West Midland Safari Park | Safari Lodges | Commercial Non-Slip Decking Case Study

Gripsure non-slip decking is providing the perfect platform for families to enjoy an unforgettable wildlife experience. Around 3,000 meters of Gripsure Classic decking has been installed outside eight new luxurious lodges at West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley, Worcestershire, meaning guests can make the most of their prime position, gazing out over the elephant or cheetah habitats from the decking area of their lodge.

The Safari Lodges, which officially opened in April, have already proved to be a huge hit, with bookings being taken right up until November next year. Six of the lodges offer the UK’s only overnight accommodation experience with elephants, while two more lodges offer views of the park's cheetahs – also the only experience of its kind in this country.

Gripsure’s easy maintenance, non-slip and all-weather design is ideal for the lodges’ external decking areas. The spaces allow families to enjoy a meal or just sit and unwind, overlooking the incredible wildlife. Our durable classic non-slip timber decking achieves the highest safety rating on the market. The low-maintenance FSC and PEFC certified timber boards are crafted from slow-grown Vth grade European Redwood Pine.

The overall finish looks the part, too, with the lodge decks blending in with the safari-themed wooden buildings. The double-storey elephant lodges are authentically styled, with thatched roofs, accommodating up to five people. They have large, open-plan living spaces with a lounge, dining area and kitchenette. The balcony with outdoor seating offers views to watch the elephants – Latabe, Five and Sutton – as they approach their pool.

The two, single-storey, detached cheetah lodges can sleep up to six guests. The living spaces feature large windows spanning one side of the building, offering panoramic views of the cheetahs in their new habitat. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms mean guests can watch cheetahs Azrael and Bappe run and play.

The Safari Lodges Team at the Park say Gripsure has ticked all the boxes for this ambitious project. “Using Gripsure has not only provided us with a safe and secure decking solution for our external verandas at Safari Lodges, it has also succeeded visually and aesthetically by blending in with the authentic and natural surroundings that our lodges are nestled within,” said a spokesperson, adding that the Gripsure team have been a pleasure to work with.

“We would definitely recommend Gripsure to other attractions,” said Project Manager, Neil James. “Their professional manner and great communication skills really made us feel confident throughout this huge project, particularly during such unprecedented times with the pandemic.”

All media is courtesy of West Midlands Safari Park. ©2021 West Midlands Safari Park.