Pool Innovation Centre Opens New Wildlife Garden

Pool Innovation Centre has unveiled a new wildlife-friendly garden designed to boost biodiversity and create a welcoming outdoor space for tenants and visitors.

A space for nature and people

The new garden turns the grounds of the Pool Innovation Centre into a vibrant setting, with meandering paths leading to tucked-away seating areas surrounded by planting. More than 150 plant species, carefully selected to bloom throughout the year, provide a rich habitat for pollinators.

Stand-out choices such as Verbena Bonariensis and Nepeta Six Hills have been included to attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. A feature bug hotel also provides shelter for insects, supporting natural pollination cycles.

Sustainability at its core

A recycled-bound resin path, created using the equivalent of 275,000 plastic straws, winds through the garden. The surface, both durable and attractive, adds to the project’s sustainability credentials while offering a practical route for visitors.

Matt Harrington, Head of Cornwall Innovation Centres, said:
“Our vision was to design a garden that goes beyond aesthetics – a space where innovation and nature work hand in hand. It’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, and collaboration, and it’s already becoming a go-to spot for our customers to connect and recharge.”

Local partnerships

The project brought together Cornish businesses. Oltco delivered the groundworks and installed the resin-bound pathway, while Hayle Plants supplied the topsoil, plants, and created the colourful displays.

Innovation across Cornwall

The Cornwall Innovation Centres include three sites: the Health & Wellbeing Innovation Centre in Truro (Treliske), the Pool Innovation Centre in Pool, and the Tremough Innovation Centre in Penryn.

Last month, Pool Innovation Centre marked 15 years of supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-ups in Cornwall.