Based in the heart of the Dyfi Valley, on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the creative rhythm of Free Range Designs is shaped by the landscape around us. So, when our friends at Dyfi Wildlife Centre (home to the renowned Dyfi Osprey Project) approached us to commission bespoke pieces for their Visitor Centre and new Photographic Hide, we knew that we were about to embark on a very special project.
A Vision within the Dyfi Estuary
The journey began with an inspiring brief: to create a bench and signage that would offer a ‘wow’ factor for the new hide, while artistically reflecting the ecosystem that surrounds it. The Centre wanted pieces that would embody the hidden world of its marshes and wetlands: the lizards, insects, reeds, beavers, and, of course, the iconic ospreys.
Alongside this, we then faced a second creative challenge: could we carve a bespoke version of one of our popular Animal Thrones, to celebrate the valley's growing beaver population, and a key attraction at the centre.
We immediately set to work, sharing and collaborating with Dyfi Wildlife Centre over sketches and designs, and refining these until we had our blueprints for what are now the Beaver Storytelling Chair and Cors Dyfi Osprey Bench.
To truly embody the landscape, we knew the material had to be right. We chose 100% sustainable Welsh Oak, to ensure that the fibres of the furniture shared the same Welsh soil as the nature they represent.
Then, to further deepen the connection with our landscape and heritage, we incorporated a poignant Welsh quote into the back of the Osprey Bench: ‘Nid wy’n gofyn bywyd moethus’ - which translates as ‘I do not seek a life of luxury’ – to evoke that nature provides all the wealth and opulence one could ever need, something that is felt strongly when surrounded by the raw beauty of the Dyfi Wildlife Centre wetlands.
From the Workshop to the Wild
The Beaver Storytelling Chair now stands as an impressive and playful focal point, to welcome visitors when they arrive in the main Visitor Centre.
The Cors Dyfi Osprey Bench frames a live stream of the osprey nest in the Photographic Hide, and offers visitors a place to rest and reflect, while mirroring the views of the reeds and marshland, stretching out toward the bird hide, that they look out on.
The new Hide officially opened its doors on Monday, 13 April, and as the pieces were installed, the team at the Dyfi Osprey Centre shared their delight:
“People absolutely LOVE the large bench - jaws dropping on the floor type wows”
For us, being able to handcraft bespoke pieces in Welsh wood that reflect the landscape that inspires us, is a real and rare honour. We are thrilled to know these works will now be enjoyed by birdwatchers, families, and nature lovers within the Valley for generations to come.
Commission Your Own Story
For over twenty years, we have been crafting hand-carved benches and storytelling chairs for visitor attractions, private gardens, schools, libraries, and charities. Every piece is handcrafted from sustainably sourced hardwood and can be personalised with carvings, quotes, and designs that reflect the character, environment or purpose of your commission.
Wherever you would like to house your piece, we would love to help you create something truly special. Browse our benches and thrones here on the website, or get in touch to discuss a bespoke commission.
