Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane?

Plans for an iconic, eco-friendly building, which will showcase an endangered migratory bird community and celebrate the pioneering spirit of the founding fathers of flight, are being finalised before being submitted to the Big Lottery ‘Living Landmarks’ Fund. 

If successful, the ‘Flying Start’ project will be built on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, which is recognised as the birthplace of British aviation and home to the world’s first aircraft factory, but also holds the highest density of breeding waders in lowland UK.

Former RAF Commodore Bill Croydon, CBE, of Sheppey Heritage Trust, and one of the driving forces behind Flying Start, said: “As well as celebrating man’s early attempts to take to the skies it will also offer a fantastic feathered spectacle for keen twitchers and visitors to the area. 

“We are confident it will be recognised internationally as a cultural and educational centre that celebrates the start of man’s quest to fly and the nature on its doorstep.”

The innovative building, with its form reminiscent of a delta wing plane taking off, will tell the story of early British aviation, which dates back on the site to 1909, and provide a spectacular and inspirational viewing base for bird enthusiasts across the local RSPB reserve.

Currently, the Isle of Sheppey attracts around 15,000 bird enthusiasts per year, but it is hoped that the Flying Start project should help to boost the eco-tourism of the island.

Sarah Cooper, RSPB’s Thames Gateway Project Manager, said: “There is limited infrastructure for educational visits to the site, which is why a partnership with Flying Start is an exciting possibility for us and will enable us to expand our work in giving people access to the island's natural environment.”

The £27 million, visitor attraction, strongly supported by Thames Gateway authorities and agencies, including Swale Forward, will be an educational centre for the conservation of nature and heritage.

The original aviation workshops and classic aircraft hangar will be preserved, while a new and exciting space will also be created between the existing buildings. 

The team behind the Flying Start, including London-based architects Walker & Martin, recognise the need for the building to reflect and respect the natural environment in which it will be built. As a result the buildings will make full use of the latest sustainable energy technologies using wind turbines, solar energy and a geothermal ground source as well as a collection for recycled rainwater.  

Flying Start will submit its bid to the Big Lottery by the end of May 2007.