View Kew from the treetops

These are the first images of a £3 million treetop walkway to be built at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.

Designed by the architects behind the London Eye, Marks Barfield, the 60ft Xstrata Treetop Walkway will take visitors through the tree canopy planted in the 18th century by Lancelot "Capability" Brown.

It is hoped visitors will glimpse birds, animals and insects as they pass along it. Visitors will be taught how trees host hundreds of species, including tawny owls, woodpeckers and six species of bat. They will also learn how trees are vital in the fight against climate change.

Jill Kowal, assistant project manager for the walkway, said: "We want people to walk away with the awesome feeling of going on a rollercoaster." However, she added: "This isn't about making Kew into a theme park. It is our attempt to bring people closer to the wonders of the trees in a very subtle way. It will be very tranquil and contemplative."

The walkway, set to open in May, will be made of rusted corten steel, the material used for the Angel Of The North statue.