is produced using 100% renewable energy and contains one-third recycled materials — aligning perfectly with the project’s commitment to responsible sourcing and reducing environmental impact.
In a public space designed to welcome thousands of visitors each year, safety and longevity were key considerations. Millboard’s decking is not only highly slip-resistant, even in wet weather, but also exceptionally durable, making it ideal for high-footfall areas like the walkways throughout the gardens. Its non-porous surface prevents water absorption, reducing the risk of mould, algae, and rot — essential for exposed areas in the British climate.
The Burnt Cedar finish, with its rich grain and hand-finished texture, blends effortlessly into the garden’s natural palette, complementing surrounding planting schemes and geological features with a timeless, organic feel.
Design Excellence and Recognition
The Urban Nature Project has not only transformed the Museum's grounds into one of the most intensively studied urban nature sites in the world, but it has also garnered international acclaim. In 2023, the project won the Holcim Foundation Award for Sustainable Construction in Europe, recognising its innovative blend of design, ecological impact, and community engagement.
The redevelopment has also earned a spot on the shortlist for the prestigious Museums + Heritage Sustainable Project of the Year Award 2025, further solidifying its status as a groundbreaking example of sustainable, public-focused landscape design.
Why Millboard Decking Was the Right Choice
Millboard’s contribution to this award-winning project demonstrates the power of thoughtful material choice in shaping lasting, impactful public spaces. Benefits that made Millboard Enhanced Grain decking in Burnt Cedar the ideal fit include:
• Exceptional anti-slip properties, crucial for safety in all weather.
• Hard-wearing in high-traffic public areas.
• Minimal maintenance required, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals or constant upkeep.
• Aesthetic harmony with the natural landscape, mirroring the grain and texture of real wood.
• UK-based production, supporting British craftsmanship and environmental goals.
A Lasting Impact
As the Urban Nature Project welcomes visitors into a world where every footstep along the timeline path represents five million years of Earth’s history, it becomes clear how critical thoughtful, sustainable design is to inspiring future generations. From the Evolution Garden’s bronze-cast Diplodocus to the Nature Discovery Garden’s cutting-edge environmental sensors, every element serves as a bridge between science, design, and nature.
Millboard is honoured to have played a role in this historic transformation — one that will educate, inspire, and evolve with nature itself for decades to come.
Project Credits:
• Architects: Feilden Fowles
• Landscape Architects: J&L Gibbons
• Client: Natural History Museum
• Sustainability Awards: Holcim Foundation Award 2023 (Silver, Europe); Museums + Heritage Sustainable Project of the Year (Shortlisted 2025)
• Material Supplied: Millboard Enhanced Grain Decking in Burnt Cedar
Photo Credits: © The Trustees of the Natural History Museum
Location: Natural History Museum, London, U.K
Millboard is proud to support a project that exemplifies the very best of British innovation, design, and environmental leadership.
